History of Traditional Thai Massage

Traditional Thai massage, also known as “nuad phaen thai “ or “nuad phaen boran” or “nuad thai ”, is an ancient healing system that originated in Thailand over 2,500 years ago.

UNESCO added traditional Thai massage to its Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in December 2019.

Traditional Thai massage combines broad and focused acupressure along "energy lines" called sen, Indian Ayurvedic principles, and assisted yoga postures. Oils and lotions are generally not used, and the recipient wears lightweight and loose clothing during treatment. There is constant body contact between the giver and receiver, but rather than simply rubbing on muscles, the body is compressed, pulled, stretched, and rocked. The spirit intermediary of traditional Thai massage and Thai medicine is Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha.