Thai acupressure is a more targeted approach to Thai massage therapy, selecting a formula of specific points to treat certain orthopedic conditions. Based on marble tablet drawings thousands of years old, practitioners use points on energy lines, pressing them in a pattern to address and heal injuries to soft tissue and bones. This knowledge has typically been passed down orally, although news of its effectiveness is catching on in Western cultures.
History
Massage itself has been practiced in Thailand since the Sukhotai era, between 1240 and 1320 A.D., but its history stretches back to the time of the Buddha. According to an article in The Yoga Journal in 1993, Shivaga Kamorpaj was a close friend and doctor to the Buddha, and it is he who is given credit for beginning Thai massage as a medical practice. Although typically an oral tradition, the preservation of medical knowledge became a duty of the ruling class during the Sukhotai period. Noam Tyroler is a practitioner and instructor of both Thai massage and Thai acupressure, and he explains on his website that the different energy lines and therapy points were carved into 60 marble tablets that are the basis of Thai acupressure therapy. These tablets remain in the Wat Po temple in Bangkok. Over the years, practitioners have developed different formulas, or point combinations, to heal specific orthopedic and even internal disorders.
Theories/Speculation
Similar to the acupressure points used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Thai acupressure relies on points that lie along energy lines, called Sen lines, and diagnose disorders based on elemental theories. Thai theories only use four elements--earth, water, wind, and fire--as opposed to TCM's five. Disorders occur when energy along these lines and points becomes imbalanced, stagnated or deficient. After diagnosing the problem, a series of points are pressed in the area surrounding the obstruction. The pattern and points are chosen based on the diagnosis and the intended treatment. By stimulating these points, the energy is encouraged to harmonize, typically clearing the blocks, repleting the deficiency, and rebalancing the patient.
Benefits
Although Thai acupressure can be combined with Thai massage, the acupressure component can be used as a stand-alone treatment. Tyroler suggests warming up the affected area first using any massage technique, and then beginning the acupressure formula. Some of the conditions that can benefit from treatment include headaches, muscle strains and sprains, ligament/tendon strains, frozen shoulder, neck pain, joint disorders, joint pain, osteoarthritis and facial disorders.
Cautions
Thai acupressure should not be used on broken or fractured bones, dislocated joints, or internal disorders that are viral or bacterial in nature. Always consult your physician before beginning, and be sure to alert the Thai practitioner to any injuries or sensitivities you may have.
Availability
Thai acupressure, as well as massage, is not as widespread as Shiatsu or other massages that are typically offerred at spas, but it is rapidly gaining in popularity. Many Thai massage practitioners may not be certified in Thai acupressure. However, much of the actual Thai massage will work with the acupressure points to stimulate energetic flow. Do some research on practices in your area. Be sure to check the biographical information of the practitioner, and their healing philosophy to ensure that they are right for your needs.
References
- Noam Tyroler's website
- "Yoga Journal"; Thai Massage; Mann, Casey; October 1993
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