Written by Rose Griscom
ABOUT THAI MASSAGE (NUAD BO-RARN)
Nuad Bo-Rarn is the traditional massage of Thailand, and is translated as ‘ancient healing way’. Thai Massage is a key component of traditional Thai medicine, an ancient holistic approach to healing the body, heart/mind, and spirit. Thai medicine strives to treat the underlying cause of any illness by addressing imbalances in these three essences. Each essence affects the others, so the most effective treatment addresses the whole person. Traditional Thai medicine does this by encompassing the use of herbs, diet and nutrition, spiritual practices (such as meditation), and thai massage.
HOW IS THAI MASSAGE DONE?
Traditional Nuad Bo-Rarn Thai massage is performed on a mat on the floor rather than a raised table. This allows for many movements and procedures that are not practical or effective in table work. The client remains fully clothed except for the feet. Clothing should be light and allow for flexible movement. Here in the west, thai massage has been adapted to be done on a massage table, with the client clothed or unclothed and draped.
The work itself consists primarily of pressure on energy lines and points, and a large variety of stretching movements. Pressure is exerted with the palms of the hand, the thumbs and the feet; at some points the elbows may be used. The pressure and stretching movements are combined in a comprehensive strategy that may be performed in as little time as an hour, or may be extended to 2 1/2 to 3 hours for a full program. Two hours is frequently considered an ideal length of time for Nuad Bo-Rarn.
HOW DOES THAI MASSAGE EFFECT THE CLIENT?
The stretching movements in Nuad Bo-Rarn affect the entire body by increasing flexibility, releasing both deep and superficial tension, and helping the body’s natural energy to flow more freely. The effect of these stretching movements, in which the client plays only a passive role, is similar to yoga. This is sometimes referred to as passive yoga, or “lazy man’s yoga.” The result is an opening of the body which leaves one feeling both relaxed and energized at the same time.
Copyright Rose Griscom 2010
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Introductory classes in Thai Massage are coming up at The Red Bank Holistic Learning Center. Read more about thai massage at www.thai-massage.org, or www.thaihealingalliance.com.
