Thai Yoga Massage has a long history of therapeutic healing. It’s origins lie in India, Buddhism and Yoga philosophy.

 

The founder is thought to be Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, also known as Shivago Komarpaj in Thailand. He was the contemporary of the Buddha and personal physician to the Magadha King, Bimbisara over 2500 years ago. He was also a close friend of the Buddha and also the physician of the Sangha, the order of Buddhist monks and nuns.

 

The foundation of Thai massage is based on the concept of invisible energy lines, i.e sen lines (also known as meridians or Prana Nadis in Chinese and Yoga traditions) running through the body. Disease and pain are thought to occur when these lines are blocked or stagnant. Massaging these points stimulates the free flow of life force energy (also known as Prana or Qi) and makes it possible to treat diseases and relieve pain and restore general well-being.

 

Thai massage was considered to be a spiritual practice closely connected with the teachings of the Buddha. Until fairly recently, it was the wat or temple that taught and practiced Thai massage. The giving of massage was said to be a physical application of Metta, the Pali word to mean ‘loving kindness’. Devoted masseurs will work in that spirit today, with full awareness, mindfulness and concentration.