Abstract
Thai massage is directly linked to Ayurveda, which is one of the most remarkable holistic medical system known to us. Ayurveda tries to relate the human being to the macrocosm. It is therefore mostly a science of spiritual curing of the body as well as the soul.
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Massage was one of the most important means Dr. Jivaka employed in his healing. He developed his system of massage on the knowledge of the ayurvedic medicine as well as on the Yoga. The Rishis often suffered from pain due to their prolonged meditations and treated them with special exercises.[1] Thai massage is directly linked to Ayurveda,[2] which is one of the most remarkable holistic medical system known to us combining techniques of medical treatment with methods to increase our well-being.[3]
Literally translated Ayurveda means science of life.[4] It can be traced back to the Indo-Germanic tribes moving into India around 2 000 B.C. and calling themselves nobles (Aryan). Ayurveda was developed in about the same time the Chinese and Greeks also laid the foundations of their respective medical systems.[5]
Ayurveda is a part of the Vedas, being a supplement to the Atharveda written down around 1 200 B.C.[6] Even thought the Atharveda ist mainly a collection of magical chants and formulas it also contains many references to the medicine of its time.[7]
Around 1 500 B.C. the rishis started to write down their experiences and knowledge in the collection known as the Vedas. That is why the Aryan medicine is quite well known as many medical methods are mentioned in the Vedas.[8]
The two most important parts of the classical Indian ayurvedic medicine are the Caraka Samhita, which is considered to be written down around the sixth century B.C. by most scientists, and the Susruta Samhita, which according to the majority of the researchers was written down in the second century.[9]
Ayurveda tries to relate the human body and its parts to the macrocosm of the universe.[10] It is therefore mostly a science of spiritual curing the sicknesses of the body as well as the soul.[11]
Ayurveda claims to come the gods itself, its origins are explained by a legend. According to that there once was a big meeting of the Rishis in the Himalaya and they discussed how they could help mankind that was suffering from many sicknesses and epidemic diseases. The Rishis choose one of them, Bharadvajha, to go to the king of the gods, Indra, and ask him for advice. Indra revealed all the secrets of healing to Bharadvajha who spread them in the community of the other wise men, one of them being Atreya, said to have taught medicine to Dr. Jivaka himself.[12]
© 2006 Thailin Thai Massage Berlin- Cf. Theelen / Wetzler (2003), p. 13
- Cf. Salguero (2004), p. 4
- Cf. Frawley (2000), p. 4
- Cf. Frawley / Ranade / Lele (2005), p. 4
- Cf. Mulholland (1988), p. 174
- Cf. Stürner (2001), p. 30
- Cf. Zysk (1998), p. 14
- Cf. Zysk (1998), p. 13f
- Cf. Mulholland (1979), p. 87
- Cf. Mulholland (1988), p. 174
- Cf. Frawley (2000), p. 5
- Cf. Stürner (2001), p. 29
Bibliography
Frawley, D. (2000): Yoga and Ayurveda. Self-Healing and Self-Realization. Delhi 2000.
Frawley, D. / Ranade, S. / Lele, A. (2005): Ayurveda and Marma Therapy. Energy Points in Yogic Healing. The Chaukhamba Ayurvijnan Studies 68. Delhi 2005.
Mulholland, J. (1979): Thai Traditional Medicine: Ancient Thought and Practice in a Thai Context. In: Journal of the Siam Society 2/1979. P. 80-115.
Mulholland, J. (1988): Ayurveda, Congenital Disease and Birthdays in Thai Traditional Medicine. In: Journal of the Siam 1998. P. 174-182.
Salguero, C. P. (2004): Encyclopedia of Thai Massage. A Complete Guide to Traditional Thai Massage Therapy and Acupressure. Forres 2004.
Stürner, E. (2001): Nuad. Die traditionelle Thai Massage. Munich 2001.
Theelen R. / Wetzler N. (2003): Traditionelle Thai Massage. Kreuzlingen / Munich 2003
Zysk, K. G. (1998): Asceticism and healing in Ancient India. Medicine in the Buddhist Monastery. Indian Medical Tradition Vol. 2. 2nd Ed. Delhi 1998.
