Traditional Thai massage, known as Nuad Boran or Nuad Rak Sa, is a medical practice recognised by the World Health Organisation.

The word “Nuad” means pressure, and “Boran” means ancient. Nuad Boran is primarily used to relieve pain caused by chronic muscle tension. It is also used for general well-being and preventative healthcare.

This therapy, which is over 2500 years old, is very common in Asia and India (traditional medicine). It is believed that its founder was a doctor from northern India named Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, who was the personal doctor to the King of Magadha, Bimbisara. Kumar Bhaccha is known as a friend of the Buddha and a physician for the Buddhist community. Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha passed on the various body treatments and massages that are practiced today in Thailand. All the practices of the Thai pharmacopoeia and the treatment techniques are inscribed on the walls of the Phra Chetuphon temple (Wat Po).

In addition to the massage techniques practiced today in Thailand, Kumar Bhaccha is associated with the knowledge of the healing properties of plants and minerals.