The development of Thai massage is often credited by the spread of Buddhism from India to the rest of Asia. In India, Buddhist monks commonly practiced Ayurvedic medicine, and used the healing techniques as a way to manifest their fundamental belief of loving kindness. It is thought that as the monks brought their teachings to Thailand, they combined their practice of healing and spirituality with the treatment styles of the Thai people and of traditional Chinese medicine. Eventually, Thai massage evolved into a unique form of bodywork consisting of reflexology, muscular compression, acupressure, joint manipulation, and stretching.
Often described as “lazy man’s yoga,” this 2,500 year old modality is still commonly practiced throughout Thailand today. Resembling a cross between Shiatsu and yoga, the massage is performed on a mat placed on the floor with both the recipient and therapist wearing loose comfortable clothing. The recipient is completely passive as the practitioner applies rhythmic pressure and stretches along the body’s energy lines and guides them through assisted yoga postures. The various techniques utilized throughout the massage aid in rejuvinating the body and centering the mind, leaving the receiver both deeply relaxed and highly energized.