What is Thai massage?

How is Thai massage different from "regular" massage?

What is the history of Thai massage?

What are the benefits of Thai massage?

Do I have to do yoga or be flexible to be able to receive Thai massage?

How will I feel after the massage?

What is your training?


What is Thai massage?

Thai massage is an ancient form of healing that combines the concepts of yoga and Chinese energetic practices. About 2,500 years ago, Buddhism spread from India to Thailand. Along with this increasingly popular spiritual practice came a form of healing that had taken root in the community of Buddhists. When these new ideas reached the shores of Thailand, they mixed with the Chinese concept of the energetic body that was already being practiced. Combined, they have evolved to what is currently known as Ancient Thai Massage.

Thai massage, as it is practiced today, is a rhythmic dance, where the body is gently moved, pulled and stretched, creating space in the joints, releasing toxins, and allowing for greater range of motion.

The therapeutic benefits of Thai massage have been part of Thailand's traditional medicine for more than a thousand years. Like yoga, a Thai massage leaves you with a calm energy that can last many days.


How is Thai massage different from "regular" massage?

Thai massage, also known as Traditional or Ancient Thai massage (nuad phaen boran as it is called in Thai) differs from swedish table massage in a number of ways. First of all, Thai massage is practiced on a mat on the floor. In this way, the massage therapist can use his whole body to manipulate the client. The massage therapist might use his hands, feet, knees or elbows, depending on which is the appropriate tool for the job. Another difference is that the client is fully clothed and oil is rarely used. Finally, Thai massage employs a lot of stretching and movement, much more than a typical swedish massage. This is the reason that Thai massage is sometimes dubbed "yoga for lazy people"!


What is the history of Thai massage?

"When any person is sick in Siam (Thailand) he begins with causing his whole body to be moulded by one who is skillful herein, who gets upon the body of the sick person and tramples him under his feet. - Simon de la Loubere, French liaison to the Thai Royal Court in Ayutthia, 1690.

Suprisingly, Thai Massage has it's roots, not in Thailand, but in India. A doctor from northern India known as Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha is the legendary founder of this therapeutic healing art. Dr. Jivaka was a close friend of the Buddha and a physician for the community of monks and nuns who followed the Buddha's teaching. The connection between the Indian practice of yoga and Thai massage is clear to all those who practice and receive Thai massage. Some have labeled Thai massage, "yoga for lazy people". Little is known about the introduction of Thai massage to Thailand since medical knowledge at the time was passed down orally from teacher to student. However, it is believed that the art form moved from India to Thailand with the spread of Buddhism in the 2nd or 3rd century BC. Chinese medical ideas were clearly incorporated into the massage. Acupressure, acupuncture and herbal remedies used in Thai massage all may have originated in China. There is mention of massage in 17th century medical scripture written on Palm leaves in the Pali language using the Khmer script. However, in 1767, most of these texts were destroyed when Burmese invaders sacked the ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya. In the last century and particularily in the last decade, much more has been written about this ancient art. However, the teacher student connection is still the best way to transfer this powerful knowledge of healing.


What are the benefits of Thai massage?

Thai massage helps to release tight muscles, loosen stiff joints, create greater range of motion, and detoxify the body. The massage of energy (sen in Thai) lines helps to create balance in the body. Shoulder, low back, hip and knee problems can be addressed through regular Thai massage as can more organic issues affecting internal organs. The stretching, twisting and movement helps to bring blood and therefore oxygen to stiff joints and diseased organs giving the body a chance to do what it wants to do. . . heal itself.


Do I have to do yoga or be flexible to be able to receive Thai massage?

Absolutely not. The Thai massage that you receive will be geared to your unique needs. You will be stretched only to the point you feel comfortable and no more. I will work with you so that you feel comfortable and safe.


How will I feel after the massage?

Generally, people leave the massage feeling deeply relaxed and energized at the same time. However, everyone has a different experience. There's only one way to find out!


What is Paul's training?

I studied Thai massage in Thailand with master teacher Pichest Boonthamme on the outskirts of the northern city of Chiang Mai. For 240 hours in the winter of 1999, I worked under his watchful eye. When I arrived back in the states, I furthered my massage training by enrolling and subsequently graduating from the Chicago School of Massage Therapy. Since then, I have been practicing Thai massage exclusively, as I find it to be the most rewarding and beneficial type of massage to which I have been exposed. In addition to my own practice, I also work at the exclusive Pennisula Spa on the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago.

Email Paul.