Jivaka Komarabhacca, the legendary physician of the historic Buddha is credited as being the father of traditional Thai Massage and medicine. His teachings are closely followed at the Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok (Famous for the reclining Buddha). Jivaka is honoured with prayers at the beginning of traditional Thai massage sessions.
Wat Pho is regarded as the earliest public centre of Thai massage knowledge. Today, Wat Pho continues to train massage therapists through its renowned school. It is considered one of the most prestigious Thai massage schools in the world.
The massage techniques and the modern spa culture we know today – stretching, acupressure, energy lines were preserved and formalised here. Many Thai massage therapists globally trace their training lineage back to Wat Pho.
Jivaka adapted a 3,000 – 5,000-year-old holistic healing system, Ayurveda (Ayur = life, Veda = knowledge) to be practiced by monks in their temples (wats).
Ayurveda focuses on maintaining balance between mind, body, and spirit to prevent illness and promote longevity through personalised diet, herbal remedies, detoxification, yoga, and meditation.
