Introduction to Thai Massage

Introduction to Thai Massage: The Nuad Bo-Rarn Tradition

Oct 27, 2026 · @Steven Brown

What is Nuad Bo-Rarn?

Nuad Bo-Rarn is the traditional form of Thai massage. Nuad means touch or massage and Bo-Rarn means ancient, so the name translates as "ancient healing touch". It is the original style from which modern Thai massage developed. It combines acupressure along the body's energy lines, assisted yoga-like stretches and gentle rocking. Because the practitioner moves you into the stretches while you relax, it is sometimes called "lazy man's yoga".

Unlike Swedish or Sports massage, no oil is used. You stay fully clothed and the treatment takes place on a padded mat rather than a couch. The practitioner uses their palms, thumbs, elbows, knees and feet to apply pressure along the body. I practice traditional Nuad Bo-Rarn alongside Chinese and Sports massage at the therapy rooms in Hale and Chorlton.

Origins of Nuad Bo-Rarn

Nuad Bo-Rarn has a history of more than 2,500 years. Tradition credits its founder as Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, known in Thailand as Shivago Komarpaj. He is said to have been physician to the Buddha and is still honoured as the "Father Doctor" of Thai medicine. The practice spread from India to Thailand with Buddhist monks. For centuries it was taught in the temples, where monks treated the local community.

Nuad Bo-Rarn draws on Indian Ayurveda, Buddhist practice and Chinese Medicine. In 2019 UNESCO added Nuad Thai to its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Northern and Southern Styles

There are two main schools of traditional Thai massage:

• Northern style (Chiang Mai) — slower and gentler, with more emphasis on long, flowing stretches. Nuad Bo-Rarn is most closely associated with this style. The Old Medicine Hospital in Chiang Mai is a well known school.

• Southern style (Bangkok) — firmer, with more focus on acupressure along the Sen lines. It is taught at Wat Pho, the temple of the Reclining Buddha.

Both styles share the same roots and the same theory of energy lines.

The Spirit of Nuad Bo-Rarn

What makes Nuad Bo-Rarn different from a spa massage is its spiritual foundation. It is practised with Metta, which means loving kindness. This is one of the four Divine States in Buddhism, along with compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity. The practitioner works in a calm, meditative state, focused fully on the person they are treating.

A traditional session begins with a short moment of stillness, often a prayer of thanks to Shivago Komarpaj. This sets the intention for the treatment. In this way Nuad Bo-Rarn is as much a meditation for the practitioner as a treatment for the client.

The Sen Lines

In Nuad Bo-Rarn, energy flows through the body along pathways called Sen. There are said to be 72,000 Sen, and ten main lines known as the Sen Sib. When these lines become blocked, the result is pain, stiffness and illness. The practitioner works along the Sen with palms and thumbs, and uses stretching to clear the blockages and restore the flow of energy.

This will be familiar to anyone who has had acupuncture. In Chinese Medicine, Qi flows through the meridians. When Qi and Blood are blocked, we feel pain. The Sen lines and the meridians are not identical, but they share the same idea. Many of the pressure points used in Nuad Bo-Rarn lie close to acupuncture points. This is one reason why I find it works so well alongside acupuncture.

What to Expect in a Nuad Bo-Rarn Session

Before the treatment I will ask about your health, any injuries and the areas that are troubling you. Wear loose, comfortable clothing such as tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt. It is best not to eat a heavy meal for an hour or two beforehand.

The treatment takes place on a padded mat on the floor. This allows me to use my body weight and to move freely around you. A session usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes, though a full traditional treatment can last two hours. It begins with a moment of stillness, then follows a set sequence. It starts at the feet and works slowly up the body to the head. You will be treated in four positions:

1. Lying on your back

2. Lying on your side

3. Lying on your front

4. Sitting up

The techniques include:

• Palm and thumb pressure along the Sen lines

• Assisted stretches for the hips, legs, back and shoulders

• Gentle rocking to relax the muscles and calm the mind

• Joint mobilisation to improve range of motion

The treatment is slow and rhythmical. Breathing is important: I time the stretches with your out-breath so that the muscles release. The pressure can be firm but it should never be painful. Let me know if anything feels too strong and I will adjust it. Most people leave feeling relaxed and lighter, with a greater sense of freedom in their body.

Benefits of Nuad Bo-Rarn

Nuad Bo-Rarn treats the whole person, body, mind and spirit. On a physical level it is useful for a range of musculoskeletal problems. These include:

• low back pain

• neck and shoulder tension

• stiff hips and tight hamstrings

• tension headaches

• reduced flexibility from sitting at a desk all day

• stress and anxiety

The stretches lengthen tight muscles and improve flexibility. The pressure work improves blood flow to the muscles and helps release trigger points. The slow rhythm of the treatment, and the meditative way it is given, calms the nervous system and helps to reduce stress.

What the Research Says

Most studies have looked at traditional Thai massage. Chatchawan et al (2005) compared it with Swedish massage for back pain caused by myofascial trigger points. Both treatments reduced pain, and Thai massage was found to be as effective as Swedish massage. Buttagat et al (2011) found that a single session of Thai massage reduced pain, muscle tension and anxiety in patients with back pain. Damapong et al (2015) studied court-type traditional Thai massage for chronic tension-type headache. They found that it was as effective as the medication amitriptyline in reducing headache intensity.

Further trials are required, but the evidence so far is encouraging. I have found that a combination of Nuad Bo-Rarn and acupuncture is particularly effective for back pain and stiffness.

Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Thai massage hurt?

A: Thai massage should not be painful. Some stretches may feel strong, especially if you are very stiff, but the pressure is always adjusted to suit you.

Q: How is Nuad Bo-Rarn different from a spa Thai massage?

A: Many spas offer a shortened, oil-based version of Thai massage. Nuad Bo-Rarn follows the traditional full-body sequence on a mat, works along the Sen lines, and is given with Metta and a meditative focus.

Q: Do I need to be flexible?

A: No. The stretches are tailored to your body. Thai massage is a good way to improve flexibility if you feel stiff.

Q: Is Thai massage the same as yoga?

A: Not quite. The positions are similar to yoga, but in Thai massage the practitioner moves you. You stay passive and relaxed throughout.

Q: Who should avoid Thai massage?

A: It may not be suitable if you are pregnant, have recently had surgery, or have a recent injury, a fracture, osteoporosis or a blood clotting disorder. Please tell me about any health conditions before your treatment.

Q: How many sessions will I need?

A: This depends on the person and the condition. Many people feel a difference after one session. For chronic pain or stiffness, a course of three to six treatments usually works best.

Q: Can Thai massage be combined with other treatments?

A: Yes. It works well alongside acupuncture, cupping and other forms of massage.

Book a Nuad Bo-Rarn Session

If you are suffering from back pain, stiffness or stress, Nuad Bo-Rarn could help. It is a natural, holistic way to ease tension and restore balance to the body. Book an online discovery call here or call me on 07935 692 632 to arrange an appointment.

References

Buttagat V, Eungpinichpong W, Chatchawan U, Kharmwan S, 2011, The immediate effects of traditional Thai massage on heart rate variability and stress-related parameters in patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 15(1): 15–23

Chatchawan U, Thinkhamrop B, Kharmwan S, Knowles J, Eungpinichpong W, 2005, Effectiveness of traditional Thai massage versus Swedish massage among patients with back pain associated with myofascial trigger points, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies 9(4): 298–309

Damapong P, Kanchanakhan N, Eungpinichpong W, Putthapitak P, Damapong P, 2015, A randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of court-type traditional Thai massage versus amitriptyline in patients with chronic tension-type headache, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2015: 930175

UNESCO, 2019, Nuad Thai, traditional Thai massage, Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

Summer Solstice and Full Moon Healing

Today is the Summer Solstice and also a full moon called the Strawberry Moon. The Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year. The name Solstice means "sun stands still." A full moon in June was described by Native Americans as the Strawberry Moon since it was thought to mark the beginning of the strawberry season. Pagans and non pagans alike gather at mystical sites, such as Stonehenge, to celebrate sunrise on the solstice. Through the ages there was often dancing and bonfires, which were thought to keep the dark at bay. Pagans consider the solstice to be a day when the veil between this world and the next is thought to be at its thinnest.

Stonehenge

Newgrange

Castlerigg Stone Circle

Healing Session

To receive the healing you will need to call it in. This is done via intention. Here is how to do it: relax, and state your intention out loud or silently, to receive this Summer Solstice and Full Moon Healing from Geoff, for your highest good and highest healing. If you are visual you can concentrate on the pictures above.

Sun and Wind Healing

Sun and Wind in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine sun and Summer relate to the Fire Element, and Wind and Spring relate to the Wood Element. Wood is the mother of Fire. This can be easily imagined since wood can be burned to make fire. Sun is warming and yang in nature. Wind is dynamic and yang in nature. Some people of a Woody nature can find being out in windy weather to be exhilarating. As I write we are coming to the end of Spring, the Wood element and soon will be heading into Summer and the Fire Element.

Sun and Wind Healing

I was outside earlier in the week doing some exercises and stretches. I was in the sunshine but a fairly strong wind was blowing. I found that I was being warmed by the sun and cooled by the wind. I found that if I kept moving I was warm enough to stay outside. The combination of sun and wind was invigorating and it kept me out exercising longer than normal. I wanted to create a healing that gave a similar fealing, one of warmth and invigoration.

To receive the healing you will need to call it in. This is done via intention. Here is how to do it: relax, and state your intention out loud or silently, to receive this Sun and Wind Healing from Geoff, for your highest good and highest healing. If you are visual you can concentrate on the picture below: 

References

Hicks, Hicks and Mole, 2004, Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture, Churchill Livingstone

Healing the Earth Element

The Character for the Earth

Character

The Chinese Character for the Earth is tu (Weiger, 1965). The horizontal lines represent the soil and subsoil. The vertical line represents anything that grows from the earth. Seeds are planted in the earth in Spring. The season of the Earth Element is late Summer when the fields and harvested.  

Harvest Time

Harvest

In Europe in the middle ages there was a tradition of crop rotation which helps to reduce crop specific pests (RHS, 2015). Fields would be left fallow, i.e. uncultivated every few years. Animal and plant compost would be used to nourish the earth. Hedgerows that separated fields shaped the landscape and were places where animals thrived. In modern times this tradition has disappeared. Large scale harvesting is more common and chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used to produce the largest crop. However this system doesn't nourish the soil and yields may reduce.

Earth Element in Life

On a physical level we are what we make of what we eat. The Earth state of the earth can range from dry like a desert or damp like a soggy field suited to planting rice. On a physical level if we are suffering from "Damp" our digestion will be sluggish and we will be reluctant to move. On a mental level if our Earth element is strong we should be able to reap a harvest in our life (Hicks et al, 2004). If it is not our thoughts will circle endlessly and we may suffer from dissatisfaction. In Chinese Medicine humans are pictured as having their head in the heavens, where they can take in the Qi, and their feet on the earth, where they feel grounded and steady. Earthquakes like the recent one in Nepal lead to feelings of shock and instability.

Healing the Earth Element

To receive the healing you will need to call it in. This is done via intention. Here is how to do it: relax, and state your intention out loud or silently, to receive this Earth Element Healing from Geoff, for your highest good and highest healing. If you are visual you can concentrate on the picture below:

Lyme Park

References

Hicks, Hicks and Mole, 2004, Five Element Constitutional Acupuncture, Churchill Livingstone

RHS - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=124

Weiger L 1965 Chinese characters. New York: Dover

Healing the Fire Element

The Fire Element

Chinese Character for Fire

In Chinese Medicine Summer is the season of the Fire Element. Fire is hot, bright and lively. Sitting by a fire or being out on a hot Summer's day can bring us comfort and warmth. The colour red, laughing and joy are associated with the Fire Element. Heart felt communication, love and relationships are issues that test our Fire Element. If it is strong then these will be easy for us. We may be over or under active Fire Element. An overactive Fire Element lead to clowning about and opening up inappropriately. This might be considered manic behaviour. An under active Fire Element might lead to isolation and being emotionally closed off.

Healing the Fire Element

To receive the healing you will need to call it in. This is done via intention. Here is how to do it: relax, and state your intention out loud or silently, to receive this Fire Element Healing from Geoff, for your highest good and highest healing. If you are visual you can concentrate on the picture below.

Summer Healing

Summer in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese Medicine Summer is regarded as the most yang time of year. Animals are generally at their liveliest and plants are in full bloom. People come out of their homes to sit in the sunshine, have picnics and build sandcastles on the beach. The warmth encourages people to be more chatty and have fun in the sun. This season relates to the Fire Element.

Summer Healing

To receive the healing you will need to call it in. This is done via intention. Here is how to do it: relax, and state your intention out loud or silently, to receive this Summer Healing from Geoff, for your highest good and highest healing. If you are visual you can concentrate on the picture below.

Woodland Healing

Tatton Park

To receive the healing session all you need to do is read through the passage below and look at the pictures to help you visualize the events.

Imagine walking into a deer park. The path is lined with large beech trees. The deer roam freely through the park. The sheep are newly shawn. Rabbits scatter and run for their warrens as you approach. A light breeze blows through the trees. In ancient times stone age settlers camped by the lake. You feel a deep connection to nature. You wander through the park until you reach a mill pond. A swan move gracefully through the water. You sit on a nearby bench, close your eyes and listen to the sound of rushing water. You have a deep feeling of relaxation and stillness.

You sit here for five minutes allowing your mind to wander gently. You feel transported back in medieval times. When you open your eyes you see that your clothing has changed. A wizard with a long grey beard dressed all in red leads you through the park to the lake. As he does so he imparts lost wisdom. Just being in his presence leaves you with a warm feeling inside. Crossing over a bridge you see a heron in the river searching for fish. The sun gleams on the water. You move through the trees and arrive at a large oak tree by the lake. The day is warm and you decide to bathe in the lake. You feel the water washing away your troubles. You sit in the sunshine to dry off. You feel energized with a new sense of purpose in your life. As you walk back towards the entrance you hear the sound of cars in the distance and realize you are back in the present day.

Celebrating 5 years of Mystery Mastery Healing System

I am currently studying the Mystery Mastery Healing System as taught by Linda White Dove. I have completed levels 1-7 and am authorized to teach them. I will be attuned to level 8 in the near future.

Here is a link to the anniversary celebration.

Mystery Mastery Healing System is five years old and to celebrate I am offering a free healing session. I have used a combination of Reiki, Angelic Healing and Mystery Mastery Healing System to create the healing. It will work once. To receive the healing you will need to call it in. This is done via intention. Here is how to do it: relax, close your eyes, and state your intention out loud or silently, to receive this Anniversary Healing from Geoff, for your highest good and highest healing. If you are visual you can concentrate on the picture below.

When I was 5 I liked playing in the garden. We had a sand pit and played with toy cars and trucks. Picture a happy time, perhaps a birthday when you were having fun with your friends. My birthday is in May and it was often sunny and we would play outdoors in the sunshine.There may have been jelly and ice cream, and balloons.

Winter Healing

Healing

Try out my free healing. To call it in just state your intention to receive the Winter Healing from Geoff for my highest good and highest healing. Use the picture to imagine a snowy scene. The rays of light show shine down through the clouds on to a hill top (Blencathra in the Lake District).

Breaking Habits

How to break habits

1) What new habits to you wish to create

a) How do wish to feel, what should your new life look like, what sounds will you hear?

b) What habits need to go before this can happen?

c) What habits do you need to form for 2015 for you new life to become manifest?

d) Are these goals attainable and within the realm of possibility. What's your gut feeling? Trust your intuition.

2) What specific goals are you aiming for?

a) Which habits are you releasing? Write them down. and tell as many people as possible. Check back with them regularly on how you are progressing.

b) What habits are you replacing them with?

3) Create the desire for this to take place by:

a) Visualizing what your life will look like. Draw pictures, cut them out of magazines or download them. Make a vision board. Look at it regularly.

b) What new sounds will you hear? Find some music that reflects the new you.

c) What will it feel like? For example what will you be able to do having lost that weight or worked out at the gym every day.

4) Develop a plan for what you wish to do and by what date.

For example if you wish to lose weight how much do you wish to lose and over what time period? Break it down into sizable chunks that seem realistic and obtainable to you.

5) Plan which goals need to happen and in what order.

For example if you plan to climb a high mountain it would make sense to climb some smaller ones. By gradually increasing the height of the mountains climbed you will get nearer to the goal.

6) Regularly review your goals.

It helps to tell as many people as possible. Check back with them regularly on how you are progressing.