The Sacred Dance of Thai Yoga Massage
Origins of Traditional Thai massage
Nuad Phaen Boran (Traditional Thai Massage) can look back at a long history of therapeutic healing. If one traces the evolution of the techniques of healing-massage practiced in Thailand, one discovers the astonishing fact that the earliest roots of Thai massage lie not in Thailand but in India.
The founder, Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha
The legendary founder of the art is believed to have been a doctor from northern India. Known as Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, he was a contemporary of the Buddha and personal physician to the Magadha King Bimbisara over 2,500 years ago. The teachings of Kumar Bhaccha probably reached what is now Thailand at the same time as Buddhism – as early as the 3rd or 2nd century B.C.
The principles
The theoretical foundation of Thai massage is based on the concept of invisible energy lines running through the body. The Indian origin and influence is obvious here since the background of this theory clearly lies in Yoga philosophy. Yoga philosophy states that life energy (called Prana) is absorbed with the air we breathe and with the food we eat. Along a network of energy lines, the Prana Nadis, the human being is then supplied with this vital energy.
The working of the 10 Sen mainlines are sufficient to conduct practical treatment for the whole body and its internal organs. Disturbances in the flow of energy result in an insufficient supply of Prana, which will in turn lead to sickness. Working on the energy lines with massage can break the blockades, stimulate the free flow of Prana, and help to restore general well-being.
The giving of massage was understood to be a physical application of Metta, the Pali (and Thai) word used in Theravada Buddhism to denote 'loving kindness' - and devoted masseurs still work in such a spirit today. A truly good masseur performs his art in a meditative mood. He starts with a Puja, a meditative prayer, to fully center himself on the work, on the healing he is about to perform. And he works with full awareness, mindfulness and concentration. in Sunshine Network, http://www.thaiyogamassage.infothai.com
Thai Massage is practiced on a mat on the floor. The receiver wears loose, warm and comfortable clothes that don’t restrict movement. This healing practice uses the body's natural life force to release the blockages, allowing freedom of movement again, through massage, acupressure and yoga like stretches. The therapists use their palms, feet, elbows, thumbs and knees to help free the tension trapped within the body.
The benefits
This therapy normally leaves the receiver feeling energised, calm and centred, but because this massage is working on the different body layers (koshas), changes and release on an emotional, energetic and physical level do take place over a period of time, so is particularly beneficial when client has received a course of treatments.
Emotional
* Create emotional balance in life
* Calm and relax the mind
* Help you gain mental clarity
Energetic effects
* Release stress and anxiety;
* Increase energy level and stamina
* Create a sense of wellness in life
Physical benefits
* Ease pain
* Stretch and lengthen the muscles
* Re-energize and rejuvenate the body
* Increase the joint mobility (arthritis)
* Increase the blood circulation
* Boost the immune system
* Improve breathing
The Teachers
I have been honored and blessed by the opportunity offered in Life of learning with inspiring, beautiful teachers, to whom I bow in recognition, appreciation and gratitude:
* Itzhak Helman in 2010, Thailand, Lahu village;
* Laurino Bertelli in 2013, Thailand, Lahu village;
* Kaline Alayna Kelly in 2013, Thailand, Lahu village;
* KrishnaTaki in 2013, Greece, Evia.
Nuad Phaen Boran (Traditional Thai Massage) can look back at a long history of therapeutic healing. If one traces the evolution of the techniques of healing-massage practiced in Thailand, one discovers the astonishing fact that the earliest roots of Thai massage lie not in Thailand but in India.
The founder, Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha
The legendary founder of the art is believed to have been a doctor from northern India. Known as Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, he was a contemporary of the Buddha and personal physician to the Magadha King Bimbisara over 2,500 years ago. The teachings of Kumar Bhaccha probably reached what is now Thailand at the same time as Buddhism – as early as the 3rd or 2nd century B.C.
The principles
The theoretical foundation of Thai massage is based on the concept of invisible energy lines running through the body. The Indian origin and influence is obvious here since the background of this theory clearly lies in Yoga philosophy. Yoga philosophy states that life energy (called Prana) is absorbed with the air we breathe and with the food we eat. Along a network of energy lines, the Prana Nadis, the human being is then supplied with this vital energy.
The working of the 10 Sen mainlines are sufficient to conduct practical treatment for the whole body and its internal organs. Disturbances in the flow of energy result in an insufficient supply of Prana, which will in turn lead to sickness. Working on the energy lines with massage can break the blockades, stimulate the free flow of Prana, and help to restore general well-being.
The giving of massage was understood to be a physical application of Metta, the Pali (and Thai) word used in Theravada Buddhism to denote 'loving kindness' - and devoted masseurs still work in such a spirit today. A truly good masseur performs his art in a meditative mood. He starts with a Puja, a meditative prayer, to fully center himself on the work, on the healing he is about to perform. And he works with full awareness, mindfulness and concentration. in Sunshine Network, http://www.thaiyogamassage.infothai.com
Thai Massage is practiced on a mat on the floor. The receiver wears loose, warm and comfortable clothes that don’t restrict movement. This healing practice uses the body's natural life force to release the blockages, allowing freedom of movement again, through massage, acupressure and yoga like stretches. The therapists use their palms, feet, elbows, thumbs and knees to help free the tension trapped within the body.
The benefits
This therapy normally leaves the receiver feeling energised, calm and centred, but because this massage is working on the different body layers (koshas), changes and release on an emotional, energetic and physical level do take place over a period of time, so is particularly beneficial when client has received a course of treatments.
Emotional
* Create emotional balance in life
* Calm and relax the mind
* Help you gain mental clarity
Energetic effects
* Release stress and anxiety;
* Increase energy level and stamina
* Create a sense of wellness in life
Physical benefits
* Ease pain
* Stretch and lengthen the muscles
* Re-energize and rejuvenate the body
* Increase the joint mobility (arthritis)
* Increase the blood circulation
* Boost the immune system
* Improve breathing
The Teachers
I have been honored and blessed by the opportunity offered in Life of learning with inspiring, beautiful teachers, to whom I bow in recognition, appreciation and gratitude:
* Itzhak Helman in 2010, Thailand, Lahu village;
* Laurino Bertelli in 2013, Thailand, Lahu village;
* Kaline Alayna Kelly in 2013, Thailand, Lahu village;
* KrishnaTaki in 2013, Greece, Evia.