Over the centuries, Thai village and temple residents have developed a unique form of massage known as Nuad Phaen Boran (Traditional Thai Massage) or Nuat Thai. Based on principles of meditation and healing, this traditional Thai massage incorporates a variety of techniques, including acupressure, stretching, reflexology, herbal medicine, prayer, and meditation. This relaxes muscles, improves joint range of motion, and improves the flow of energy throughout the body. This special treatment is believed to have been introduced to Thailand by Shivago Komarpaj (Jīvaka Komarabhācca), a healer and friend of the Buddha, over 2500 years ago. Traditional Thai medicine is influenced by Indian, Chinese, and local indigenous traditions, and is passed down from generation to generation primarily by word of mouth and practiced in various forms throughout Thailand. Traditional Thai massage involves meticulous massage of the entire body, from head to toe. What makes this massage different from other common massages is that the therapist stimulates muscles using various parts of the body such as the palms of the hands, elbows, knees, and feet. This treatment rhythmically stimulates the energy lines that run through the human body, called sen, and relaxes tense muscles, promoting blood flow and balancing the autonomic nervous system. This is said to improve the body’s immunity and natural healing powers. Another feature of this massage is that it incorporates stretching to increase flexibility and make the body less prone to fatigue.