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Massage Services
What is Nuad Bo-Rarn or Thai massage?The Thai word Nuad is usually translated into English as "massage." Bo-rarn is translated as "ancient". So, Nuad Bo-Rarn means "ancient massage", or "ancient healing way". Nuad Bo-Rarn is very different from the type of tissue manipulation which is usually associated with massage in the context of western practice. Thai massage is a key component of traditional Thai medicine, an ancient holistic approach to healing the body-heart/mind-spirit. Thai medicine strives to treat the underlying cause of any illness by addressing imbalances in these three essences. Each essence affects the others, so the most effective treatment addresses the whole person. Traditional Thai medicine encompasses the use of herbs, diet and nutrition, Thai massage and spiritual practices (such as meditation). How is it done?Traditional Thai massage is performed on a mat on the floor rather than a raised table. This allows for many movements and procedures that are not practical or effective in table work, or are simply impossible. It allows for the most effective use of the practitioner's body weight rather than muscular force for the transmission of pressure, force, or energy, which creates a highly therapeutic effect. The client remains fully clothed except for the feet. Clothing should be light and allow for flexible movement. The work itself consists primarily of pressure on energy lines and points, and a large variety of stretching movements. Pressure is exerted with the palms of the hand, the thumbs and the feet; at some points the elbows may be used. The pressure and stretching movements are combined in a comprehensive strategy that may be performed in as little time as an hour, or may be extended to 2 1/2 to 3 hours for a full program. Two hours is frequently considered an ideal length of time for a Thai massage session. The stretching movements in Thai massage affects the entire body by increasing flexibility, releasing both deep and superficial tension, and helping the body's natural energy to flow more freely. The effect of these stretching movements, in which the client plays only a passive role, is similar to yoga. This is sometimes referred to as passive yoga, or "lazy man's yoga." The result is an opening of the body which leaves one feeling both relaxed and energized at the same time. Energy MedicineThai massage is not based on a western system of anatomy. Dissection was forbidden until the introduction of western medicine, so references to body structure were based on external observation. This is not to say that this implies an understanding of the body which is superficial: quite the contrary, it is profound, based on generations of experience. Although this may initially be frustrating to the western student, learning to "think Thai" helps one to move with greater freedom and intuitive sense. In the Thai view, life force in the body travels along energy pathways knows as Sen Lines. These Sen are broadly similar in theory and location to both traditional Chinese, and Indian Ayurvedic, medicine. Because of these similarities, it is obvious they share a common history. However, where the Chinese meridians follow the energy flow associated with specific organs, the Sen more closely follow the physical form of the body. Ayurvedic, and Thai medicine, traditionally recognize 72,000 Sen in theory. In practice, 10 Sen serve as the foundation of Nuad Bo-Rarn. Historical DevelopmentThe true origins of Thai massage are buried in the past, it is usually attributed to being over 2500 years old starting at the time of the Buddha in India. Tradition tells us that it was given to the world by a physician in India who was a contemporary of the Buddha. His name is Shivago Komarpaj (or Jivaka Buccha Komar), and throughout Southeast Asia he is considered to be the father of medicine. He is lovingly and respectfully referred to as the "Father Doctor". Ancient texts, written in the Pali language and mentioning Shivago Komarpaj, were considered sacred and were kept with other sacred Buddhist texts. It has been thought that monks were the practitioners of this medicine, and the temples were its home. Unfortunately, Thailand was over-run by the Burmese in 1776, and the capital of Ayutthia was destroyed. The ancient texts dealing with Nuad Bo-Rarn were largely destroyed and lost. In 1832 King Rama III had the best of the surviving texts collected and inscribed in stone. These stone plaques were set into the walls of Phra Chetaphon Temple in Bangkok (more commonly known as Wat Po) and can still be seen today. Many questions surrounding these inscriptions abound, but the teaching had probably always existed as an oral tradition, and it is as an oral tradition that it is largely taught today. The influence of western medicine has been growing in Thailand, along with a decline in the practice of traditional medicine, including Thai massage. In an effort to help retain their medicinal heritage, and in recognition of its popularity, in recent years the Thai government has become more supportive of the practice and teaching of Nuad Bo-Rarn. Thai massage is in fact quite an attraction throughout the country, and is now offered in many spas and tourist resorts. Buddhist InfluenceWith its origins deep within the traditions of Buddhist culture, it is not surprising that Thai massage should have implications of a spiritual nature. While these are not necessarily emphasized, one that is unavoidable is the practice of Wai Khru, a term meaning "to pay respect to". Wai Khru is a ceremony of observance that is practiced at the beginning and end of each day's work. It consists of a series of prayers and recitations which end with the prayer, or mantra, to "the Father Doctor," Shivago Komarpaj. Most Thai massage therapists, and students learning the work, are taught to honor this ancient lineage of teachers by recitation of "Om Namo" at the start of each class, and often at the beginning of each session. How is Thai Massage different from 'regular' massage.....almost totally? It is performed on a mat situated on the floor in order to achieve maximum benefit from weight, leverage, balance, and gravity. The client remains dressed in loose, comfortable clothing. Gentle pressure and compression are used to stimulate internal organs, relax tense muscles and calm the nervous system. Passive stretching adjusts the skeletal structure, increases flexibility, and restores movement. It is often compared to a dance in which the bodies of practitioner and client merge in continuing movement. Thai massage is ideal for those desiring deep relaxation, release from stress, and maximum flexibility as well as those seeking to increase their level of health, well-being, and vitality. It calms the mind. Its many therapeutic benefits are appropriate for both the young and the elderly. Thai massage recognizes the unity of the whole being. Treatment is comprehensive and maximizes the body's potential. This is an ancient art with origins extending far back in history, yet it addresses the ills of present-day society. Benefits include:
Who can be helped? Thai massage is beneficial to an extraordinarily wide range of people. Because of its effectiveness in inducing deep rest and relaxation, it is beneficial to anyone in need of stress reduction or with stress related disorders. With its unique use of stretching movements, it is useful for everyone who would benefit from increased flexibility. This includes almost everyone, from the athlete to the elderly. Its emphasis is on peripheral stimulation through pressure points make it useful in the alleviation of organic disorders, these benefits place Thai massage in a unique position as a healing therapy. Just as no two people respond to any stimulus in precisely the same way, people will vary in their response to Thai massage. A person who is relaxed, and open to new experiences, will benefit the most. One who is more tense, rigid, or fearful, will still benefit, but to a lesser degree. Some people will find that a single session of Thai massage can radically alter their perception of their own body while others will require a longer time to achieve the same result. |
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