Thai Yoga Massage

I came in touch with traditional Thai Yoga Massage (Nuad Boran) for the first time 7 years ago, when I was traveling to northern Thailand and attending a course for thai massage with the Sunshine Network in a hilltribe village located in Chang Rai Province, and have been since then coming back several times to broaden my skills and understanding in this ancient healing art. The original aim of this traditional therapy form was to heal and cure through a combination of massaging technics like meditative rocking, acupressure, reflexology and yogic stretching and has evolved over years from the practice of Yoga and Ayurveda.

Jivaka Khumar Bacca, a contemporary of the Buddha and the physician of the sangha, is regarded to be the founder or the main inspiration of Thai massage and even today he is still respected and honored among Thais  as "father of medicine". 

 Shivago Khumar Bacca

It is believed that Khumar Baccas' teachings reached Thailand around  the 2nd or 3th century BC. Since those days many influences from neighboring countries have been introduced to the practice, which has resulted in a variety of styles used today. Today we can 

differentiate two main styles: the southern and the northern. The fundamental principles, however, remain the same and were passed down from generation to generation, taught and practiced in temples and practiced among people to relieve pain from daily hard work in the fields.

How does it work?

Thai Massage works on an energy line system (sib sen, sen=line) through which the bodies' natural life force flows. Blockages of this life force causes aches, pains and disease. The masseur uses thumbs, hands, elbows or knees to apply pressure to important points along these lines in combination with gentle Yoga stretching technics. This releases blocked energy and frees the bodies' own natural healing potential, thus restoring balance, health and harmony. It improves the function of the lymph glands and blood circulation, balances the nervouse system and is appropriate for a wide range of musculos skeletal problems including neck, shoulder, hip and leg pain.

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The village

Enjoy these pictures of the Lahu hilltribe village which is set in a mountain range nord-east of Chang Mai,  in the province of Chang Rai. It is called Huai Nam Rim.

 

 

Many of you probably may wonder what these pictures of a hill tribe settlement north of chang Mai has to do with Thai massage. Well, actually it is here where you can start your training. 

Harlad Brust, a german voyager and seeker, also better known under his spiritual name ASOKANANDA, came to this village around 30 years ago and established a school for Thai massage training and studies in Vipasana and Yoga. He passed away in 2005, since then the school is being led by its senior teachers trying to introduce people from all over the world to this ancient healing art. Students have the chance to experience authentic hill tribe life and stay in the homes of the villagers. The village is surounded by deep jungle of Kun Chae Nationalpark.

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