18/05/2025
A Short History of Thai Massage: From Royal Pleasure to Global Practice
Thai massage, known traditionally as Nuad Thai or Nuad Boran (ancient massage), traces its roots back over 2,500 years. It is believed to have been founded by Jīvaka Komārabhacca, a physician and contemporary of the Buddha, who is revered in Thailand as the “father of medicine.” This healing practice blended knowledge from Indian Ayurvedic medicine, Chinese acupressure, and Southeast Asian healing traditions.
In its early form, Thai massage was closely tied to Buddhist temples and monastic life, particularly as a spiritual and medical practice. Over time, its refinement was adopted by the royal court, where it became both a symbol of luxury and a practical treatment for the elite. In the Kingdom of Siam (modern-day Thailand), massage was seen as a noble art, and palace therapists were trained extensively to serve the royal family. These practitioners followed a codified method that emphasized both physical touch and energy line work (sen), aligning with Thai cosmology and health beliefs.
In the royal court, Thai massage was more than mere physical therapy, it was a ritual of wellness, reserved for royalty and nobles to restore balance, promote longevity, and reflect the kingdom’s sophisticated cultural knowledge. Techniques were passed down through oral tradition and apprenticeship, often kept within palace walls.
In the 19th century, King Rama III ordered the systematization of Thai medicine and massage knowledge. This led to inscriptions of massage techniques and diagrams on the walls of Wat Pho in Bangkok, which became, and remains, a center for traditional Thai massage education.
Today, Thai massage has evolved into a globally respected practice, yet its deep spiritual and royal heritage remains a source of pride in Thailand. From sacred temples to international spas, its journey reflects both cultural preservation and global appeal.
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