Foot Massage History

Thai Foot Massage is incredibly popular in Thailand today. On the tourist trails you are never far
from somewhere offering you the chance to put your feet up and watch the world go by. Traditionally
however, all forms of Traditional Thai Massage were seen as a spiritual practice, found in temples
and hospitals, rather than the beach or the market place.
The tourist trade undoubtedly drives the huge number of people offering Thai Foot Massage, and,
with a one hour massage costing the equivalent of a day’s minimum wage, these shops remain
focused on the tourist trade. Despite this, Thai Foot Massage still remains an integral part of the Thai
Culture and way of life. It is commonly practised within the family and between friends for relaxation
and health, as well as by traditional Thai doctors and healers.
Traditional Thai Massage credits an Indian Ayurvedic Doctor, known as Jivaka Kumarabhacca (c.
500 BCE), as the father or founder of Traditional Thai Medicine. Prayers are made in his honour
prior to a massage and his spirit is invited to work through the practitioner and guide their treatment.
This prayer, known in Thailand as Wai Kru (honouring the teacher), is spoken in Pali and Sanskrit,
two ancient Indian languages.
A statue of Jivaka Kumarabhacca at Wat Pho
There are different versions regarding the birth of Jivaka Kumarabhacca, whose name translates as
“to live” and “be raised by a Prince”. All of the versions agree that Prince Abhaya adopted Jivaka.
Prince Abhaya was the son of King Bimbisara of the Maghadan Empire (North Eastern India). As
Jivaka grew he became interested in medicine and healing and spent seven years studying with a
renowned Indian Doctor. By the time he had finished his study he had surpassed even his teacher and
was sent out to practise with his teacher ’s blessing. His ability to heal was legendary and he became
famous throughout India treating Kings and Princes. His most renowned, and favourite patient of all
was the Buddha whom Jivaka attended three times a day. Jivaka even built a monastery in his garden
and donated it to Buddha and his disciples.
After Buddha’s death it was not until the reign of the Indian emperor Ashoka (c. 300 BCE) that
Buddhism became established on a national level within India. Emperor Ashoka began to spread the
teachings of Buddha internationally by sending Buddhist monks throughout Southeast Asia. These
monks, who were often trained in Ayurvedic principles, not only spread the word of Buddhism, but
also the now legendary stories of Jivaka Kumarabhacca and the Ayurvedic principles. The monks set
up temples and hospitals wherever they settled and their skills became integrated with local medical
practices. Thailand is thought to have had mainly shamanic style healing practices prior to the arrival
of Buddhism.
The spread of Buddhism and the ancient trade routes of Southeast Asia show how Buddhism first
spread from India towards China and then further East to Japan and Korea. It also shows how
Buddhism spread back from Japan to Northern Thailand. This spread of Buddhism and the trade
routes show the general direction of travel. The routes were not simply from A to B. Trade, along the
Silk Road for example, did not involve taking goods from one end of the road to the other; goods
were generally sold on along the way. Smaller routes branching from these main routes enabled local
traders to join the route and became market places and stop off points. Although there is no evidence I
would imagine that Padabhyanga, the ayurvedic name for foot massage, would have been a popular
skill on such treks.

 

Following is the Traditional pre massage prayer for welness and healing

Wai Kru

The following prayer or mantra is traditionally spoken prior to a massage as a way of paying respect
to Doctor Jivaka Khumarabacca, and asking for his guidance during the massage. In my experience
this prayer is not often spoken prior to a massage in the massage shops that exist today in Thailand,
but would at least be spoken at the start of the working day.
It is written here phonetically so that you may use it.
Om Namo Jivaka Sirlasa Ahang Karuniko Sapasatanang
Osatha Tipi-Mantang Papaso Suriya-Jantang.
Khomalapato Pakha-Sesi Wantami Bandtito
Sumetaso A-rloka Sumnahomi
(3 times)
Piyo-Tewa Manussanang Piyo-Proma Namuttamo
Piyo Nakha Supananang Pininsiyang Namamihang
Namoputtaya Navon-Navien Nasatit-Nasatien
Ehi-Mama Navien-Nawae Napaitang-Vien Navien-Mahaku
Ehi-Mama Piyong-Mama Namoputtaya
(once)
Na-A Na-Wa Rokha Payati Vina-Santi
(3 times)
Original Sanskrit and Pali version:
We invite the spirit of our founder, The Father Doctor “Jivaka”,
who taught us through his saintly life.
Please bring to us the knowledge of all nature,
that this prayer will show us the true medicine of the universe.
(3 times)
In the name of this mantra,
we respect your help and pray that through our bodies
you will bring wholeness and health to the body of our client.
The goddess of healing dwells in the heavens high,
while mankind stays in the world below.
In the name of the founder,
may the heavens be reflected in the earth below
so that this healing medicine may encircle the world.
(once)
We pray for the one whom we touch,
that he will be happy and that any illness will be released from him.
(3 times)
Translation by Chongkol Setthakorn

Blog by
Golden Bliss Thai Foot Spa Kharghar
24/25 Crystal Plaza Sector 7
Hiranandani Kharghar
Navi Mumbai 410210

Call 8805133609

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article credits for this content to

Respectable Mr Simon Piers Gall and his book
Art of Thai Foot Massage

The London School of Traditional Massage
http://www.lstm.com
info@lstm.com