In 2019, “Nuad Thai,” the traditional Thai therapy, was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and its cultural and academic value has been highly recognized internationally. Tracing the origins of this traditional medicine leads to Dr. Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, who is regarded as its founder. He is said to have been the personal physician of the Buddha, and even today in Thailand, he is deeply respected and passed down among medical practitioners as an important founding figure of Thai traditional medicine.
Thai traditional massage is often called “yoga for two” because the therapist performs the treatment in harmony with the recipient’s breathing rhythm while maintaining a calm, meditative state of mind. Through this process, both the therapist and the recipient can experience a unique sense of balance and harmony between the mind and body.
Furthermore, physiological effects of Thai traditional massage confirmed by research include the promotion of blood and lymphatic circulation, as well as the regulation of the autonomic nervous system. In particular, attention has been drawn to its potential to support immune function by guiding the body into a parasympathetic-dominant state, which may help suppress the secretion of cortisol, a stress hormone.
In addition, stimulation of the energy lines known as “Sen” is expected to help improve the flexibility of the fascia and increase the range of motion of the joints. As a result, it is believed to contribute to the improvement of chronic musculoskeletal discomfort, such as stiffness, tension, and restricted movement. Through these physiological changes, Thai traditional massage is regarded not merely as a form of relaxation, but as a traditional therapy that helps bring harmony and optimization to the body’s overall function.
