History

Thai Massage has its origins inIndia and goes back more than 2500 years, when Dr. Shivago, a contemporary of the Buddha, developed his, therapeutic massage techniques.

This method of treatment was adopted by Buddhist monks who spread massage along with the Buddhist teachings. Around the second century BC those teachings and massage arrived in Thailand where it integrated into Thai traditional medicine.

Ancient Depiction of  Thai Massage

This knowledge was preserved by word of mouth, and then gradually transcribed on palm leaves.  These are written versions almost all disappeared during the looting of the city of Ayuthaya in 1767 by the Burmese.

The few fragments that escaped this destruction served as the basis for designs that can be found today on the temple walls Phra Chetupon (Wat Po) inBangkok, whose construction began in 1832.

The Traditional Thai Medicine recognizes the disease as a disturbance of the free flow of energy within the "Sen", or lines of energy throughout the body.

Through pressures with the thumbs, elbows and feet, and by stretching postures and manipulation at the joints, the Thai massage helps restore balance and the dynamic energy within the body.

Practice

Thai massage is usually is a dry massage, without sliding agent, such as oils. Although, more modern variations, use various oils such as, the ever popular, tiger balm.  

A relaxing massage covers the entire body and lasts from 1 to 2 hours. You may of course be limited to only massage of painful areas, which then requires 15 to 30 minutes of treatment.

Effects

Evacuation of stress
Release of tension and muscle stiffness
A general feeling of well-being
Treatment of more than 50 diseases (headache, tennis elbow)
Stimulation of the bloodstream and lymphatic system.

There are many reasons for partaking in a traditional Thai massage.

Herbal Massage

The herbal massage combines traditional Thai massage with the application of herbs on the whole body. In Thailand there are around 3000 different herbs, which can be roughly classified into 3 groups: The herbs called "hot" to stimulate the flow of energy in the body.
The herbs: to increase the effect of welfare massage sensations pleasant smell.
The specific herbs: This group comprises the majority herbs that have a specific action on each of the 42 bodies that recognizes traditional Thai medicine.
Herbs, ideally fresh, cut into small pieces, mixed and placed in cotton linen to make a ball easily manipulable by the masseur. This herb ball is finally put in the oven for a few minutes to be heated by steam before being applied to the body.

Foot Massage

Put yourself for a moment in place of your feet. Imagine yourself locked in your shoes, while supporting your weight for a whole day.
In this society where a person has no time to take care of their body and the spare time to enjoy the benefits of a foot massage. Abandon yourself to a masseur for an hour and feel the sensation of lightness that you will invade you after a massage.

Background
The Thai foot massage is actually an ancient Chinese massage technique that dates back more than 3000 years. It has the ability to prevent and cure many diseases, such as headaches and digestive disorders.
The beneficial effects of massage on internal organs can be explained by their stimulation through reflexes in specific areas located on the sole of the foot.

Practice
Unlike body massage, foot massage is done with oil and with the help of a massage stick made of wood. It encompasses the entire leg, i.e. up until the knee, and lasts for around 1 hour.