Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Spiritual & Philisophical Origins
The Thai form of massage can be traced to Tantric Buddhist Vajrayana teachings that ori-
ginated in India and Tibet. Translated from the Sanskrit, Vajrayana means 'Diamond Ve-
hicle' or 'Thunderbolt Vehicle', and marks a transition in Mahayana Buddhism when prac-
tices became more ritualised as opposed to primarily using abstract meditations to reach
nirvana. Among other things, Vajrayana introduced the ideas of Mantra (a symbol, word or
group of words that can help spiritual transformation) and Mandala (a symbol, often artist-
ically depicted, that represents the universe). The school of thought flourished in India and
Tibet between the 6th and 11th centuries, but its main influence on Thailand was its heal-
ing arts.
Practitioners recommend drinking lots of water or green tea after a massage to flush out any dislodged
toxins.
Like the Thai culture itself, influences on medicine came from many directions includ-
ing China, India and other Southeast Asian regions. Both ayurvedic and traditional
Chinese medicine are at the roots of Thai massage. Practitioners generally follow the ten
Sen lines (
Click here
), or channels through the body with specific pressure points along
them, which are similar to the Chinese meridians and Indian nadis. In Thai theory, these
lines carry several types of 'wind' (depending on the Sen line), from air that is inhaled
through the lungs. When a line is blocked or unbalanced, illness or symptoms will ensue.
At the same time, yoga
asana
stretches are used to open joints, aided by the loosening
power of rocking, thumb pressure and rhythmic compression.
Thai massage is often called the 'expression of loving kindness' because at the the heart
of the practice is the compassionate intent of the healer. In its true form, the masseur will
bond with the client in a meditative state and both parties will experience a deeper sense of
awareness through humility and concentration.
