This all-encompassing, ancient art dates back over 2500 years to the temples and traditions of Buddhism and even Buddha himself.

Thai Massage is considered by some to be the mother (or father) of all bodyworks but to describe it simply in these terms does it a grave injustice. Unlike most therapies which focus in on a certain aspect of the body or mind, Thai Massage encompasses our whole being by working on our muscles, skeleton and the internal energy within our body, considered so important in Eastern philosophies. With deep stretches (often assisted with yoga-like postures), compression of muscles by palm pressure, joint mobilisation and acupressure along sen (energy) lines and on acupressure points, Thai Massage is the total workout and reconnection our body, mind and soul are so often seeking.

The unhurried gentle rocking and rhythmical style of Thai Massage, together with the moves and postures designed to open up the energy channels, can often induce a meditative state, where all sense of time is lost (it is not unusual for this state to be reached within just 10 minutes!). This 'state' enhances our body's ability to heal itself and restore inner balance by instilling complete relaxation and calm.

What does it do

Traditionally, a Thai Massage can take up to 4 hours but here in the West a massage is normally 1½ - 2 hours long, with the longer massage always being recommended if time and money allow.

During a massage, the practitioner works systematically through the entire body, literally from the tips of the toes to the crown of the head. The effect is to increase energy levels, melt away stress and tension, improve flexibility and bring balance to the body, mind and spirit. Not surprisingly for a therapy that originates from the 'Land of Smiles', this wonderful art also brings a great happiness within and a big smile without. People who have experienced Thai Massage express feelings of absolute calm, a lightness of being, feeling taller or ironed out, more energised, alive and carefree.

What to expect

Thai Massage is practiced on the floor on a mat or blanket and you remain dressed in loose and comfortable clothing throughout the session (great news for the more inhibited among us!). As you lie on your back, the practitioner starts working on your feet with a gentle rocking motion from one to the other using palm pressure. The massage continues up your body, working on the entire musculo-skeletal system to release tension and opening the energy channels as it goes. The practitioner may use their elbows, forearms, feet, knees etc. as they work on your body too. You may be asked to lie on your side or front, to give the practitioner the best possible access to the area of your body being worked on. The massage nears its conclusion with a mini head massage (similar to an Indian Head Massage). Then, as you adopt a sitting position, further work into your upper body is carried out followed by a gentle 'chopping' to your shoulders to bring your focus back to the here and now.

Thai Massage is used as a remedial and preventative therapy. It is excellent for backache, neck ache, shoulder pain, numbness in limbs, tired legs, headaches, stress, emotional upset and mental fatigue. It also encourages healthier sleep patterns, which gives our nervous system the fighting chance it needs to promote self healing and restore balance. There is no age limit for a Thai Massage but it is not recommended for those who have had recent surgery, are pregnant, or suffer from heart disease.

Thai Massage Short History
The person associated with founding or codifying Thai Massage was Shivaga (or Jivaka) Komalaboat. He is reported to have been born in northern India, and became a doctor of traditional medicine. According to some sources, he was a contemporary, even advisor, of The Buddha and great kings. He moved to what is now Tibet. He is considered one of the historically important students of the original master teachers of the Ayurvedic tradition. His teachings came to Thailand and Burma over a thousand years ago. The Father Doctor Jivaka is so important to traditional medicine throughout all these areas that he is also called the "Thrice Crowned King of Tibetan medicine."

Honored Pali Prayer
"Pali" is a scriptural and liturgical language of Hinayana (Theravada) Buddhism. "Om Namo Shivago" is a Pali prayer, often sung as a mantra before giving Thai massage to invoke and remember the founder. "Om Namo" is a Pali / Sanskrit word meaning "in the name of, or in remembrance of." Many schools of Thai massage and medicine invoke his memory and blessing by reciting his prayer, every day, twice a day.

OM NAMO SHIVAGO SIRASA AHANG KARUNIKO
SAPASATANANG OSATA TIPAMANTANG
PAPASO SURIYA-JANTANG KOMARAPATO PAGASESI WANTAMI BANDITO SUMETASO A-LOKA SUMANAHOMI
PIYO-TEWA MANUSANANG PIYO-PROMA NAMUTAMO
PIYO-NAKA SUPANANANG PINISRIYONG NAMAMIHANG NAMOPUTAYA
NAVON-NAVEAN NASATIT-NASATEAN
A-HIMAMA NAVEAN-NAVE NAPITANG-VEAN NAVEAN-MAHAKO
A-HIMAMA PIYONGMAMA NAMOPUTAYA
NA-A NAVA LOKA PAYATI WINASANTI

English translation:
We invite the spirit of our founder,
the Father Doctor "Shivago," who taught us through his saintly life.
Please bring to us the knowledge of nature,
and show us the true medicine in the universe.
Through this prayer, we request your help, that through our hands,
you will bring wholeness and health to the body of our client.
The god of healing dwells in the heavens high
while mankind remains in the world below.
In the name of the founder, may the heavens be reflected in the earth,
so that this healing medicine may encircle the world.
We pray for the one whom we touch, that he will be happy and all pain will be released from them.

Ideology of Thai Massage
Pressure points are areas along "energy lines" which some consider as metaphor and others take to be real
These lines are called "sen" lines in Thai. "sen" means "lines."
Sen lines correspond to the Meridians of Chinese medicine and the Nadi of Indian yogic tradition.
Thai massage believes there are 72,000 sen lines. Ten (or more) are considered principal
Stretching is necessary healthy movement and prayer for the giver and receiver.
'Wai Kru" honoring the teacher, is uppermost and done before and after each session

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