Traditional Thai massage, known in the Thai language as "Nuad Thai," has been added to the UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
According to UNESCO, Nuad Thai is "part of the art, science and culture of traditional Thai healthcare."
A Thai representative (at the UNESCO meeting, held in Bogota, Colombia,) called the decision "historic," adding that it will help promote the practice not only in Thailand but also abroad.
Thai massage is already popular in many parts of the world, and unlike most massages, no oils or lotions are used. People are fully dressed while the therapist pulls and stretches different parts of their body by using their own fingers, palms, elbows, knees, and feet.
Nuad Thai has been practiced in Thailand for centuries. According to UNESCO, there are over 25,000 Thai massage therapists in the country.
ヌアット・タイはタイで何世紀にもわたって施されてきた。 ユネスコによると、同国には2万5,000人以上のタイ式マッサージのセラピストがいる。
"The technique is very precise; there are so many things to be aware of," professional therapist Chilean Sari told The Guardian.
Nuad Thai services are available in most hospitals in Thailand, with over four million hospital visits made every year to receive the treatment. The massage is believed to help with headaches, back pain, sleep problems and anxiety.(ANGK-ZA-YETI)
The UNESCO's cultural heritage list currently has 550 items, with new practices being added every year.
