Thai massage is a valuable heritage of Thai wisdom and exists along with Thai culture for hundreds of years. The evidence of Thai massage, dating back to Sukhothai era in the period of King Ramkhamhaeng, was found on the stone inscriptions at Wat Pa Mamuang (1240 – 1320 AD). Thai massage was given high regard during Ayutthaya period (1350 – 1767 AD) and a department of Thai massage was established. More massage therapists were recruited into this department than any other medical departments.

Nowadays, Thai massage is more popular to the public not only in Thailand but also abroad. More than hundred thousand of websites now advertise Thai massage service via the Internet. It is of significant value to the health and well-being of people and is of growing interest to the country.

Sen Sip (Ten Energy Lines)

According to the diagrams of Thai massage inscribed on the wall of Wat Po, it was believed that the energy flows through the body along ten major energy lines or “Sen Sip” (meaning ten “Sen”). If any obstruction occurs in any part of these energy lines or “Sen”, pain or illness, which is called “Roke Lom” in Thai, will result. Thai massage is used to treat this type of illness.

Two styles of Thai massage are used today. One is called Nuad Chaleisak (folk massage). This style of massage is performed mostly for general public and masseurs use various parts of the body to massage, e.g. hands, knees, elbows and feet. The other style is called Nuad Rachasamnak (Court massage). It was formerly performed only for members of the royal families and noble people. This type of massage, the masseurs could not use knees, elbows or feet, nor stand over the clients because it was considered inappropriate gesture for the royal family.

The difference between Nuad Chaleisak and Nuad Rachasamnak

Nuad Chaleisak

• Masseur uses many parts of his body.
• Not serious on how to approach a client.
• Start from client’s sole and move upward.
• Not serious whether the masseur’s arms bend or not.
• Clients can lie on their stomach.

Nuad Rachasamnak

• Masseur uses only his hands and fingers.
• Masseur walks on his knee when approaching a client.
• Won’t start from client’s sole, usually start at the knees.
• Masseur’s arms should be straight, not bend at the elbow.
• Clients will not lie on their stomach.

It was found that the purposes of most clients who come for massage service are to relieve muscle stress and to treat certain illnesses. In this case, physical check up and screening. According to Thai traditional medicine, will be performed before giving massage. The purpose is to find out if there is any signs or symptoms that are contraindicated for massage and to find out the cause of illness so that appropriate massage treatment will be performed.

Some contradications for Thai massage are e.g., too thin, too weak, pale, rash, wound, bruise, swollen joint, jaundice, muscle clamp, high fever, broken bone, etc.