In the early 1800's
during the reign of King Rama III( great-grandfather of present King),
both yoga and traditional Thai massage reached its height of popularity.
The yoga sculptures/ writings and Thai massage details were recorded
in Wat Pho. It is said that yoga was used as a form of ancient Thai
medical treatment that was studied for many generations prior. The
intentions of the statues and murals recorded at Wat Pho were to preserve
and to be used as resource for people of future generation to continue
to practice the tradition of yoga and Thai massage.
If you're in Bangkok,
you should visit Wat Pho to receive a real Thai massage. They
also offer training courses, you can email them for more info.
Wat
Pho Bangkok
email only
The following
is a written contribution by our dear friend Sascha Delberg:
First you have to understand that there are two main styles within
the traditional thai massage: the northern and the southern. The northern
style is praciticed in Chiang Mai. The southern from Bangkok down
south. The main difference, as I've experienced for myself, is that
northern style is softer and includes lots of stretches and more (passive)yoga-postures
than the southern style. The work of Bangkok-style is mainly based
on acupressure along the energy-lines of the body. Unfortunately two
of the greatest masters of thai-massage passed away recently: Chaiyuth
Priyasith and Asokananda (Harald Brust).
Schools in Chiang
Mai offer weekly courses beginning each Monday. One or two weeks-courses
and advanced courses are available. I recommend the following schools
in and around Chiang Mai:
ITM (International Training Massage school) (5 days - 30h week:
3000 baht)
www.itmthaimassage.com
head of school is Mr.Chongkol Setthakorn
Tel. +66 53 218632
Old Medicine
Hospital Chiang mai (10 days 4000 baht)
old medical hospital is also excellent for receiving massage.
www.thaimassageschool.ac.th
238/8 wuolai Rd.( across old chiangmai cultural center)
haiya Restrict Amphur Mueng chiangmai 50100
Tel / Fax +66 53 201663 , 275085
E-mail : thaimassageschool@hotmail.com
Sunshine Massage School (founded by Asokananda)
(2 weeks course (60 hours) 6500 baht)
www.sunshine-massage-school.com
159/2 Kaew Nawarat Soi 4
Chiang Mai 50000 Thailand
Email: info@sunshine-massage-school.com
Phone: +66 53 262574
The Sunshine
Mountain Lahu Village (founded by Asokananda)
12 days - basic accomodation - 3 rice meals a day: 9900 baht
www.thaiyogamassage.infothai.com
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