The school's main textbook says the first document mentioning Thai massage was a memorandum by a French diplomat to the Thai royal court in 1690. Techniques were passed on from generation to generation, but in 1962 the techniques were codified and the school was opened at Wat Po. She is small but powerful, confessing that strong hands are a must. Scott, a retired high school psychologist, said the course would be excellent for honeymooners or couples looking to spice up their love life. I think touch deprivation is one of the biggest problems in western society.
Students also learn how to incorporate herbs.
They are ground up and placed in a small bag which is warmed in a bamboo steamer, then rolled onto the area to be massaged. This is said to be good for relieving muscle inflammation, pain, bruising and fatigue. There is often a wait of about 45 minutes. Tourists can register, then explore the magnificent temple in the meantime. Thailand has become a bargain for tourists since the collapse of the currency, the baht, which has dropped some 40 per cent against many major western currencies.