Many believe Thai massage was developed over 2000 years ago in India by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, the physician of Buddha. The technique made its way to Thailand, where Ayurvedic methods were influenced by traditional Chinese medicine.
Also called Thai yoga massage, this technique is one of the more energizing and rigorous styles of massage. Therapists use their bodies (hands, knees, legs and feet) to move and position the client into yoga-like stretches and poses. They may also combine muscle compression acupressure and joint mobilizing as part of treatment. Although rigorous, clients describe the aftereffects as quite relaxing.