Origins of Traditional Thai Medical Massage can be traced back 2500 years to its
beginnings with Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, a famous Ayurvedic physician from
India. Dr. Jivaka was the friend
and physician of Guatama Buddha and the first Sangha of Buddhist monks and nuns.
His holistic healing methods merged with classical Chinese medicine to
develop this remarkable system of massage techniques.
Thai Massage continues to be taught at Wat Pho, an ancient Buddhist
monastery in Bangkok. Variations of
this style of massage are practiced in Sri Lanka, Burma, Laos, and Cambodia. It strikes a dramatic similarity to Tui Na Chinese massage and to Anma/Shiatsu of Japan.
Traditional
Thai Massage is a unique style of bodywork, often described as "yoga
massage" and is interactive between the practitioner and the receiver.
It is performed in a choreographed series of techniques, much like a
martial arts kata or form, on a mat, with the participants wearing loose
comfortable clothing. The massage
therapist assists the receiver in yogic positions; deep stretches for the
muscles and joints, energy channel alignment, and acupressure point work.
This ancient massage is a blend of classical Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic
medicine, and Western medicine, treating the total person in a holistic fashion.
The purpose of Thai Massage is to create a harmonious state of balance
for the body, mind and spirit, and as an integral part of the massage session,
it demonstrates Promwihan Sii or the “Four States of Mind”: loving kindness,
compassion, vicarious joy and equanimity.
The
benefits enjoyed from a Traditional Thai Medical Massage include warmed and
stretched muscles, healing energy flow, greater range of movement, increased and
focused energy levels, injury prevention, stress relief and deep relaxation,
relief from sore and aching muscles and joints, detoxification, and a feeling of
confidence and well-being. A Thai
Massage session is a perfect preparation for anyone in training for an athletic
event, performance, or for any kind of physical or mental test.
It helps you focus your energy and attention on the task at hand.
Afterward, it helps you recuperate and enjoy the rest of the day.
For more information, contact
Patricia A. Kilpatrick, RYT, NCTMB
(678) 570-8314
Harmony Learning Center
Williamsburg Professional Center
1989 N. Williamsburg Dr., Suite F
Decatur, GA 30033