Actually translating ‘Nuad’ into ‘massage’ is not correct, as long as the word massage is associated with tissue manipulation as it is usually done in Western practices.

‘Nuad Thai’ is a treatment that goes beyond usual massage techniques like kneading, stroking or rubbing.

It combines three remedies that are powerful within themselves:

1. Stretching

Often disrespected as a ‘warm-up’, a good stretching routine is a …exercise program in its own rights. It’s one of the first movements we do automatically when we wake up, feel sore after sitting in the same position for a long time or whenever we need that we are getting tense or need better blood flow.

A good stretch can sometimes be all you need in order to refresh your muscles. While neglected in most other relaxation treatments, it is a crucial element of any good Thai Massage due to its many benefits for the receiver.

2. Acupressure

Shiatsu, the Japanese pressure point ‘massage’ is only one example of how efficient and effective working on certain acupressure points can be.

Reflexology is another methodology that uses pressure points to ease pain in any body part by massaging the reflex zones in the feet or the hands.

The underlying common idea is not to work on the painful areas directly, but rather to remove blockages in the energy lines (‘Sen-lines’ in Thai massage, ‘Meridians’ in Japanese and Chinese Medicine and ‘Nadis’ in Ayurveda – the Indian ‘knowledge of life’) so that the life force ‘Chi’/'Ki’/'Prana’ can flow freely again.

3. Yoga

Here is how Kerry Spina from Kids In Harmony describes what Yoga does:

Yoga is an exercise system that synergizes the body,  the mind and the spirit.  Children feel stronger, more flexible and an over all sense of joy and peace when participating in Yoga classes.

Yoga moves, bends, releases, and empowers bodies of all ages.  It also stretches, and empowers the mind.  It can assist children to have more self control and to let go and feel confident and wise in situations that they may have found challenging.  Yoga brings about a greater sense of purpose and understanding in all relationships – with themselves, their friends, family, community and world.  It can motivate the sporty child to become a better athlete and also give a greater sense of acceptance and confidence to the child that may be perceived or labelled clumsy.

Yoga isn’t about changing the child, it is about refining and nourishing what is all ready there.  It is about bringing to flower the natural beauty and essence of each individual child through the gift and opportunity of having Yoga in their life.

Of course those benefits are in no way restricted to children.

On the contrary, Thai Yoga massage specifically uses the ‘Asanas’ – Yoga positions – to support the relaxation process. This might have been the main reason for Shivago Kumarpaj, the founder of the Thai massage, to incorporate this therapy in his body work, when he put together a treatment that would help the monks around Buddha to increase and maintain their flexibility after long hours of sitting still and meditating.

Putting it together

Each of those methodologies are very beneficial within  themselves. Combined to Nuad Thai Paen Bo Rarn, they make the treatment much more than just massage:

Nuad Thai is Relaxation for BODY, MIND & SPIRIT