The founder of Thai massage is known to have been an Ayurvedic doctor, (originally from Northern India) called Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, who was a physician and friend of the Buddha, and personal physician to the King. It is believed that he brought this healing art form to Thailand 2500 years ago, and there it was mixed with indigenous massage and Chinese massage. Thai massage was originally a spiritual practice, being taught and practised in temples, which were health centres where common people could go for spiritual, physical and emotional healing. The massage developed in different ways across the country, over centuries. There were various styles, owing to the changing traditions within families and temples, and to the fact that knowledge was passed down orally from generation to generation or from teacher to student. Thai massage can be of benefit to everyone. The sequence can be adapted according to the needs of the individual, no matter what age or how flexible they are. To give and receive Thai massage is a powerful and unique experience, in that it aims to balance and relax the body. It helps in the release of stress and tension, physical, mental and emotional. Thai massage helps to balance the body by releasing blockages in the free flow of energy. Using acupressure, reflexology and stretches the Thai practitioner works on ten invisible energy lines, similar to meridians. These lines are called the ten sen (or sib sen) and can be thought of as rivers which run through the body and are linked to the body's energy centres called chakras. Thai massage is unique as it helps to deeply relax the body and at the same time restores energy. The overall effect is very balancing, releases toxins, supports the immune system and increases a sense of well-being, as well as helping to improve posture. The movements assist the restructuring of the musculo-skeletal framework with great benefits for dancers, athletes, and yoga enthusiasts and for all people who wish to have more energy and achieve maximum performance. The sequence of applied Hatha yoga stretches combined with deep pressure to the energy lines often hugely increases flexibility, balances energy levels, supports the immune system and can improve posture, whilst increasing a sense of wellbeing, with great benefits for dancers, athletes, and yoga enthusiasts and for all people who wish to have more energy and achieve maximum performance.