History of nuat thai
Few people know it, but Thai massage is a holistic system of care that takes into account the patient's energetic dimension. According to the Thais, the creator of traditional medicine and massage is Jīvaka Komārabhacca, a5th-century BC healer and personal physician to Buddha himself! This lineage is inherited from the Theravāda Buddhist tradition, and the birth of Thai therapies is obviously far more complex. The various techniques employed are thought to have originated in India, along with Buddhism. Like traditional Thai medicine, Thai massage has been influenced by traditional Indian, Chinese and South Asian medicines. For example, Thai nuat is based on the philosophy of the energy lines (meridians) of Indian ayurveda (the nadis), which are also present in Chinese medicine. These meridians are treated by applying pressure with the fingers, hands, feet, elbow and knee. An attitude of contemplation enables better communication between practitioner and patient. The masseur also stretches certain parts of the body with a technique influenced by yoga stretching techniques. Thai massage thus combines energy massage, meditation, acupressure and yoga postures assisted by the practitioner. Muay Thai fighters often use traditional massage to invigorate certain parts of the body, relieve muscular tension and work on flexibility.
The practice
A massage session normally proceeds as follows: the patient, wearing loose, supple clothing, lies down on a thin mattress, Japanese futon-style, on the floor. It's common for several subjects to receive a massage in one large room. Subjects must keep their clothes on during the session. Contrary to popular belief, the intensity of the massage varies according to the patient's needs. Contact between practitioner and subject is constant. A traditional session can easily exceed two hours. In a rhythmic ballet, the whole body is stretched, pressed and sometimes even "cracked"! Massage stimulates circulation and enhances flexibility. The most learned monks and therapists often combine Buddhist principles and encourage the meditative aspect. They don't hesitate to give dietary and even spiritual advice, with the sole aim of the patient's well-being and personal development.
Where to get a massage?
Although these techniques date back to time immemorial, traditional Thai massage is still very much a part of everyday life in the kingdom. The practice is recognized by the Thai Ministry of Health. Of the country's 10,000 spas and massage centers, just under half are officially certified by the Ministry. Registered therapists must have a minimum of 800 hours' training, a professional license and be certified in courses approved by the Ministry of Health. Diplomas, if they exist, are usually displayed in the reception area..
For authentic traditional massages, it's best to turn to the temple schools. The most renowned is Wat Pho in Bangkok, the cradle of traditional Thai medicine and massage. Several temples throughout the country also offer massages. Seaside resorts and tourist towns are riddled with salons and spas. Spas are often well-equipped and offer other types of massage (oil, aloe vera, relaxation, head and foot massage), as well as other types of treatment (manicure, skin care, etc.). As for spas, it's relatively easy to gauge their seriousness, first and foremost by the prices charged, but also by the reputation of the establishment and the therapists' certifications. Some spas and massage salons have several branches in one or more cities, and are generally reputable establishments. Hotels, resorts and beachfront restaurants frequently offer massages on the beach, usually in a small wooden hut. The qualifications of masseurs vary enormously, so you'll have to trust your instincts or the experience of other travellers. Of course, we don't recommend salons where the "masseuses" call out to their customers with the kind of air you often hear on the street in Thailand: "massage, massage"... No need to describe to you what kind of therapy these young ladies employ!
In general, the price of a session is relatively low, except in the luxury salons, and it's recommended to have a massage at least once a week - effectiveness guaranteed!
