As with Shiatsu and Tuina, Thai massage is based on the philosophy that all life is animated by an essential life force. In the Ayurvedic tradition this life force is called Prana, and may be thought of as equivalent to the Chinese "Qi". Prana, like Qi, is extracted from the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat. It is said to circulate along energy pathways in and around the body forming a network of vital life force, nourishing all aspects of our being. These networks are called "sen" in Thai massage and are similar to the Chinese meridian. This energy pathway theory forms the basis of Thai Massage.
International Association of Thai Massage
