From its picturesque islands, glittering Buddhist temples, vigorous nightlife, and diverse street food scene, Thailand is a travel paradise for many reasons. While famous for its vast array of iconic attractions, the country is also renowned for its ancient traditional Thai Massage practice.

Thai Massage, also called Nuad Bo Rarn in Thailand, has been around for over 2,500 years. As Buddhism slowly started to make its way to the country, the massage technique came with it. The practice consists of a series of movements, including acupressure, soothing massage, and yoga-like stretches, along all the body’s pressure points. 

The Practice of Thai Massage

The practice is influenced by the Buddhist meditation “Metta,” which promotes healing principles to harmonize energy flow throughout the body. In the 19th century, Buddhism introduced Thai massage in the temples as part of their meditation to assist them in attaining a clear and peaceful mind. Nowadays, it has a mixture of Chinese, Indian, and various cultural techniques.

Unlike typical Western massages, it doesn’t involve lying on a bed while a practitioner applies oil to one’s body and kneads the muscles and pressure points. Instead, a person lies fully clothed on a mat on the ground. Then, a massage therapist uses stretching, pulling, and rocking techniques. A session lasts approximately 90 minutes and is suitable for people of all ages, regardless of their level of flexibility.

Healing Benefits of Thai Massage 

During a traditional Thai massage, practitioners use their hands, thumbs, elbows, forearms, and feet to lessen tension in the muscles. Today, Thai massage work in conjunction with other traditional medicines due to their perceived healing properties. 

A Thai massage can help improve flexibility and energy flow, alleviating back, neck, shoulder, and hip tension. As a result, it opens the body, leaving the client rejuvenated and energized at the same time. 

It also benefits many different health problems: Relieves tension headaches, reduces types of back pain, relieves muscle pain or joint stiffness, stimulates circulation or lymphatic drainage, boosts energy, and calms the nervous system.

A thriving tourist destination, Thailand shines as it is home to some of the best massage centers in the world. After long hours of sightseeing, a traditional Thai Massage serves as an incredibly relaxing, affordable, and overall authentic experience not to miss out.