What is considered a traditional massage in Thailand actually originated in India and uses several yoga positions in the course of the procedure. It also has some influence from traditional Chinese medicine. It has been practiced for thousands of years.

The Thai traditional massage combines the application of pressure on certain points of the body with rocking movements and deep stretches. Just like in traditional Chinese medicine, Thai traditional massage also focuses on energy lines and the balance of such energy. Dr. Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, or Shivago Komarpaj as he is known in Thailand, is supposedly the one who formulated the Thai traditional massage. This type of massage has a deeply spiritual basis and teachers as well as practitioners often pray before conducting a session. Though many of the latter day practitioners do not adhere that much to the spiritual foundation, they are mindful of its meditative nature. Still, those who practice the traditional Thai massage adhere to the enduring Buddhist concept of loving kindness, vicarious joy, compassion and equanimity otherwise known as The Four Divines States of Mind.

There are two styles which are being practiced – the southern and the northern styles. The faster and more intense southern type is the one mostly used in Bangkok while the northern one is gentler and commonly practiced in Chiang Mai.

Thai traditional massage is usually done on a mat on the floor and where the practitioner uses the palm, fingers, elbow and feet to apply pressure on various parts of the body. The receiver of the massage is usually fully-clothed and uses loose-fitting clothes.

This actually is like a lazy man’s yoga because the body is arranged by the practitioner into several yoga poses. It actually follows a certain pattern in which one position prepares the body for the next one enabling the continuous flow of energy. In a complete traditional Thai massage, the individual goes through the four basic positions with him lying supine, alternately lying on the side, prone and in a sitting position. This also entails deep and continuous pressure done until the connective tissues are relaxed and softened. A session usually takes one to two hours.

Traditional Thai massage can increase one’s flexibility and enables a wide variety of movements. It can promote deep relaxation and calmness and lessens the effects of stress. It improves posture through proper postural alignment. It enhances blood circulation and increases vitality. Muscle pains and spasms are managed. Recurring back problems and muscle tensions are alleviated. It also facilitates the flushing out of toxins thereby boosting the body’s immune system. For women, traditional Thai massage can ease the pain felt during the menstrual period.

It is not necessary anymore for a person to travel to Thailand just to experience the traditional Thai massage. The practice has reached other parts of the world and licensed practitioners who underwent training in the various schools for traditional Thai massage can now be found in many places such as hotels, spas or resorts which offer this service as part of their wellness program.