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Thai Massage


Thai Massage by Dr.Richard Gold

How It Started
In Thailand, what is known in the Western world as Thai massage is known as Nuad Bo’Rarn.
Nuad is a Thai word that translates as, “to touch with the intention of imparting healing.”
Bo’Rarn is a word derived from ancient Sanskrit; it translates as, “something which is ancient and revered.” The same word, Bo’Rarn, is applied to the revered sutras (texts) of Buddhism.
Also, in Thailand, Thai massage is recognized as a core component of an entire system of traditional medicine. There are four aspects of traditional Thai medicine:

1) Herbal medicine;
2) Nutrition and food cures;
3) Spiritual practices, including mantras, prayer, incantations and mindfulness meditation;
4) Nuad Bo’Rarn (Thai massage).

Historically, Thai massage was not specifically what Westerners consider massage. It was thought of as and utilized as the hands-on practice of traditional medicine. Thai massage techniques were applied to the treatment of the varied ailments that afflict humanity, including mental and emotional illness.

The historical founder of Thai medicine is known as Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha (the father doctor). He is identified by scholars as a close personal associate of the historical Buddha, and was the head physician of the original Sangha, the community of followers that gathered around the Buddha. This would place him as living in India approximately 2,500 years ago.
Buddhist monks and followers brought their traditional medicine with them as they made
their way from India to what is now modern Thailand, in approximately the second century
B.C.. For centuries, the traditional medical knowledge was transmitted orally from teacher
to student. Over the centuries, a distinct tradition evolved that was primarily influenced by the Ayurvedic traditions from India, but also began to incorporate theories and practices from ancient China. In addition, healing practices of the indigenous tribal peoples of the area also became part of the local medical practices. By the time Theravada Buddhism was declared the official religion of the kingdom in approximately 1292 A.D., the traditional medicine was well established in the Buddhist monasteries, known as Wat. Traditionally,
the Buddhist monks— and to a lesser extent Buddhist nuns—administered the heal work to the people in their villages.

Besides the specific hands-on techniques, herbs and foods were utilized in healing; Buddhist philosophy pervades the practice of medicine in Thailand. Healing work is understood to be the practical application of metta, or loving kindness. Metta is understood to be a core component of daily life for each individual seeking awareness and fulfillment on the path taught by the Buddha. Teachers describe metta as the “foundation of the world,” essential
for the peace and happiness of oneself and others.

In Thai Theravada Buddhism, significant emphasis is placed on the practical application of spiritual philosophy: that higher ideals be brought into everyday life and decisions. Accordingly, the practice of Thai massage demonstrates the practical application of the four divine states of mind: 1) metta, 2) compassion, 3) vicarious joy and 4) mental equanimity
(brought to fruition through meditative practice).

How Is It Different?
Today, Thai massage is being practiced in clinics and spas all over the world and has experienced remarkable growth and acceptance. In fact, there has even been a dramatic growth of schools for traditional Thai massage in Thailand. It combines elements of yoga, meditation, acupressure and assisted stretching to provide a unique and wonderful bodywork experience. However, Thai massage does differ in several ways from Western
massage. Key distinctions include:

  • Thai massage is practiced with the client fully clothed in loose fitting clothing.
  • No oils or lubricants are utilized in Thai massage.
  • Thai massage is practiced very slowly.
  • Thai massage is a core component of an entire traditional medical practice (traditional Thai
    medicine).T
  • he practice emphasizes pressing, compression and stretching techniques. The rubbing techniques of Western massage (effleurage and petrissage) are absent.
  • Thai massage practitioners utilize their feet, knees, elbows and forearms, in addition to their hands and fingers extensively during therapy.
  • Sessions take place on a cotton pad or mat that is placed on the floor or on a low platform.
  • Thai massage therapists are encouraged to work in a concentrated and meditative state of
    mind, unencumbered by thought or fantasy. They are supposed to “transmit” this quality of mind through their touch to the client.
  • Although it is the physical body of the client that is being addressed, the primary focus and
    intention of the therapy is to bring balance and harmony to the “energetic” body and mind of the recipient.

Primacy Of Abdominal Work
Like Indian Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Thai medicine is based on an energetic paradigm of the human body and mind. In the Thai medical model, bio-energy (Qi) travels through the body on what are designated as Sen lines, which are somewhat similar to the meridians of acupuncture/Chinese medicine theory. Ten primary Sen are identified in Thai medicine, which, essentially, originate deep in the abdominal cavity in the vicinity of the navel and connect the center of the body to the sensory and excretory orifices and the extremities. Because of this energetic understanding, the practical, therapeutic application of Thai massage focuses on the abdomen. The practitioner will work with the client to establish an awareness of breathing deeply into the abdomen. Once the client is breathing deeply, the therapist will proceed with a specific series of deep palm compressions, followed by deep thumb presses. All these procedures are designed to invigorate the functioning of the organs and to eliminate energetic blockages and stagnation
of blood and lymph. The improved functioning of the abdominal region has positive
implications for the overall health and vitality of the client.

About the author
Dr. Richard Gold has an extensive knowledge about holistic health and wellness education and practice, Psychology, Oriental Medicine and Asian Bodywork and long term pioneering experience as a clinician and in training practitioners. Richard Gold has been involved in The|Tides for many years and is one of our most experienced trainers and consultants in the field of holistic health and wellness.
Richard's professional career in Traditional Chinese Medicine began with his graduation from the New England School of Acupuncture in 1978. Over the past 33 years, he has devoted himself to the continued study, practice and teaching of Chinese Medicine with a specialty in Asian Bodywork. He earned his Doctorate in Psychology in 1983. Dr. Gold is a founder (in 1986 ) and was a long standing Board Member and teacher of the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine (PCOM) in San Diego, New York City and Chicago. Currently, he is the President and Chairman of the Board and senior faculty member of the International Professional School of Bodywork (IPSB) in San Diego. All the PCOM campuses and IPSB operate busy clinics that are open to the general public. In addition, he practices clinically and teaches around the world. Richard is the author of:" Thai Massage: A Traditional Medical Technique' which is in its second edition from Mosley Press.