Thai massage is a form of body work that is becoming increasingly popular in the West. A complete Thai massage incorporates a traditional combination of point pressure, energy meridian work, and yoga-like stretching for an invigorating and balancing experience. Thai massage improves circulation, flexibility, muscle tone, and is the perfect complement to any exercise routine.  Thai massage is great for relieving stress and tension helping you to feel completely relaxed.

Thai massage is most different from other forms of massage in that there is no oil used, that the practitioner uses a mattress on the floor (as opposed to a table), and that you remain comfortable clothed throughout the massage.  You can wear loose fitting clothing or allow time to change into the traditional Thai massage clothing provided.

This blend of point pressure and stretching is especially beneficial for those who find themselves stiff, sore, and tired from over-exertion in work or sports, or from arthritis or other debilitating diseases. Thai massage enhances strength and flexibility, relaxes sore or tense muscles, and can help to recapture lost range of motion. By encouraging lymphatic function, this traditional massage can also detoxify the body, heighten the immune system, and prevent disease and/or injury by promoting flexibility.

"I used massage to get me through graduate school and all the way to this point in my life as an emergency planner.  I have visited at least 60+ places in my lifetime and this is the ABSOLUTE BEST!!!"

Colleen (Gov't Employee)

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The origin of Thai massage is largely misunderstood and misrepresented in today's literature.  Based on recent research and understanding amongst the Thai community it is now known that Thai massage was created by the Thais between 800 - 1200 AD.

The Thais were "influenced" by multiple disciplines that ultimately ended up contributing to the creation of Thai massage.  Theravada Buddhism, Ayurveda, Hatha Yoga, Understanding of Chinese Meridians, and Indigenous Practices of the Tai people dating back several centuries all contributed to what we now call, Traditional Thai Massage or Nuad Phaen Boran in Thai.

Keep in mind these 5 areas amounted to an influence that the Thais ultimately understood in the creation of their own healing art.  All too often, it is written that Thai massage was created in India 2500 years ago or that the Thais took the Chinese Meridian system when creating Thai massage.  These statements in effect take away the credit from the Thais who actually created Thai massage between 800 - 1200 AD based on their own understanding health.

There is genetic information that allows us to determine that this is much closer to the actual facts and conversely no evidence exists to proof the other theories.

A reason for this topics wide debate, is due to the fact that mostly all historical information related to Thai massage was destroyed during the wars between Thailand and its neighbors throughout history.  To understand this topic and others more deeply, additional study is warranted.

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Multiple theories and ideas have emerged over the years which we discuss at length in mostly all our courses.  It is our goal at Touch of Asia and the Thai Institute of Healing Arts to ensure we only offer authentic services and only teach authentic knowledge directly from Thailand although it may not match with western authors current writings or understanding.  Our services and teachings come directly from Thailand and Thai people sticking closely to the traditions, culture, and knowledge of the Thais.

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Mostly all qualified Practitioners trace the origins of Thai massage back to the legendary figure Jivaka Komarabhacca or Shivaga Ko-ma-r'a-pot-jo.  Shivaga lived during the time of the historical Buddha and become a renowned healer and is largely credited with being the founder of Traditional Thai Medicine which Thai massage is part of.

Ancient Medical texts were carved in stone in attempts to preserve the tradition of Thai massage; these stone inscriptions still sit within the walls of the Wat Po temple in Bangkok . In Thailand , there are many agricultural people who do a lot of physical work through the day and their muscles become very tight and sore, so they teach their children massage skills they learned from their parents. In this way, Thai massage is passed down as an oral tradition. Massage has a unique style in each area of Thailand . When people would gather together from different regions they would exchange their techniques of massage. 

Today, Thai massage is beneficial for improved health by eliminating stress and tension in the muscles.  The massage can create a feeling of balance and harmony like no other you have experienced.  Many people have incorporated Thai massage into their preventative health practices and are enjoying its lasting effects.

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Thai massage blends styles from Asian neighbors passed down through the generations. Unlike the scooping and continuous strokes of Western massage, the Thai method uses point pressure, muscle stretching and compression, done in a rhythmic movement of gentle rocking.  In Thai massage it is not just the hands that are used to free tension from the recipient's body, but the therapists feet, forearms, knees, and elbows as well. Be assured Thai massage is never painful. Thai massage is applied on a mat on the floor, the work is done fully clothed and no oils are required.

Thai medical massage can move deeper into the mechanical functions of the body, working with deep muscle tension and joint mobility as well as nerve, muscle and ligament balancing.  Variations are also performed using herbs.

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"That was the absolute best 90-minutes of my life."

Judy G.
Touch of Asia Guest