Abstract
As a matter of fact Ayurveda has become an integral part of Thai massage as well as of traditional Thai medicine (TTM). The ayurvedic knowledge did not only spread to Thailand but also through nearly all parts of Asia. It influenced Chinese medicine as well as the ancient Greek naturopathy.
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This is how the legend goes. Indeed the Rishis gained many theoretical insights by performing meditation and observing themselves. This knowledge was enriched by the practical experience of curing people over a long time and drawing conclusions from it systematically.
Central element of Ayurveda as well as of Yoga is the exploration of the inner self as the highest form of spiritual healing. Health is considered the necessary basis to master all the tasks of the Yoga.[1] The system of Ayurveda was also improved by elements of the earlier, magical medicine as far as they could be used for a modern medicine that relies on a scientific basis.[2]
The traditional elements soon were accompanied by scientific findings of the medical specialists, the Vaidyas. Those Vaidyas emerged around 1 000 to 500 B.C. as a group of medical practitioners clearly distinguished from shamans and spiritual healers. Their medical knowledge was collected in extensive encyclopaedias, the Samhitas.[3]
Up to the last decades, Ayurveda was the most important medical system of the Indian subcontinent.[4] The knowledge of Ayurveda is said to have been brought to Thailand by Dr. Jivaka, even though it is highly doubtful he ever travelled to there.[5] As a matter of fact Ayurveda has become an integral part of Thai massage as well as of traditional Thai medicine (TTM), being one of its most important sources besides Chinese influences and local traditions.[6] The basis texts of the traditional Thai medicine are carrying numerous medical termini in Pali and Sanskrit taken directly from the Ayurveda.[7]
The ayurvedic knowledge did not only spread to Thailand but also through nearly all parts of Asia. It influenced Chinese medicine as well as the ancient Greek naturopathy.[8] All over middle and southeast Asia Ayurveda transformed itself into a science being integrated at least partially into the local medical traditions. Ayurveda is being practised most purely in Sri Lanka while in Indonesia and Malaysia it is combined with Arabic influences.[9]
© 2006 Thailin Thai Massage Berlin- Cf. Frawley (2000), p. 5f
- Cf. Zysk (1998), p. 5
- Cf. Stürner (2001), p. 30
- Cf. Frawley / Ranade / Lele (2005), p. 4
- Cf. Chow (2005), p. 13
- Cf. Mulholland (1987), p. 1
- Cf. Mulholland (1979), p. 84
- Cf. Frawley (2003), p. 6
- Cf. Mulholland (1987), p. 2
Bibliography
Chow, K. T. (2005): Thai-Yoga-Massage. Eine dynamische Therapie für körperliches Wohlbefinden und geistige Energie. Baden / Munich 2005.
Frawley, D. (2000): Yoga and Ayurveda. Self-Healing and Self-Realization. Delhi 2000.
Frawley, D. (2003): Ayurvedic Healing. A Comprehensive Guide. Delhi 2003.
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. (1987): Medicine, Magic and Evil Spirits. Study of a Text on Thai Traditional Paediatrics. Canberra 1987.
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.
