In the life of human being, no one can avoid sickness and how people of each nation deal with their symptoms and diseases depend on their culture, tradition and values. Of all diseases approximately 30% are severe and thus require modern medicine and health care specialists. The other 70% are not serious and common diseases that are preventable and can be treated by self-care using traditional or folk medicines. In Thailand, Thai traditional massage has been the national art and science of healing and remedy to relieve muscle fatigue, ache and pain, reduce stress, relieve back and neck pain.

As mentioned in the dispatch of Lalubaire, the French envoy to Siam during 1656-1688, “In Siam when someone gets sick, not much is done except for giving body massage or acupressure and most are healed.

Nowadays the ancient wisdom of Thai traditional massage has been developed into a part of the body of knowledge of Thai traditional medicine, a holistic medicine. Thai traditional massage can be divided into two main categories, namely “Royal massage” and “Folk massage”. Royal massage was originally the type of massage for the royal family or aristocracy; hence it is given in a very polite nature using only hands and fingers, while folk massage refers to the type of massage applying among the family members and the general public. The masseur uses different parts of his body, i.e. hands, elbows, knees, to bend, pull, press or tread.

The art and science of Thai traditional massage is now well accepted by Thais and foreigners alike and becoming very popular both in Thailand and abroad.

Some contra-indications for Thai traditional massage are e.g. too thin, too weak, rash, wound, bruise, swollen joint, jaundice, high fever, broken bone, muscle inflammation etc.