Desi Wardrobe Malfunctions

Also known as Yoga massage or Nuad Phaen Boran, Thai massage has been practiced in Thailand for around twenty-five centuries, but its origins are older, in India. As well as acupressure, Thai massage is based on the theory the body is composed by energy points. In this case, at least seventy thousand lines (named “sen”) cross the body, but just ten are fundamentals. Another difference is that Yoga massage also involves compressions and stretches.

Thai massage basically consists on manipulation (part of traditional Thai rites) and peripheral stimulation to generate certain internal effects. It’s characterized by its soothing properties and its emphasis on stretching and loosening the body. Its purpose is clear energy blockages and restitutes balance and harmony to the body. As an application of yoga, patients benefit from the relaxation and curative properties of technique.

Rather than using a table, Thai massage is practiced on a firm mattress over the floor. Patients don't need to undress, except the feet. Practitioners employ their own weight to apply rhythmic pressure in the energy lines, pulling fingers, toes and ears, cracking the knuckles, arching and walking on the client's back, among others movements.

Thai massage also teaches how breathe properly and in its application, oils are only used on the client's palms and soles. Today this massage is a tourist attraction in Thailand and the practitioners are habitually women.

Notice that Thai massage is a millenary standard procedure and rhythm, accepted in several parts of the world because it is one of the more energizing forms of massage.