Thai Traditional Massage Yoga was founded by Dr.Jivaka Bhaccha Kumar, a major
Indian doctor and contemporary of the Buddha. In Thailand he is honored today as the father of the art of medicine and massage. In this tradition he is called upon before each massage with a vocal pali prayer to support the practice in his way.
For people of a western origin, the method is mainly taught according to two specific styles, coming out of two different cities.

The southern school in Bangkok teaches the stronger, tougher, harder style, following its traditional origin, the "What Pho Thai Traditional Massage School".

The northern, gentler style is taught in the city of Chiang Mai, following a long tradition at the "Thai Massage School Shivagakomarapaj" in the "Old Medical Hospital".

I learned my basic skills at these two schools and received certificates for the use of the massage as a relaxation and a pain therapy. I deepened my knowledge

at two other major schools in Chiang Mai at the "Sunshine-Massage School", based on the teachings of Ashokananda and with private lessons at the"Loi-Kroh TTM Massage School".

Personally, I now prefer the gentler northern style Chiang Mai and use it with elements of other body work in the massage.