01/27/2026
Learning Thai element theory has changed the way I practice and helped me develop my classes to have a more traditional and approachable style. Giving people the ability to feel confident in their work vs living up to an expectation of what is visually appealing. We can achieve therapeutic results without lavish movements and that is the power of Thai massage and the magic that is Thai medicine. There is nothing wrong in the beauty of showy moves, it's more about knowing the what and why to using them and if they are necessary.
Since Thai medicine is a derivative of Buddhist medicine, its very foundation lies in the Theory of Elements of Theravada Buddhism, which describes the entire manifested universe, including the human being and their interaction with it. However, despite appearing simple at first sight, the Theory of Elements is quite difficult to fully grasp, as it is not only exact but also experiential knowledge. This means it cannot be quickly memorized and instantly applied, as is possible, for example, with formulas in chemistry or physics. Elements can only be understood practically, through long-term observation. When we speak about medicine, this requires prolonged observation and contemplation of humans - their appearance, behavior, and condition.
This is because understanding such a highly metaphysical concept as the Elements also requires a higher level of spiritual awareness - one must invest a great deal of time and effort in one’s own spiritual growth. Without an understanding of the nature of one’s own mind, it is literally impossible to understand the Elements.
This is very difficult to explain in this modern era of visual media, such as social networks, where Thai massage is primarily communicated visually. Algorithms favor short-form video content in reel formats. They push people to create, in an effort to gain audience reach, the most visually attractive videos possible, filled with numerous aesthetically appealing Thai massage techniques. This is how we ended up with style over substance. The audience has become fascinated by how elegantly and skillfully someone performs different sequences in a beautiful flow of movement. It has to be visually stimulating to create awe.
However, although skillful performance, especially good body mechanics, is of great importance, it always comes second, as it could only answer the question of “How?” The questions that precede “How?” are “What?” and “Why?” In order to perform any massage technique, one must first have answers to What is wrong with the client’s condition and Why. Only then does How come into play as a means of solving the problem.
The answers to What and Why lie, as in any medical system, in anatomy, physiology, and diagnostics. If we are speaking about Traditional Thai massage, these answers cannot be found in Western anatomy and physiology, nor in Chinese, Indian, or any other system, but only in the anatomy, physiology and diagnostics of Traditional Thai medicine. And here we’re back again to the Elements.
It is not easy. It takes time. But there is no other way around it.
If you are interested to step on this path, please write to tttbelgrade@gmail.com
