Thai yoga massage, also known as "nuad boran," originated in India more than 2500 years ago. Ayurvedic physician Dr. Jivaka Kumarbhaccha, who worked with the Buddha, developed this healing combination of yoga, massage and martial arts, which eventually settled in Thailand. During a Thai yoga massage, the therapist gently kneads, rocks and stretches the fully clothed client through a series of yoga-inspired postures to help release tension. The goal is to achieve balance and flow in the spirit of loving-kindness and compassion.
Training Tips
Look for a certified training specifically accredited for Thai yoga massage, and plan to spend a good amount of time studying and practicing. As with any kind of therapeutic training, learning is an ongoing process.
Meditation
Practice meditation. Each Thai yoga massage session begins with meditation, which initiates a sacred space for the session and helps the therapist and client maintain their focus.
Breathing Lessons
Be conscious of your breath. By breathing in harmony, the therapist and client create a synchronistic dance that maintains a meditative state.
Background Knowledge
Study yoga, Ayurveda and anatomy. Many of the movements are recognizable yoga poses, such as cobra, locust, bow and cat/cow. Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga, is an ancient healing tradition that treats the whole body.
Five Koshas
Understand the five koshas. "Kosha" is a Sanskrit word for sheathe, or body. The five koshas are: annamaya kosha, the physical body; pranamaya kosha, the energetic body; manomaya kosha, the emotional body; vijñamaya kosha, the intellectual body; and anandamaya kosha, the blissful body. Not only will you be unblocking obstructions in the physical body, you're also dealing with prana, or the flow of energy, as well as various emotions, the fluctuations of the mind, inner wisdom and a connection to the divine.
Pressure Points
Learn the marmas. By stretching and massaging these 10 pressure points, the therapist opens tight spots in the body and can help alleviate various ailments,
Awareness
Pay attention to detail. Maintaining awareness and being a good listener help you fine-tune your teaching and adapt to your ever-changing environment.
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