Natural pain care through massage therapy

Integrative Touch and Bodywork

Natural Pain Care
Through Massage Therapy

Integrative Thai Yoga Bodywork

Although Shiatsu has enjoyed more popularity than Thai Yoga Massage (AKA Thai Massage), Thai Massage has a more ancient and revered tradition. This ancient healing art has roots in Ayurvedic and Traditional Chinese Medicine.

In modern day Thailand, it is known as Nuad Bo'Rarn; the core component of the 4 aspects of Traditional Thai medicine. Nuad means "to touch with the intent to impart healing," Bo 'Rarn means "something which is ancient & revered."

The historical founder of Thai medicine is Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha. According to tradition, he is identified as a close personal associate of the historical Buddha.

He served as head physician to the sangha, the community of followers that gathered around the Buddha. By most estimates, that would place him living in India about 2,500 years ago.

Over centuries, a distinct tradition emerged that integrated the ayurvedic traditions from India and the theory & practices from China.

This ancient healing art was passed on from one generation to the next by oral tradition. By the time Theravada Buddhism was declared the official religion of the kingdom, in 1292 A.D., the healing practice of Thai Massage was already being administered in the Buddhist temples, known as Wats.

According to Buddhist philosophy, healing work is widely accepted as the practical application of metta, or loving kindness. Metta is understood as a core component of daily life for each individual seeking awareness and fulfillment of one’s life path. Teachers describe metta as the “foundation of the world,” essential for the peace and happiness of oneself and of others.

Accordingly, the practice of Thai Massage demonstrates the practical application of the four divine states of mind: 1) metta 2) compassion 3) vicarious joy and 4) mental tranquility (through meditative practices).

The Licensed Massage Therapist will use their developed sensitivity and intuition to isolate and treat along 10 major Sen lines (similar to meridians in TCM) and release stagnant Prana, or energy (similar to chi in TCM). The Therapist will also work with concentrated points of spiraling energy, known as Marmas.

These are powerful points that, when released, can eliminate dis-ease, relieve pain and restore health and a sense of well-being.

We are calling our evolution of this modality Integrative Thai Yoga Bodywork because we have incorporated a highly effective and powerful form of facilitated stretching techniques known as Muscle Energy Techniques. This form of stretching is easy to apply, painless to receive and often produces significant improvements in flexibility, pain reduction, soft tissue pliability and most importantly body awareness.

We hope to share the beauty, simplicity and elegance of this modality with all of you…Namaste.

Additional ITandB Pictures

References:

  1. Gold Richard M. A Guide to Traditional Thai Massage. Massage Therapy Journal, Fall 2005.
  2. Mann N, McKenzie E. Thai Bodywork, Octopus Publishing Group, 2002.
  3. Chow Kam Thye Thai Yoga Massage, Healing Arts Press, 2002.