History of Thai Massage
Thai Massage was born 2500 years ago. SONA and UTTARA are the names of the first two missionary monks appointed by Dr Shivago, father of Thai Massage, to preach Buddhism and spread the practice of massage in the golden land of Nakorn Pathom, about 60km from modern Bangkok. Thanks to its actual benefits and to a positive inclination from the population of former SIAM, the practice of Massage spread from village to village in the whole region and soon enough to the entirety of SIAM, eventually becoming what we now know as Thai Massage.
Before the coming of mass tourism, the art of massage was not considered a job in Thailand. It was, instead, a mere practical application of the “Metta”, pali and thai word that translates as “loving kindness”. Thai massage was taught and practiced by monks in Buddhist temples. One of the most prestigious schools nowadays is still located in Wat Pho, the most important Buddhist temple in Bangkok.
What makes the difference between a good therapist with a good knowledge of massage techniques and body anatomy, and an excellent therapist is the application of the metta, i.e. the affection and the loving desire to be of help for one’s neighbour.
Thai Massage is a medical massage and must not be confused with the massage practice commonly performed in Bangkok’s nightlife. This idea has unluckily spread because only a few of the tourists that get to Thailand are aware that traditional Thai Massage has nothing to do with that sort of ill-concealed prostitution.
Nuad (touch to heal) Phaemboram (worthy of respect) is, in fact, Traditional Thai Massage nowadays.