NUAD
BORAN
nuad
boran (lit. ancient massage or bodywork) is a sacred hands-on
healing modality practiced in thailand for centuries. over
the past decade we have observed a tremendous interest in nuad
boran. people all over the world
are discovering the extraordinary benefits and healing
properties of the thai tradition, and the thais themselves are realizing
the value of their unique heritage
we owe the deepest gratitude to the people and
healers of thailand for developing and preserving such a genial and transformational system
of mindfulness-based yogic bodywork techniques
techniques
the thai tradition employs an exceptionally wide range of techniques in its repertoire. through a "multi-pronged" approach the practitioner uses thumbs, fingers, palms, forearms, elbows, knees and feet. it's a dynamic combination of myofascial stretching, joint mobilization, acupressure, energy balancing, rhythmic deep tissue compression, soft tissue manipulation, assisted yoga asana, and Buddhist meditation. the result is a powerful experience of applied yoga therapy
a
comfortably soothing, meditative, rocking motion is its
trademark. joints are opened; muscles and tendons stretched; internal organs
toned; vitality increased - bringing about a deep state of relaxation, rejuvenation and
well-being
roots
nuad boran has been practiced in thailand for a very long time and its roots can be traced back to india 2,500 years ago at the time of the awakened buddha. the origin of thai medicine is attributed to dr jivaka kumar bhacca, physician to the buddha and the sangha (order of buddhist nuns and monks). according to legend, jivaka was born with a bag of acupuncture needles in his hand and was therefore predestined to become a doctor and royal physician
theory
the fundamental theory of the thai healing tradition derives from the concepts of vital energy and its pathways throughout the body. closely related to other eastern traditions we find many similarities with ayurveda, chinese medicine, etc. thai medicine focus on the circulation of vital energy (lom) in ten major energy pathways (sen). important pressure points for diagnosis and treatment are found along these pathways and hands-on therapy removes energy blockages and stimulates the free flow of vital energy
yoga texts states
that the human energy
body, pranamaya kosha, is comprised of 72,000 nadis - pathways where consciousness and energy are organized in
specific patterns. with this in mind we come to realize that the
human energy system is
affected with every move, stretch, breath or technique
we apply
meditation
mindfulness-based meditation is
a traditional buddhist technique using observation of the present
moment as its primary focus. awareness of the present moment is readily
available in our natural breathing process. by cultivating an awareness of each changing moment we realize that most of our time is spent dwelling in
the past or dreaming about the future. keeping focus mindfully on
the breath strengthens our ability to stay present with whatever arises in
each given moment
metta, translated
as loving-kindness or friendliness, is a traditional buddhist meditation
practice intrinsic to thai bodywork. metta uses positive affirmation techniques
to develop compassion and generosity towards ourselves and others.
when
compassion for all life forms becomes the focus we often feel more
connected to our own lives and everything else around us
1998-2007 © jonas westring/shantaya.org
