By Ariela Grodner
In some schools, Thai Massage is taught without Ayurvedic. The same applies to schools of Ayurveda, it is usually missing the dance that Thai Massage brings. The union of the two is a gift.
If we trace the roots of each of these arts back 2,500 years one comes to the teachings of a single physician known as Jivaka Kumar. He was the physician and disciple of the Buddha and he helped preserve the well-being of the community and developed the teachings on healthcare in the Sacred texts. It was believed that he helped to maintain the health of the Buddha himself. Jivaka is revered as the father of ancient medicine. In fact, there was not a systematic explanation of Ayurveda before that time. One could go so far as to say that the two of them played a very important role in revealing the connection between the mind and body through the physical/physiological elements and mental bodies. When we approach the practice of Thai massage and Ayurveda or even their union, we should always pay homage to the original teachers, the Buddha and his disciple, the great physician.
Thai massage is a very holistic modality of bodywork. There is the potential to affect everything from the alignment of the body all the way to the subtle blockages of the winds of the mind. Thai Massage can heal all levels of suffering.
My favorite thing about the sharing and teaching of Thai Massage, is that I feel so happy myself being part of this great tradition and feeling part of the ancient family line of preservation and development of this ever-changing and growing gift.
Phase I of Ariela’s Certification in Traditional Thai Massage and Ayurveda is coming up soon! Learn more on the workshop page.
