About Traditional Thai Massage

Traditional Thai massage
Traditional massage
It is known that traditional Thai massage is about two and a half thousand years old. The forefather of Thai massage is considered to be Dr. Zhivago Kumar Bhakka from the northern part of India. In those parts he is considered the father of all Thai medicine, he was also a contemporary, age-mate and friend of Gautama Buddha himself.

The subtleties of massage were described in a voluminous medical treatise of the 17th century. Unfortunately, this valuable book has not survived in its entirety. The war with the Burmese in 1767, which destroyed and devastated the capital of Thailand, left only scattered pieces and fragments of the treatise. They are carefully preserved today, and during the reign of King Rama III they were transferred to the walls of the cult temple of Wat Po in Bangkok. A fragment of the text about healing points and ways to excite them was found on a stone block in 1832 under the same Rama III. The precious fragment was reverently and solemnly inserted into the wall next to the Wat Po temple. To this day, this temple is the center of education of traditional Thai massage and medicine. Doctors from all over the world study the art of the Thai doctor Zhivago here. But which elements of this practice were taken from Indian sources, and what was brought in later and collected over the centuries by local color - it is now impossible to establish. Ancient teachings and practices were passed down orally within families from generation to generation. That was the custom.

Traditional Thai massage is, first of all, a therapeutic procedure. As in many Eastern teachings, combined with the experience of traditional medicine (yoga, Chinese healing), the mystery of touches of true Thai massage therapists is based on the knowledge of not erogenous zones, but invisible energy lines that penetrate the human body. Energy lines - the main guides of Thai massage - are called by a short mysterious word - Sen. In total, according to the teachings of Dr. Zhivago, the human body is invisibly pierced by 72 thousand Sen. In practice, only ten of them are used, which is considered enough to have a beneficial effect on the entire body.

In certain places of energy lines there are acupressure points, the impact on which gives the desired effect. Acupressure is a point massage, rhythmic pressure with fingers, palms or elbows on areas of the skin in the area of ​​biologically active points or around them. The massage therapist applies stretching of joints and ligaments, and does this gradually and will bring the stretching to the physiological limit. This therapeutic massage is even included in the official health care system in Thailand.

A real Thai massage therapist will always perform a certain mantra before the session, which, in short, consists of an appeal to the spirit of the father of Dr. Zhivago Kumar Bhakka, with prayers and a request to bring recovery and happiness to the patient through the body of the massage therapist.

Another feature of Thai massage is a combination of soft rocking and passive movements. The main secret is that along with relaxation comes the activation of vital forces. The masseur works rhythmically and as if puts the patient into a state of meditation.

Thai massage is performed on the floor. Traditionally, the floor is covered with a thin mat or a soft blanket. There is nothing uncomfortable in such a "lower" position, on the contrary, it is now that the massage therapist has the opportunity to effectively use his hands and, of course, his entire body. And it is used necessarily - this is the peculiarity.

The masseur is always dressed in loose clothing that does not restrict movement. This is traditionally long trousers and a shirt, with only the feet exposed. The patient is dressed similarly.

There are four positions in Thai massage - front, back, side and sitting. Most of the time the massage therapist works with the patient in the front position, paying special attention to the legs. He seems to internally and physically merge with the body of the massaged and knows where and how to help him. Much of what real masters do comes from sensitive intuition. In fact, there are several dozen aces of real Thai massage in the world. But there are many more good, professional massage therapists, and in 10-15 sessions you can return vital energy, put vertebrae in place, stretch joints, soothe muscles, and improve digestion.

Don't believe the ads that promise a real Thai massage for half an hour. Thai massage therapists practice long sessions. In this business, it is considered like this: "One hour is good, two hours is even better, and after three hours - expect the best effect."

Thai foot massage
Thai foot massage
One of the most popular wellness treatments offered throughout Thailand is Thai foot massage. This technique of influencing biologically active points of the foot, borrowed from Chinese medicine, is more than 3000 years old.

Thais are very careful and attentive to their feet, hence the custom of taking off their shoes and walking barefoot at home and when visiting, always taking off shoes when entering a Buddhist temple, not sticking your foot out in the direction of your interlocutor, or in the direction of Buddha. This national feature is based on the culture of foot care using local medicinal herbs. Therefore, natural Thai foot care products are practically unrivaled.

The technique of Thai foot massage consists of pressing the feet with fingers or a massager or a special wooden stick, squeezing the feet and stretching the toes, massaging the toes and calf muscle. Natural aroma oils with tonic, relaxing or calming effects are used. A massage session takes about an hour. After one session, you can already feel lightness in your legs, swelling relief, relaxation of the whole body, and after a series of sessions (usually 10-12) - you will notice a significant improvement in your overall well-being: blood pressure normalizes, headaches and insomnia subside, tension, spasms and swelling of the legs subside.

Massage is recommended for almost all people, regardless of age and gender. There are no special contraindications for it, but in special cases (varicose veins, venous thrombosis, complicated pregnancy, infectious skin diseases, fungal infections of the feet, high blood pressure, oncological diseases) a softer effect is allowed.

Foot massage also strengthens the body by working on reflex zones and gently affecting biologically active points; stimulates the proper functioning of internal organs, glands, and the musculoskeletal system; improves blood circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system; has a beneficial effect on the nervous system; reduces swelling of the feet, ankles, calf muscles, and knees; strengthens the immune system.

Foot massage is an essential addition to traditional medicine and can be used in the complex treatment of patients.