Is Thai Massage the Same As Yoga?
Thai massage - the traditional form of massage practiced throughout Thailand from ancient times to the present day - has often been called "Thai yoga massage" or "Thai yoga." Why is this and are yoga and massage really the same?
Why Is Thai Massage Called "Yoga"?
The healing art known as Thai massage gives the impression that the massage therapist is performing yoga exercises on his or her client. Postures similar to the cobra, plough and triangle asanas make people say that this type of massage is "like having someone do yoga on you." This is the only reason why Thai massage has earned the name "yoga massage."
Differences Between Thai Massage and Yoga
True enough, both the Thai form of massage and yoga that originated in India have similar effects on the human body. Both can help improve blood circulation, respiration and flexibility. Both can bring about relaxation, alertness, pain relief and other benefits. Some say that Thai massage, like yoga exercises, can put one into a state of mind fit for meditation.
But massage is not the same as yoga. In the first place, yoga is chiefly a spiritual practice, wherein the aim is the union of the human with the divine. No such lofty aim exists in Thai massage, except perhaps the desire of the massage therapist to heal others in the compassionate spirit of Buddhism. The reality is, the majority of people who get Thai massage seek only physical benefits.
Physical yoga exercises are only part of true yoga. As the yogi masters physical postures and breathing, he can then focus on control of the senses and the mind. His ultimate goal is to remove the mind of all impurities, leaving only pure consciousness.
A Thai Yoga
Instead of Thai massage, the Thai people have an art similar to yoga called Ruesri Datton, the hermit's yoga. Ruesri Datton shares the same origins as Indian yoga, among the hermits and ascetics of the East. Today Thai yoga is a fast-disappearing art form that very few people know about. It is a much smaller body of postures than Indian yoga, but no less effective for that.
If you visit Thailand, you can study both Thai massage and Ruesri Datton in traditional medical schools such as Wat Pho. The basic Ruesri Datton course consists of 18 easy postures, while you learn a general 1-hour Thai massage at the beginner level. It is best to study with Thai teachers that have authentic lineage (such as Wat Pho lineage). If this is not possible, look for certified and accredited teachers in your area. Thai massage is growing more and more popular and you'll find more opportunities to study it outside of Thailand.
Why Is Thai Massage Called "Yoga"?
The healing art known as Thai massage gives the impression that the massage therapist is performing yoga exercises on his or her client. Postures similar to the cobra, plough and triangle asanas make people say that this type of massage is "like having someone do yoga on you." This is the only reason why Thai massage has earned the name "yoga massage."
Differences Between Thai Massage and Yoga
True enough, both the Thai form of massage and yoga that originated in India have similar effects on the human body. Both can help improve blood circulation, respiration and flexibility. Both can bring about relaxation, alertness, pain relief and other benefits. Some say that Thai massage, like yoga exercises, can put one into a state of mind fit for meditation.
But massage is not the same as yoga. In the first place, yoga is chiefly a spiritual practice, wherein the aim is the union of the human with the divine. No such lofty aim exists in Thai massage, except perhaps the desire of the massage therapist to heal others in the compassionate spirit of Buddhism. The reality is, the majority of people who get Thai massage seek only physical benefits.
Physical yoga exercises are only part of true yoga. As the yogi masters physical postures and breathing, he can then focus on control of the senses and the mind. His ultimate goal is to remove the mind of all impurities, leaving only pure consciousness.
A Thai Yoga
Instead of Thai massage, the Thai people have an art similar to yoga called Ruesri Datton, the hermit's yoga. Ruesri Datton shares the same origins as Indian yoga, among the hermits and ascetics of the East. Today Thai yoga is a fast-disappearing art form that very few people know about. It is a much smaller body of postures than Indian yoga, but no less effective for that.
If you visit Thailand, you can study both Thai massage and Ruesri Datton in traditional medical schools such as Wat Pho. The basic Ruesri Datton course consists of 18 easy postures, while you learn a general 1-hour Thai massage at the beginner level. It is best to study with Thai teachers that have authentic lineage (such as Wat Pho lineage). If this is not possible, look for certified and accredited teachers in your area. Thai massage is growing more and more popular and you'll find more opportunities to study it outside of Thailand.
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