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Thai massage, originating from India and not from Thailand as its name would suggest, arrived in Southeast Asia more than 2,500 years ago.

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The founder is Shivago Kormapaj, a doctor from northern India, considered by many to be the father of Thai medicine. Grand master of pharmacopoeia (plants and minerals), physician to King Bimbisara of Magadha, Kormapaj was a contemporary and, it seems, a friend of the Buddha
 

The influence of India is even more present when we talk about the energy lines called sen by the Thais (the meridians of the Chinese systems of acupuncture, acupressure and Japanese shiatsu). The origin of this theory is found in the philosophy of yoga which explains how prana (vital energy) is collected through the respiratory tract and through food, providing the human being with energy after assimilation and distribution in the network of pranas. -nadi which are 72,000 in number. The Nuad Bo' Rarn (pronounced Nuad Bo' Lann) has retained 10 of them. Work on the sen lines through massage can dissolve tensions, blockages and thus stimulate the course of prana to general well-being.
 

A mixture of muscle kneading, acupressure, reflexology and hatha-yoga, Nuad Bo' Rarn is often described as massage-yoga or "yoga for the lazy". It is practiced on the ground on exercise mats or a futon for more comfort. The receiver remains fully clothed, if possible in loose cotton clothing. The technique uses the donor's hands, forearms, elbows, feet and knees. The latter must learn to work with outstretched arms and to use the weight of his body instead of the strength of his muscles, otherwise back pain and rapid fatigue will get the better of him.

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Unlike other known forms of massage that knead and knead the muscles only, Thai massage works mainly with palm pressure, on large areas, and thumb pressure on points or lines of energy, as for a shiatsu. , but with the difference that the Thai practitioner also practices extension and stretching exercises on his patient, often impressive, which could be defined as applied yoga. These stretches promote the relaxation of the whole body, an in-depth elimination of stress and toxins. Stretches position the limbs correctly to work on the sen lines, they activate the Qi, facilitate diagnosis and make treatment more effective.

Joint mobilizations affect virtually all joints. These are tensioning exercises that gently release the body from its stiffness, softening the joints and restoring easy and fluid movement. Particular attention is paid to the knees, as this joint can be easily injured by improper pressure. Stiff and painful joints result from blockages preventing the circulation of Qi and blood that does not flow easily at the joint level because of the density of the ligaments and tendons that surround the bones. This is why stretching and mobilization are a particularly important aspect of Thai massage.

Circulatory compressions, practiced in the groin, armpits, collarbones and other minor points, powerfully promote the elimination of waste in the arteries and intensely revitalize energy. Because of their very stimulating effect on the circulatory level, they require great precautions. With over 130 movements, this approach would best be described as a manipulative science because, on a physical level, this form of therapy helps stabilize the skeletal framework as well as the internal structures of the body.

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Two techniques are commonly used in Thailand: the northern style and the southern style. The northern one, taught in Changmai, is generally gentler and great attention is paid to intensive work on the legs and their energy lines. Emphasis is placed on joint manipulations and movement of the body in a more contemplative style. The southern style, taught at Wat Phô, is more oriented towards pressure, the precision of the reflex points and a particularly rapid and invigorating work of energy. The "tugging" of the nerves is particular to the south and much less used in the northern style.

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(excerpts from Passeportsante.net)