Nuad Thai Definition by WHO

Thai traditional massage, known in the Thai language as “Nuad Thai”, is Thailand’s traditional manual therapy. Nuad Thai is defined as “examination, diagnosis and treatment with the intention to prevent disease and promote health using pressure, circular pressure, squeezing, touching, bending, stretching, application of hot compresses, steam baths, traditional medicines, or other procedures of the art of Thai massage, all of which are based on the principles of Thai traditional medicine.” (1)

Nuad Thai is divided into two main types, namely, “Nuad Thai for health” and”Nuad Thai therapy”.

• “Nuad Thai for health” is usually applied all over the body to help relax muscle tension. Although Nuad Thai for health can help relieve general body aches and pains, it is intended for relaxation and health promotion rather than for therapeutic purposes. The use of Nuad Thai for health is not considered to be the practice of a healing art. (2,3,4)

• “Nuad Thai therapy” is intended to (i) cure or relieve musculoskeletal disorders and painful symptoms in various parts of the body, e.g. myofascial pain syndrome or tension headache, and (ii) prevent or relieve muscle spasm and joint stiffness, e.g. in patients with paralysis, paresis or Parkinson’s disease. This therapy is symptom-oriented Nuad Thai that concentrates on massaging the affected body part and related areas of the body for therapeutic purposes.

Some of the key findings as related to Thai Spa, and the part of the project that is looking to develop a Thai Spa Standard based on the World Class Spa Standard

บทสรุปที่น่าสนใจจากการทำสำรวจของประชาคมยุโรป (EU) ต่อสปาไทย เป็นการเริ่มต้นการร่วมมือระหว่างไทยกับ EU ในการพัฒนาสปาไทยสู่สากล

Some of the key findings as related to Thai Spa, and the part of the project that is looking to develop a Thai Spa Standard based on the World Class Spa Standard:

i.  Thai massage is considered as a service with a strong cultural identity and is able to increase customers wellnesS.

 ii. Difficulties to establish an image of seriousness and respectability because of ‘Thai erotic massage.

 iii. Positive attitude among people that experienced Thai Spa

iv. The discrepancy in service quality is great hindrance

v.  Improving Thai spa image can be pursued through qualification and training of the employees

vi. Price of Thai spa is too cheap in Germany

vii.Thai Certification and grading system could be revised (i.e. a three tier class system seen as confusing for the consumer – once the certification/grading has public acceptance, then look to introduce classes if volume dictates)

viii. Certification should be maintained year by year and it would be better if can be revoked at any time.

ix. Investing in promotion of Thai Spa Standard is crucial