Divine Energy Work: The Essence of Thai Massage

If your idea of a massage is being pummelled on a steaming slab in a Turkish bath, having a Thai massage will come as a big shock. The fact is that a Thai massage is considered to be 'energy work' rather than 'body work'. This is because unlike other massage methods which involve rubbing muscles and tendons, Thai massage is based on the idea of energy lines (known as sen in Thai), of which there are considered to be ten.

These energy lines are derived from acupuncture meridians and the free flow of this energy is vital to your well-being. So the aim of Thai massage therapy is to unblock these sen and permit the free flow of energy along them. Plus Thai massage stimulates your body's own healing powers and promotes deep relaxation.

Thai masseurs use various techniques to free up the sen. These include applying sustained pressure to the energy points, sometimes for several minutes, along with stretching kneading, twisting and contorting limbs.

Thai massage is a practice central to Thai culture. So venerated is it that Thais call masseurs 'massage doctors' (mo nuat).

Thai massage developed from a combination of Chinese acupuncture concepts and the movements of yoga from India. The father of Thai massage is considered to be the Buddha's personal physician, Shivago Komarpaj. Most masseurs make offerings to his image before beginning work.

Thai traditional massage was passed down by monks supported by Thai royalty. In the 19th century, the king ordered the teachings to be inscribed on marble panels in the royal temple of Wat Po in Bangkok. In addition, 80 statues of hermits in various yoga postures were placed in Wat Po's hermit garden to make these teachings available to all. Today, the marble panels and 24 of the hermit statues remain in Wat Po.

 Finally, let's look at meditation, the path to serenity.

The Joy of Serenity - Thai Meditation