Key layers in Thai bodywork Physical layers ผิว (Phǐu): This means “skin”. Practitioners may work superficially on the skin layer to improve circulation and stimulate nerve endings เนื้อ (Nʉ́a): This refers to “flesh” or “muscle”. The therapeutic techniques of Thai bodywork often focus on releasing tension and knots within the muscle layers. กระดูก (Krà-dùuk): This word means “bone”. The bone and joint layer is addressed through mobilization and stretching techniques to increase joint fluid and improve range of motion. Energetic layers เส้น (Sên): Pronounced “sen,” this word is the most important concept related to energy work in Thai bodywork. The sen are the energy lines or channels that run throughout the body, similar to the meridian system in Traditional Chinese Medicine. The ultimate goal of much Thai bodywork is to clear blockages and stimulate the flow of energy along these lines.
In traditional Thai bodywork, the concept of “layers” refers to the various physical and energetic components of the body that are addressed during treatment.
Instead of using a single term for “layers” or “levels,” specific Thai terms are used to describe the different tissues and energy systems.
How to refer to the layers in Thai
When discussing bodywork, it is more accurate to specify the layer you are referring to rather than using a general term for “layers.”
Example phrases
กายห้าชั้น (Gaai hâa chán) — “The five layers of the body.” This term, used in Traditional Thai Medicine, refers to the five comprehensive layers: skin, tissue, sen, bone, and organs.
Working on the energy lines:
นวดเส้น (Nûat sên) — “Massage the sen.”
Working on the muscles:
นวดกล้ามเนื้อ (Nûat glâam-nʉ́a) — “Massage the muscles.”
Releasing tension in the deep tissue/fascia:
Thai bodywork addresses the fascia and deep tissue as part of its comprehensive approach, incorporating techniques like compression and stretching. While there is no single Thai term that translates directly, a phrase could be:
คลายพังผืดและเนื้อเยื่อส่วนลึก (Klaai pang-pʉ̀ʉt láe nʉ́a-yʉ̂ʉa sùan lʉ́k) — “Release fascia and deep tissue.”
The five layers of the body:
กายห้าชั้น (Gaai hâa chán) — “The five layers of the body.” This term is used in the context of Traditional Thai Medicine to refer to the comprehensive five layers: skin, tissue, sen, bone, and organs.
Here is a list of techniques and their applications used by a Thai Massage practitioner:
For Skin
Spreading/Unfolding • Rolling • Rubbing • Heating • Pressing
