Short introduction to the History of Thai massage

Massage techniques, which can be found all over the world, are the most ancient ways to cure the complaints of body and soul.

The origin of Thai massage and traditional therapeutics has mainly remained a mystery, but their roots go back to India. According to the legends, some 2500 years ago, in the age of Buddha, Shivago Komarpahj (the doctor of the king) developed Thai massage, that conquered the world, alongside Buddhism. The method was developing continuously, in which Indian yoga and Chinese therapeutic techniques played an important role. It reached today’s Thailand in the 2nd-3rd century A.D.

Different curing methods were spread within monasteries and families from generation to generation but only by the means of oral tradition (Thai families still teach their children to the massage techniques). Finally these ancient techniques were written on palm leaves in Pali language. The secret was guarded in Ayutthaya, the old capital of Thailand, until 1767. Then during the Burmese invasion these notes were destroyed with only fractures remaining.

King Rama the 3rd issued a regulation according to which all fractures from Thai massage descriptions had to be engraved on stone. These epigraphy can still be seen in the Wat Po Buddhist monastery in Bangkok. This means 60 drawings, 30 front view and 30 back view, that illustrate the energy channels and therapeutic points of the human body. In 1836 a University was established in the monastery building, which is still working and is considered to be the most accurate massage school.