Drawing from Thai history cultural studies Buddhist religion and yogic practices as well as a modern understanding of anatomy and physiology this book finally bridges the gap between the theory and practice of Thai massage. THE ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THAI MASSAGE is unique in that it presents this form of bodywork as it is understood in Thailand as a therapeutic medical science. For the first time the history spiritual traditions and ethical codes of Thai medicine are presented in full alongside the most detailed analysis of each particular step in the Thai massage routine. Examples of therapeutic routines to treat specific disorders are discussed and a complete section is dedicated to the main energy meridians and diagrams of acupressure points. The book is written in an engaging informal style with numerous photographs and diagrams illustrating the techniques used.

