History of tratitional Thai massage

Traditional Thai Massage know as Nuad Thai is a therapeutic healing practice with has existed in Thailand for more than two thousand years.Concepts of traditional medicine (including accupuncture/accupressure)and Taoist philosohy  originating from China and India both helped create the practice of traditional Thai massage.
Dr. Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, a north indian doctor, has been given the respected title of the 'father' of Thai traditional medicine. He is also the creator of the principles of healing with herbs and minerals (ayuravera).
Dr. Bhaccha was known to have lived during the same period with Buddha, and he was the personal physician to King Phimpisarn over 2,500 years ago.He is honored as the "Father of Traditional Thai Medicine".He not only inspired the art of massage, but contributed to the "concept knowlege" of Ayurvedic medicine in Thailand including herbal treatment, massage and steam baths.Before starting a massage, the practioner always offers a prayer to honor and remeber him.The recital for respecting Dr.Jivaka Kumara Bhacccha is called "Wai Khru".
The knowledge about massage was passed down from one generation to the next by word of mouth.Finally, the practice, including detailed descriptions of Traditional Thai Massage, were recorded on palm leaves in Palinese, with respect similar to that given to Buddhist religious texts.These manuscripts were kept at Ayutthaya (the old capital city of Thailand).In 1767, Ayutthaya was invaded by the Burmese.Their army destroyed many of the precious texts and pictures, leaving only some fragments.
1832 A.D. (2375 B.E.) King Rama III of the Chakri Dynasty ordered that all fragments of surviving texts describing the art of Traditional Thai Massage be craved in stones.These epigraphs were placed on the walls of Sala Mae Su at Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklaram Rajwaramahaviharn ("Wat Pho") in Bangkok.
Altogether there are 60 figures; 30 represent the front of the body, and another 30 the back.Each figure shows the energy channels (called "Sen") with their therapy points.All of these channels indicate the pattern of invisible energy channels.
According to Thai Massage theory, the human body is healthy when it keeps its energy in balance with th energy of the universe. Any imbalance in its flow will result in sickness.Working on energy points can relieve blockages and imbalances in the energy channels.When the energy flows and is balanced, your feeling of well being is restored.You feel good, energized, relaxed, and free from pain and stiffness.
The Masters of the art of Traditional Thai Massage are teaching directly to a student and it takes a long time to master it properly.
Traditional Thai Massage can be applied shallowly for relaxation, but can also be applied in depth to target a therapeutic effect.