Thai Massage is an ancient art of body therapy for healing, health, and transformation also an interactive manipulation of the body using passive stretching and gentle pressure along energy lines. These movements help to

   * adjust the skeletal structure
   * increase flexibility
   * relieve muscular and joint tension
   * stimulate internal organs
   * balance the body's energy system


The effect is uniquely relaxing as well as energizing. Receiving a Thai massage is a bit like doing yoga without putting forth any effort while also getting acupressure treatments!

Sessions typically last one to two hours, and are performed on a floor mat with the client dressed in comfortable loose clothing. Thai Massage uses two primary procedures - applying gentle pressure with the hands and feet, and a wide variety of passive stretching movements.

With these techniques, applied in a quietly meditative atmosphere, space is created in the musculoskeletal structure, the body begins to open and regain flexibility and ease of movement, while the mind gently returns to calm alertness. Tension and toxic material is released from the joints, muscles, and connective tissue. The energy body, as well as the internal organs, are stimulated by pressure on peripheral reflex points.

The work displays an inherent knowledge of the inner workings of the body, a knowledge that developed over centuries of practice. There is something in the essence of this work that appeals to a wide range of people on a core level; something that satisfies their physical and emotional needs, and perhaps even assists in their spiritual needs.

It appeals to people, and is effective, because it treats the client with respect while encouraging them to let go of physical and emotional restrictions and to go beyond their present limitations. Or, as a client once observed, "it's a whole and total approach to wellness" which allows one to "feel in harmony with the rhythms of life".

This ancient therapy is beneficial for young or old, active or inactive, healthy or not so healthy. While each person will respond to this work in terms of their own experience and present state of health, it is well to remember that Thai Massage has been used for countless generations to treat degenerative conditions and promote wellness.

Thai Massage facilitates a sense of unity, wholeness, and balance. It creates a dynamic physical experience which integrates the body, mind, emotions and spirit.


Thai massage originated many thousand of years ago, and its roots are in the ancient Indian practice of Ayurvedic medicine.

The stretching movements of Thai massage can be seen to be closely related to yoga. The pressure points and energy lines of Thai massages known as "Sen" follow the flow of energy through the body's form and are similar to the energy channels of Chinese Acupuncture and Japanese Shiatsu. However Thai massage, which is called "Traditional massage", in Thailand is a unique and very effective type of healing, different from other types of massage.

The legendary founder of the art of Thai massage is Jivaka Kumarabhacca. He was a physician for the first Buddhist priests and a close friend of Buddha. The original texts of ancient Thai massage were recorded in the sacred pali language of ancient Buddhism.

Most of the ancient medical texts were destroyed in 1776 in the Burmese invasion. King Rama III had the surviving traditional knowledge carved into stone inscriptions in 1832 which were set into walls of the temple in Bangkok called Wat Poh. By this means he hoped to preserve the knowledge against future disasters, for the benefit of future generations.

Until recently the art was taught mainly to monks in the Wats (Buddhist temples) of Thailand. Now it is generally taught at special Thai massage institutes.