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The Ancient System of Traditional Thai Massage

The Ancient System of Traditional Thai Massage

Legend claims that Shivago Komarpaj, who according to the Pāli Buddhist canon served as the Buddha‘s physician more than 2,500 years ago, is the father of Thai massage and traditional Thai medicine. While it is true that ancient documents refer to his extraordinary medical skills, his knowledge of herbal medicine, and his impressive roster of patients, including the Buddha, the truth is more complicated.

The ancient healing powers of Traditional Thai Massage have their roots in yoga, meditation and and Ayurveda, one of the world’s oldest holistic approaches to wellness. Developed more than 3,000 years ago in India, Ayurveda is based on the belief that health and wellness depend on a delicate balance between the mind, body and spirit.

This combination of sources provides a wealth of benefits. Among other things, it can be used to increase vitality, inhibit illness and release tension and stress.

The combination of influences from Indian, Chinese and Southeast Asian cultural spheres and medical traditions may have come together during the 19th century when the British Empire connected people and countries in ways never before imagined.  In Thailand, you will find considerable variation from region to region, again implying the existence of varied influences.

The Raven Spa offers a comprehensive system of Traditional Thai Massage that combines rhythmic massage, gentle twisting, acupressure and deep stretching.

Oils and lotions are not used in Traditional Thai Massage.  At the Raven Spa, however, you can add a traditional Herbal Ball to your treatment for a nominal fee.  Used as a hot compress to reduce inflammation, relieve chronic muscle and joint pain and ease various skin conditions, the Herbal Ball is a distinctive mixture of healing herbs wrapped in cloth and heated.

With Traditional Thai Massage, there is no need to disrobe. We recommend that you wear loose, comfortable clothing. Rather than rubbing your muscles, the massage therapist will stretch, compress and rock your body. You will be positioned in a variety of healthful yoga-like positions during the course of the massage and will experience a combination of deep static and rhythmic pressures. This type of massage generally follows designated energy lines in the body.

“Just an amazing experience!” raves Chelsea L. “I did the Traditional Thai Massage and the Extreme Remedy and both were amazing! Have never had a massage quite like that and walked out feeling great. Will definitely be back.”

“Raven spa is wonderful!” agrees Kristen B. of North Hills, Los Angeles. “My daughter treated me to my first Thai Massage this past year!  It was peaceful and amazing!  So, for my triplet daughters (plus myself), I treated them for their birthday to Thai Massages!  What a great way to spend a birthday!  Thank you, Raven.”

If you would like to experience the healing benefits of Traditional Thai Massage yourself, please call either of the Raven’s two spas in the Los Angeles area. Our spa in Santa Monica is located at 208 Pier Avenue

Our Silverlake spa, located at 2910 Rowena Ave., is also rated among the top spas in Los Angeles. For your convenience, both of our Los Angeles spas are open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.