Known as Nuat Phaen Boran or Nuat Phaen Thai, a Thai Massage is distinct from other types of massages in the world. It focuses on stretching and bending of the joints as can be seen in yoga, while giving deep massages to the pressure points.
Origins of Thai Massage dates back to the 5th century BC, the times of the Buddha, in India. The head physician for the Buddha and his disciple was Jivaka Kumarbhaccha, who later travelled to Thailand and propagated his great wisdom. Inspired by the Chinese medical practices, Jivaka combined his vast knowledge of Ayurvedic medicine and invented the 4 main branches of Thai medicine. They are namely spiritual practices, nutritional medicines, herbal remedies and the Nuat Boran presently known as Thai massage.
In Thai massages the clients are fully clothed, wearing comfortable garments to assist the process of stretching, similar to the yoga workouts. The client is placed on a floor mat or futon for the massage. Oils or lotions are not used in traditional Thai massage, and instead it focuses on healing touch methods along Sen, the energy meridian of the body. This energy meridian is defined in Chinese medicine as a network of invisible lines conveying energy throughout the body. Varying from gentle to strong treatment, they apply rhythmic touches and perform cross-fibre stroking as well as form various yoga positions.
Being a flexible type of bodywork, it can be accustomed to the client’s requirements, age and preferences. There are four main positions for the client to lie when receiving a complete Thai massage such as side-lying, sitting, supine and prone. The process also takes from half an hour to 2 hours depending on individual needs. It is also an excellent therapeutic healing which makes the clients feel completely relaxed, flexible and more aware of their own bodies.
Bangkok has several massage parlours and spas offering traditional Thai massage. Many a Bangkok hotel accommodation provides spas for the convenience of its guests. Guests can spend their vacation at a Bangkok Sukhumvit hotel such as Bangkok President Solitaire and experience the ultimate healing method of the orient, the Thai Massage.
