What is Thai Medical Acupressure Massage?

Traditional Thai Acupressure for Disease Treatment, also known as Royal Court Acupressure, refers to a method of evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, disease prevention, health promotion, and rehabilitation using basic acupressure techniques and pressure points applied by fingers, including the palm and the hand, to rub and knead the body—often with the use of oils or creams to prevent discomfort from friction, as practiced by Thai medicine practitioners. Specifically refers to a style of massage as such, the techniques must adhere to a sense of decorum and elegance, with particular emphasis on grace and proper posture during the massage. Only the fingers and palms are used for the massage, and great care is taken to maintain aesthetic beauty in the movements, also focuses on the gentle application of pressure in the correct direction and manner, following the principles of "slow, focused and steady" pressure. This means applying firm but controlled pressure to body’s energy lines and point.

Benefits of Medical acupressure:

  • Improves Blood Circulation: Enhances blood flow to the skin, increasing its temperature, which in turn stimulates sweating and the release of fats, It helps improve circulation by dilating capillaries, which also aids in the removal of waste products from cells.
  • Alleviates Pain from Toxin Build-up: The massage can help relieve pain caused by the accumulation of chemicals and waste from cellular activity. It also helps reduce high blood pressure by improving circulation.
  • Improves Lymphatic Circulation: Stimulates the lymphatic system, helping it to work more efficiently in removing toxins from the body and supporting the immune system.
  • Relieves Stress and Muscle Tension: It induces relaxation for both the nervous system and muscles, allowing for easier movement and flexibility, reducing physical and mental stress.
  • Stimulates Digestion: Promotes intestinal movement, improving digestion and easing bowel movements, contributing to better overall digestive health.
  • Reduces Allergy Symptoms: Help to alleviate allergic reactions, supporting the body’s immune response.
  • Improves Blood Flow and Detoxification: By stimulating blood circulation, Thai massage helps to replace stale blood with fresh, oxygenated blood, carrying waste products to be filtered out by the kidneys, liver and excreted through urine or stool.

Suitable for treating a variety of conditions, including:

  • Muscle pain without inflammation
  • Migraine & Headache
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Piriformis syndrome
  • Digestive issues - Constipation, GERD, Flatulence, IBS
  • Menstrual disorder
  • Bell’s palsy

This approach highlights the dual aspects of art and medicine, blending therapeutic techniques with the aesthetics of royal court traditions, ensuring both physical benefits and a sense of refined beauty in the practice.

This practice has its roots in the ancient Chinese medical tradition and is closely related to acupuncture, which also targets specific points on the body. Over time, acupressure has been widely acknowledged for its beneficial effects on the human body, even gaining recognition from modern medicine around the world.

The concept of acupressure involves stimulating or rejuvenating the body's systems using natural methods. It can effectively relieve various ailments and strengthen the body, leading to improved physical health and a clearer, more positive state of mind. Correctly applied pressure can enhance the performance of the body's systems, ensuring that all organs function harmoniously, without obstruction or degeneration. It also helps to bolster the body’s immune resistance and promote cellular health.

One of the great advantages of acupressure is that it is simple to learn and practice. It does not require a licensed medical professional to perform. Individuals can apply acupressure on themselves or have a family member do it, as long as they understand the correct techniques and the specific points to target.