About us
Jivaka Komarabhacca
Jivaka Komarabhacca was an ancient physician and a prominent figure in traditional medicine. He lived during the time of the Buddha, over 2,500 years ago in India.
– The *personal physician to the Buddha*
– A *royal court doctor* in the kingdom of Magadha
– The *founder and patron of traditional Thai medicine and massage*
Jivaka was highly respected for his deep knowledge of herbs, surgery, and holistic healing. He studied at *Takksila University*, a famous ancient medical school, and became known for curing serious illnesses that others could not treat.
In Thailand, he is honored as the *“Father Doctor”* (หมอชีวกโกมารภัจจ์ ) and is often prayed to before Thai massage sessions to bless the healing practice.
The Father of Thai Traditional Medicine
Nuad Thai – The Art of Thai Traditional Massage
*Nuad Thai*, or Thai Traditional Massage, is a healing practice with roots over *2,500 years old*. It combines *acupressure, assisted stretching, and energy line work* to restore balance in the body.
Its origins are linked to *Jivaka Komarabhacca*, the personal physician to the Buddha, who is honored as the “Father of Thai Medicine.”
Thai massage blends knowledge from *Ayurveda (India), Traditional Chinese Medicine*, and *Thai healing culture*. Over centuries, it was passed down by monks and healers, especially in temples like *Wat Pho* in Bangkok — a key training center today.
In 2019, *UNESCO recognized Nuad Thai* as an *Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity*, honoring its value in promoting health, wellness, and Thai identity.
Wat Pho is home to the *first Thai massage school* in Thailand, founded in 1955.
– The temple preserves ancient inscriptions and diagrams of *Sen lines* (energy lines) and pressure points, carved on stone tablets and walls.
– Thai massage taught here follows the principles of *Jivaka Komarabhacca* and blends stretching, acupressure, and holistic healing.
– Wat Pho’s massage pavilions are open to the public, offering authentic treatments by trained therapists.
– Today, it is considered the *national center for Thai Traditional Medicine* and attracts students from around the world.
Wat Pho and Thai Massage
Thai Massage at Wat Pho
Wat Pho, also known as the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in Bangkok, is the *birthplace and center of traditional Thai massage*.r
The temple has been a key place for preserving and teaching Thai massage for centuries. In the 19th century, King Rama III established the first Thai massage school at Wat Pho to formalize training and protect this ancient healing art.
Today, *Wat Pho Traditional Medical School* offers courses to both locals and international students, helping keep the tradition alive worldwide.
Visitors can also experience authentic Thai massage treatments at the temple’s massage school, combining healing techniques with spiritual and cultural heritage.
Wat Pho is widely regarded as the heart of Thai massage culture and a must-visit for anyone interested in Thai healing arts.