The origins of Thai traditional massage can be traced back about 2,500
years, around the same time as the birth of Buddhism.
Shiwog Gomarabat (Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha), the royal physician of King Bimbisara
of the Ayurveda dynasty in northern India, developed a therapeutic method
using massage and medicinal herbs, parts of animals, and minerals, based
on traditional natural health therapies. He was a devout follower of Buddha
and contributed to the propagation of Buddhism. The therapeutic method
he created, which merged with ancient Indian health practices such as yoga,
was spread alongside the diffusion of Buddhism, and this became the foundation
for traditional Thai massage in present-day Thailand. Since then, Thai
massage has been closely linked with Buddhism, passed down mainly in temples
through observation and practice. The influence of Chinese massage, particularly
foot massage, due to the long history of trade between Thailand and China,
is also said to have significantly contributed to the development of Thai
massage.
By the 19th century, Thai traditional massage became widely known among
the common people.
In 1836 (Buddhist era 2376), Rama III of the Chakri dynasty undertook a
major renovation of Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), inscribing
various medical and academic texts on the temple walls and columns in the
form of text and illustrations to allow common people to learn. In the
field of medicine, 60 illustrations showing the pressure points of massage,
80 poses of massage, and over 1100 types of diagnostic methods and herbal
preparations were described. As a result, Thai massage gained worldwide
fame, and is now widely known as "the world's most comfortable massage."
Thai Traditional massage aims to improve blood and lymph circulation, alleviate
muscle stiffness and tension, and relieve fatigue and stress by slowly
stimulating the body's energy lines, known as "Sen", through
a combination of acupressure and stretching. Regular sessions of Thai massage
can help maintain body flexibility, boost immunity, and provide anti-aging
effects.
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