Nuad Thai — Traditional Thai Massage in Leith, Edinburgh
Traditional Thai bodywork, rooted in lineage and training from Chiang Mai
About Thai massage
Sometimes called assisted yoga or applied Hatha yoga, Nuad Thai is a UNESCO-recognised manual therapy with roots stretching back over 2,500 years. It works by enhancing the flow of 'energy' throughout the body along pathways known in Thai tradition as Sen lines, similar to meridians in traditional chinese medicine and nadis in Indian medicine known as ayurveda.
Whether or not you resonate with the energetic dimension, Thai massage is extraordinarily effective at improving the body's mechanics. Through a unique combination of assisted stretching, rhythmic compression, rocking, and the therapist's use of their own body weight, it creates a depth of release that oil-based Western styles of massage alone cannot always reach.
It is performed fully clothed, on a cushioned mat on the floor (traditionally), though sessions can be adapted to a massage table where sitting or lying on the floor is cold and/or uncomfortable.
My training and lineage
I hold a Diploma in Therapeutic Nuad Thai Massage from the School of Fine Art of Thai Massage in Chiang Mai, a family-run school founded by Master Therdchai Chumphoopong. Training here offered a deeply traditional, lineage-rooted grounding in Nuad Thai as it has been passed down through generations of Thai healing practice.
I have also completed Table Nuad Thai Massage Levels 1 and 2 with the International Thai Massage School (ITM), one of the most internationally recognised Thai massage schools in the world, studying under Master Diego Marquete in Lisbon and Milan. I also hold an Advanced Cupping Certificate from the Chatchai Chinese Medicine Clinic in Chiang Mai.
Together, these two distinct lineages inform my practice: one deeply rooted in traditional Thai family teaching, the other in internationally recognised therapeutic application.
I am a member of the Union of Thai Traditional Medicine Society of Thailand (membership no. 680000757).
What to expect
Every session begins with a consultation to review your medical history and tailor the massage to your needs. We will discuss my consent-led approach and agree on how you would like to communicate during the session as we move through various body positions. Building trust is fundamental in Thai massage.
You will be provided with loose, comfortable clothing designed to facilitate movement.
Sessions are offered on a cushioned floor mat or on a massage table, according to what is more comfortable to you.
Who is Thai massage for?
Thai massage suits all body types and fitness levels. Using pillows, bolsters, and modified postures, sessions are fully adaptable to your body and what it can comfortably receive on the day.
It is particularly beneficial for:
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Improving flexibility, joint mobility, and range of motion
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Reducing chronic pain and muscular tension
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Supporting circulation and lymphatic flow
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Cultivating and enhancing interoception; your ability to sense and respond to your body's internal states
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Supporting recovery from sport or physical training
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Nervous system regulation and deep restoration
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Meeting the body at an 'energetic' level (according to Thai medicine)
Athletes and those with active lifestyles often find it particularly effective, but it is equally well suited to those who are less physically active, or who simply want a deeply restorative experience that works differently from oil-based massage.
Contraindications and things to know
Thai massage is not suitable for everyone. Please get in touch before booking if any of the following apply:
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Pregnancy
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Recent surgery or acute injury
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Active inflammation, infection, or fever
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Osteoporosis or fragile bone conditions
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Certain cardiovascular conditions
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Any condition where movement or pressure may be contraindicated
If you are unsure whether Thai massage is appropriate for you, please contact me before booking and we can discuss
Frequently asked questions - FAQs
What is the difference between Thai massage and a regular massage?
Thai massage from northern Thailand (the style I trained in) is performed fully clothed on a floor mat or massage table, with no oil. It's still very much a massage, just a different kind: rather than hands gliding over oiled skin, the session involves guided stretching, compression, rocking, and the use of the therapist's knees, elbows, or feet. It can feel just as deep (sometimes deeper) than an oil-based massage, working through applied pressure and movement rather than gliding touch.
Do I need to be flexible to receive Thai massage?
Not at all. Sessions are fully adapted to your body and its range of motion on the day. You will never be pushed into a position that does not feel right; everything is consent-led and responsive.
Is Thai massage available at home?
Yes, all sessions can be performed at your home. A call-out fee applies. Get in touch to arrange
Can Thai massage be combined with other treatments?
Elements of Thai massage technique, including stretching, rocking, and compressions, can be woven into integrative bodywork sessions where appropriate. See the integrative massage page.
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