Thai Bodywork combines energy-line work with assisted stretching to deeply relax and detoxify mind, body, and spirit. Called Nuad Bo’ Ram, or ancient healing touch, Thai Bodywork synthesizes the great healing traditions of India, China, and Thailand. In the second century A.D., Buddhist monks traveled from India throughout Asia, carrying with them their knowledge of the holistic medical science of Ayurveda, and of the asanas, or postures, of Hatha yoga. In Thailand, these Indian medical arts, as well elements of classical Chinese medicine, merged with indigenous healing arts to create the foundation of today’s Thai Bodywork.

As with many Eastern Medical traditions, Thai Bodywork treats the whole person by balancing energy in the body. This energy is not an esoteric entity, but is held within our breath and body. A variety of techniques, including acupressure, compression work, therapeutic stretching, joint mobilization, assisted yoga poses and meditation work to open energy channels in the recipient’s body, strengthening his or her ability to grow and heal. The work is done on a soft mat on the floor, with both practioner and receiver wearing loose, comfortable clothing to allow ease of movement.

Passed down in Thailand primarily as an oral tradition, Thai Bodywork developed certain regional styles. May practices the northern style based on the work of the master teacher Pichest Boonthumme. This style emphasizes stretching and deep energy work joined in a flowing, graceful therapeutic session. As a combination of the best parts of Yoga and Massage, Thai Bodywork is also known as Thai Yoga and Thai Massage.