Traditional Thai Massage is a therapeutic practice and form of bodywork aimed at restoring balance within the body and achieving optimal health. Originally coming from South-East Asia, it is a form of therapeutic intervention based on Eastern traditions and wisdom calling for a holistic approach to the body through physical, energetic and spiritual understanding. It directly addresses the body through accupressure (pressure point techniques), mobilization and stretching. Some people refer to it as Lazyman’s Yoga, given the positions in which the therapist is manipulating the client’s body.
There are multiple benefits that this practice brings to the physical body. The most easily perceived and measured include: improved mobility, flexibility, blood circulation and blood pressure, stimulation of the internal organs, corrected posture and reduced tension in the muscles and the conjunctive tissues.
There are two fundamental theories composing the tool set of Thai massage, and they are inherent to all physical therapeutic practices developed in Asia.
The theory of the Five Elements teaches us that the human organism is an integral part of the macrocosmos and nature, with its elements, is reflected in our body as a whole. Earth, water, air, fire and wood are found within our anatomic and physiological structures, in our psychological and spiritual architecture.
The ten meridian theory teaches us about vital energy – Lom, Chi, Qi or Prana as it may be referred to in different Eastern practices. This is the energy that sustains life within our organism and runs through the ten main meridian lines covering our entire body. They are called Sen Sib in Thai.
It is now widely accepted that stimulating the meridians can be very efficient in treating certain conditions which Western medicine has failed in diagnosing and curing. Blockages formed along these meridians or an imbalance between the five elements can lead to certain illnesses. Traditional Thai Massage can identify and holistically approach these conditions working with the inherent wisdom of Sen Sib and the Five Elements.
And last but not least let’s not forget what Eastern wisdom teaches and reveals to us, namely that we should not separate the physical from the emotional, mental and spiritual. Even if at first glance this practice is a physical intervention, the body will perceive it energetically and psychologically.