Relaxation massage
Smile Thai Wellness Vancouver
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Smile Thai Wellness, 235 Robson St 604.630.3808

604.630.3808

What is Traditional Thai massage?

Traditional Thai Massage is an extraordinary method of aligning the energies of the body and originates from the time of the Buddha.
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Nuad Phan Boran as is it called in Thailand, correctly translates only as Ancient Massage or Traditional Massage. More widely known today as Thai Massage, is seen as a practical application of the Buddhist principle of 'Metta' or loving kindness, forming the cornerstone of a quietly effective healing of body, mind and soul.
Elements of Yoga and Ayurveda from India are combined with universal energy healing principles to harmonize and balance the flow of energy throughout the body. It is performed with the client comfortably clothed (traditional thai clothing provided) on a special Thai mat. Sessions usually last for at least one hour. True traditional Thai massage is 90 minutes or more.
Thai Massage consists of a series of interactive, flowing movements, stretches and rhythmic massage, along all the body's energy lines and pressure points. This often deeply meditative experience can result in a profound release from mental and physical stress.
Thai Massage consists of a series of interactive, flowing movements, stretches and rhythmic massage, along all the body's energy lines and pressure points. The often deeply meditative experience can result in a profound release from mental and physical stress.

Benefits of Thai massage

Physical Benefits
 ◦ Help detoxification of the body and boost immune system.
◦ Increase blood circulation, lower blood pressure.
◦ Good for muscle relaxation, increase flexibility in your muscles and mobility.
◦ Improved breathing
◦ Improves posture, balance, corrects body alignments and chronic joint problems.
Mental Benefits
 ◦ Improve your outlook towards life, builds an emotional balance.
◦ Help with concentration and creativity. Mind and body concentration.
◦ Clear and calm your mind. Gain mental clarity.
Psychological effects
 ◦ Reduce and relieve stress and anxiety.
◦ Help people boost their inner energy levels.
◦ Achieve better health, increases health and vitality.
◦ Raise the energy level and stamina.
◦ Build internal power. (and creates a natural confidence)

History of Thai massage

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Traditional Thai Massage is a therapeutic technique that dates back thousands of years. Its precise origins are unknown, but practitioners traditionally trace their lineage to Chivaka Komarapatr, a private doctor and friend of the Buddha, is said to have successfully used massage and stretching techniques along with herbal and other remedies to treat ailments and conditions amongst the nuns and monks that were traveling with the Buddha, spreading Buddhism and these medicinal techniques all over Southeast Asia.

By the time, medical institution and practices of the monastery went along as integral parts of the religious system. When Buddhism reached Thailand in the 3rd or 2nd century BC, temples were built with adjacent dispensaries and medical schools.
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As to where and when Ancient Massage originated precisely, it is difficult to ascertain for sure. A long time has passed and many historical evidences have disappeared. Most text have been lost during various invasions.

Only fragments of the existing precious medical texts survived. These were used as a basis for the famous epigraphs at Wat Po in Bangkok so that people in the next generation can practice all techniques until now.
Massage and other healing arts were taught and applied in the monasteries and within the family. In families, it has been mainly an oral tradition (as most people could not read) handed down from teacher to student. The purpose of writing it down was to preserve the medical tradition for the longest possible time and make it available to the maximum number of people of future generations.

Thai Massage FAQ

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1) Is it done on a table, bed or the floor?
Traditionally Thai Massage is always done on the floor, but elements of the practice are being effectively adapted by practitioners more accustomed to working on tables or beds. However, many of the advanced movements and stretches can only be done safely and effectively on the floor.

2) What should I wear?
Comfortable, loose-fitting Yoga or athletic clothes are best to accommodate the twisting and stretching movements in the session. A pair of loose Thai fishermen's pants and a shirt are also provided for you here.

3) How long are the sessions?
Traditionally, authentic Thai Massage treatments are at least one and a half hour long, sometimes lasting for several hours.

4) Why are the sessions so long?
Since the main objective is energy balancing, the physical moves become part of a deeper, more meditative spiral of healing that feels increasingly good and getting better as time goes by, resulting in a profoundly deep and integrated sense of physical, mental and spiritual well-being for both giver and receiver.

5) What are the benefits to the receiver?
Stress relief, revitalization and a euphoric feeling of overall wellbeing are the words most often used by guests to describe the benefits of their treatment. Physiologically, the body gets re-aligned in a way that increases flexibility and circulation. More subtle harmonizing of energies result in the overall integration of body, mind and soul. We get to remember how good it can feel to be in our bodies.

6) Is it safe for old people, children, injured or sick people?
Since the work is tailor made for each individual in each different treatment session, it can be done safely, with certain modifications to accommodate contra-indications as needed with all the above-mentioned types of person with remarkable results.

7) How often should someone receive a session?
Initially, I recommend a 2 hour session every 2 weeks, then monthly once the body becomes more flexible. More than a month apart is too long.

8) Is it OK to eat before/after the session?
In order to have more energy in the body available for the Work and since an important part of the treatment may involve pressing points around the abdomen, it is better not to eat for at least 1 hour before the session.

To allow the process to continue, as it does, after the practitioner ends the actual session, it is better not to eat, bathe or do strenuous exercise for at least an hour afterwards. Drinking copious amounts of warm water or hot tea is highly beneficial and necessary to flush out toxins that may have been released during the treatment.

9) Where did it originate?
It is said to have originated in India. Some say it grew out of the ancient healing systems practiced in South India in the region now known as Kerala. Later, after becoming a part of ancient Ayurveda, existed in the North of India (now Nepal)

At the time of the Enlightenment of the Buddha. The physician Chivaka Komarapatr, a private doctor of the Buddha along with herbal and other remedies to treat ailments and conditions amongst the monks that were traveling with the Buddha, spreading Buddhism and these medicinal techniques all over Southeast Asia. He is also a founder and Father Doctor of Traditional Medicine in Thailand. Learn More

Tel. 604.630.3808 - 235 Robson St, Vancouver. Copyright © 2010-24 Smile Thai Wellness