Thai Yoga Bodywork Article with Jonas
Many names are used to describe the ancient hands-on bodywork modality from Thailand: Nuad Boran; Thai Yoga Bodywork; Thai Yoga; Thai Yoga Therapy; Thai Medical Massage; Thai Massage; Traditional Thai Massage; Thai Yoga Massage and more. Just as there are many branches of yoga, likewise there are many approaches to the Thai hands-on tradition.
We have chosen the label Thai Yoga Bodywork as a more accurate description of our approach, which is based on the northern style of Thai massage as evolved in the Chiang Mai province of Thailand over centuries. We stay true to the traditional form while adding perspectives from both yoga and physiotherapy/biomechanics to further optimize its effectiveness. Informed by these adjunct perspectives the therapeutic effects and transformational quality of an already highly effective hands-on healing modality are even further amplified.
Recent revival
During the past decade we have observed a tremendous interest in Nuad Boran. People all over the world are discovering the extraordinary benefits and healing properties of the thai tradition, and the Thai's themselves are realizing the value of their unique heritage. We owe deep gratitude to the people and healers of Thailand for developing and preserving such a genial and transformational therapeutic healing system.
Roots
Nuad Boran has been practiced in Thailand for a very long time and its roots can be traced back to india 2,500 years ago at the time of the awakened Buddha. The origin of Thai medicine is attributed to Dr. Jivaka Kumar Bhacca, physician to the Buddha and the Sangha. According to legend, he was born with a bag of acupuncture needles in his hand and was predestined to become a doctor and royal physician.
Technique
The Thai tradition employs an exceptionally wide range of techniques in its repertoire. Through a "multi-pronged" approach the practitioner uses thumbs, fingers, palms, forearms, elbows, knees and feet. It's a dynamic combination of myofascial stretching, joint mobilization, acupressure, energy balancing, rhythmic deep tissue compression, soft tissue manipulation, assisted yoga asana, and Buddhist meditation. A comfortably soothing, meditative, rocking motion is its trademark, while joints are opened; muscles and tendons stretched; internal organs toned; and vitality increased.
Yoga & Biomechanics
Yoga effectively complement and enhances the Thai tradition, especially since it's done with both people on a floor mat. As the practitioner mindfully "dances" around her client, she has an ability to maintain seamless awareness of movement and energy throughout the practice. In addition, biomechanical principles support the structural and therapeutic aspects of Thai Yoga Bodywork. As safety of each technique is a major focus, the receiver can let go and release places of holding on deep levels in the bodymind complex.
Theory
The fundamental theory of the Thai healing tradition derives from the concepts of vital energy and its pathways throughout the body. Closely related to other Asian traditions we find many similarities with Ayurveda, Chinese medicine, etc. Thai medicine focus on the circulation of vital energy in ten major energy pathways. Important pressure points for diagnosis and treatment are found along these pathways and hands-on therapy removes energy blockages and stimulates the free flow of vital energy.
Meditation
The people of Siam (Thailand) have a Buddhist tradition dating back over 2000 years. Mindfulness-based meditation is a traditional Buddhist practice using observation of the present moment as its primary focus. Keeping focus mindfully on the breath strengthens our ability to stay present with whatever arises in each given moment. Metta, translated as loving-kindness or friendliness, is a traditional Buddhist meditation practice, using positive affirmation techniques to develop compassion and generosity towards ourselves and others. When compassion for all life forms becomes the focus we often feel more connected to our own lives and everything else around us.
