Delving into the development and history of Thai medicines and therapies

Professional massage

Modern Thai therapies flaunt a unique blend of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Biomedicine; however, this fact never belittles the importance of Traditional Thai medicines and therapies, which Thai physicians and therapists utilize to treat their patients. Locally known as mo boran or mo phaenboran, the traditional doctors are well versed with the basic knowledge of healing arts derived from traditional texts. Since 1238 AD, herbal medicines had been in vogue among Thai people as a reliable medium of promoting healthcare.

Thai medicines

Thai traditional medicines owe their derivation to Buddhist principles, which seek to eliminate suffering and promote wellness among individuals. Thai people have relied on herbal medicines for health benefits since ages. Taking inspiration from Buddhism itself, the Thai therapies rely heavily on texts procured by royal Thai physicians. Krasais, i.e. the symptoms of the body, and number symbolism have their Buddhism related connotations. The royal texts specify 26 krasais, which are subdivided into two categories containing 18 and 8 krasais each. Ayurveda is yet another guiding factor that plays a pivotal role in endowing effectiveness to traditional Thai therapies.

Furthermore, Thai medicines display a sure reliance on Indian medical therapies and practices, which is so very evident through Thai Ayurveda (herbal practices) and Thai Yoga (for physical wellbeing). Indian therapeutic texts, such as Charak Samhita and Sushruta Samhita, form the basis of Thai herbal remedies. Indian Hatha Yoga inspired traditional Thai massage and physical exercises to become an all-powerful medium of promoting physical wellbeing.

Woman receiving a foot massage

Indian medical texts constitute the foundational literature when it comes to provide a theoretical background to the elite Thai medicinal practices. Chinese medicine, Buddhist rituals, Tantric cabalism and indigenous Thai animism – though these traditional healing methods were ignored in Thai medical literature, they have become very popular today.

Theravada Buddhism, indigenous Thai beliefs, Ayurveda, yoga and other influences inspired individual therapists to utilize the right blend of these separate practices in a unique and idiosyncratic way to realize the initiation and growth of Traditional Thai therapies and medicines.

You would find great variety in the way individual practitioners heal their patients and enjoy perfect wellness through different sorts of therapies and practices. Modern wellness tourists – as they explore Thailand with their aim to procure the best available wellness therapies – succeed in finding the right therapies and cures for their wellness-related problems.

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