|
THE MIDDLE EAST MARKET:
Traditional Thai Massage
Tradional Thai massage has become increasingly popular among Middle East visitors to Thailand. Here's why...
By Pravin Kohli
 Traditional Thai Massage is an extraordinary method of aligning the energies of the body, and originates from the time of the Buddha. Nuad Phaen Boran as is it called in Thailand, correctly translates only as Ancient Massage or Traditional Massage. More widely known today as Thai Massage, it is also often called Traditional Thai Massage, Ancient Thai Massage and occasionally Yoga Massage or Thai Yoga Massage.
The Beginning in India
Traditionally, Indian medicine was part of an aesthetically based religious movement. Medicine evolved with Buddhism and gave rise to the monk-healers and provided the basis for subsequent development of Buddhist monastic universities.The traditional system of ayurvedic medicine owes much of its early development to the ascetic Buddhists and their monastic institutions.
Preserved in Thailand
When Buddhism began to spread to other parts of Asia, 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.
Massage and other healing arts were taught and applied in the Buddhist 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 as done by the Sangha, was to preserve the medical tradition for the longest possible time and make it available to the maximum number of people of future generations.
Compassionate monks and nuns integrated the benefits of this traditional form of curative and preventive medicine to the ancient massage techniques of China and other surrounding countries – thereby further enriching the medical system. The precise origins of Traditional Thai Massage are difficult to ascertain as many historical evidences disappeared at the time of the British rule in India and the Burmese invasion of the capital of Ayutthaya in 1767.
Only fragments of the existing precious medical texts survived the Burmese invasion and destruction, which the kind King Rama III in 1832 used as a basis for the famous epigraphs at Phra Chetuphon (Wat Pho) in Bangkok.
Technique
Traditional Thai Massage, like most Asian methods, is a technique used to give an experience of total body relaxation. It is similar to acupressure and Shiatsu – combined with stretches and yogic asanas. Traditional Thai Massage strengthens the body and harmonises the energy forces within.
 It works on the major meridians, also called energy lines or Nadis, which run throughout the human body. It aims to harmonise the body, to loosen blocks, and to eliminate deficiencies along the energy lines. In contrast to traditional Chinese medicine, which uses acupuncture to manipulate the pressure points, Traditional Thai Massage stimulates these same points with a healing touch. Therefore, the points suffer less stress, and life energy, or Prana, is allowed to freely flow within the body.
Starting at the feet and progressing up to the head, the body is loosened and stretched through trigger point treatments and myofascial techniques. This helps dissolve blocks before they manifest physically and improves flexibility and metabolism. Injured athletes, as well as those suffering from physical ailments like backache or stress can specially benefit from these powerful techniques.
An ingenious system of movements allows the therapist to manipulate the client without much effort. Every movement is designed to support the client as well as the therapist. The massage is given in silence to allow the therapist to understand the client and to give the client a chance to focus and learn about his physical being. To give and to experience Traditional Thai Massage is a meditative practice. It is said that at the end of a two to three hour treatment, both the receiver and the therapist will feel relaxed and energised.
Try the Traditional Thai Massage while you are in Thailand and experience the bliss of absolute physical well being – Thai style!
Why Promote Your Interests in the Middle East?
Mauritius: A Perfect Honeymoon Destination
Cyprus: Wooing Tourists From The Middle East
Thailand's Health Tourism Sector Attracts Arab Patrons
Malaysia: Middle East Promotional Campaign Proves Successful
Business & Tourism Guide to Taiwan Launched
Top |
MIDDLE EAST 
Bali gains popularity with tourists from the Middle East region. Jakarta offers a perfect family holiday for Arab tourists... 
