What is Thai Massage? Introducing Yin-thai by moving crafts

One of the first questions that will undoubtedly come to mind when reading the title of this article is: what is the difference between Thai Massage and Yin-Thai Massage? We admit, it’s a good question. The short answer is that Yin-Thai is a bit more gentle, but we will expand on that. First, let’s talk about what Thai Massage is itself, because it’s really something impressive.

The Cradle of Civilization

Of all the varieties of massage, Thai may be the one that is closest to the traditional union of medicine, spirituality, and massage.Thai Massage has a long and truly prestigious history, and a sacred origin. The whole thing makes us kind of excited, frankly.

The history of Thai Massage is not a story that begins nor ends in Thailand, but it does pass right through again and again. As a technique, Thai Massage extends back more than 2500 years. Most practitioners credit a physician-monk from northern India, who was a personal physician to the Mghada King Bimbisara, or perhaps the Guatama Buddha, depending on which version you subscribe to.

While there is some discrepancy in the story, what is understood is that the practice we know as Thai Massage was conceived and developed by a physician-monk, and, along with Buddhism and other sacred teachings, it traveled along the networks of trade and cultural exchange from its origins in Northern India, across Asia, into the Malay Peninsula, where, like Buddhism, it was adopted, adapted, and embraced.

A Star is Born…(or at least given a name)

Perhaps the main reason this practice has come to be known as Thai Massage is that it was in Thailand where it was codified, and, later, literally, carved into stone. By the middle of the second millennium, the Thai kingdom had grown prosperous, based in the old capital at Ayuthaya. Theravada Buddhism, (still linked to the region), was fully developed and had become immensely popular, in partnership with Thai Massage as a medical practice. 

Codifying these practices, (agreeing on the standards and writing them down), was a project undertaken by the monks of the capital, with the active encouragement of the king. Later, after a devastating attack by the kingdom of Burma, the capital of Thailand was moved east to Bangkok. It is here where the king decided to secure this knowledge by having it carved into stone images, adorning the temple now known as Wat Pho. Here, they can still be seen to this day. In over 60 detailed images, the fundamental techniques of this practice are displayed, connecting the practice, and all those  who undertake it, to a prestigious past.

Benefits of Yin-Thai Massage

The purpose of what we call Thai Massage was (and still is) to correct imbalances in energy flow through the main channels it takes through the body. With energy in proper flow, the body systems, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual, are able to function properly. 

The ancient medicine that underlies Thai Massage is founded on the recognition of energy lines in the body, called ‘Sen’. There are ten in particular, called ‘Sib Sen’, that are considered to be the main paths through which energy flows the body, and the entire being. When energy is flowing perfectly through these lines, the systems of the being, including the body, have all the energy they need; supply can match demand. 

Illness, at its core, stems from an imbalance of some sort in these energy lines. The fundamental idea of the medicine we know as Thai Massage is that blockages in these channels can be treated, and imbalances corrected, allowing the body and the being to combat stress and illness at its fullest potential.

Blockages in energy lines are not just seen as physical, but sometimes metaphysical, and the receiver gets treatment which helps the body to release and function better. It is an intensive, and well researched and practiced holistic treatment. Often the best results come in the days that follow, as the body responds to the improved flow of energy.

So…What is Yin-Thai ? (so glad you asked)

Yin-Thai massage is Thai Massage slowed down; nothing else differs. The fundamental techniques, practices, and understanding of this medicine remain the same. 

After years of performing this style of massage, Moving Crafts founder, Barbara Vogel, noticed a certain problem. Many people find that, in its most traditional practice, Thai Massage can  be a bit too vigorous. In fact, there are even stories in which people have even been hurt. That is a rare occurrence, but definitely not what we want massage to do!

The reason for this issue is actually pretty easy to understand, if you think about it. This is a practice designed for and designed within a whole different culture. Asian people quite regularly sit in a squat position (which westerners don’t)…heck, that’s generally how they use the toilet! This is just one of several activities that make a big difference in the body, particularly the fascia and other soft tissue. We are just not as flexible in the same ways. It makes perfect sense to adapt the practice to western bodies and lifestyles.

Thai Massage is a powerful practice in holistic medicine. It is robust, and envigorating, but it doesn’t have to be painful to be beneficial. This is where Yin-Thai came into being. 

Yin-Thai is built on the same philosophy and the same practices, but it is done with gentle flow. The techniques are all applied with the soothing touch most people associate with a massage, rather than the traditional vigor, which many people frankly find quite jarring. Nothing else differs, and no benefits are lost. 

A Final Note for the Student-Practitioner

There is a particular connection between this practice and basic yoga exercises. So much so in fact, that we highly recommend that anyone undertaking this practice familiarize themselves with yogic exercise and stretching, and use them regularly. 

Think about it. 

This practice originates from northern India at a time that Buddhism and Hinduism were developing from their roots; yoga and other sacred practices would have been an essential part of the package. This was not a time of specialization, but a time in which all these things were being birthed from the same nursery. They are integrated with one another, right to the very essence. 

The demands that the practice puts on the body, but also the way in which Thai Massage uses energy of spirit, requires good flow for both giver and receiver. Including a practice for your own maintenance of well-being is essential.

The power of your personal practice through yogic exercise will translate directly into a better massage that takes less from you, as the giver. We highly recommend you make it part of the package for yourself, like the founders intended.