Nuad Thai (also written Nuad Boran) is the traditional Thai massage system, officially recognised as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2019 [1]. It combines acupressure along energy lines called sen, passive stretching, and guided yoga-like postures — all performed fully clothed, without oils. A single session of 60–90 minutes can relieve muscle tension, improve flexibility, reduce stress hormones, and restore your body’s natural energy flow. At Can Thai Massage Ibiza, every Nuad Thai treatment is performed by native Thai masseuses certified by Thailand’s most prestigious massage schools, in the peaceful village of Sant Miquel, Ibiza.
What exactly is Nuad Thai?
Nuad Thai is a 2,500-year-old therapeutic system from Thailand that blends acupressure, assisted stretching, and rhythmic compression along the body’s sen energy lines. The receiver stays fully clothed. Unlike Swedish or deep-tissue massage, no oils are used. It is sometimes called “Thai yoga massage” because many postures resemble yoga stretches guided by the masseuse.
The word nuad means “to press” or “to touch with the intent to heal” in Thai, while boran means “ancient.” Together, Nuad Thai describes a complete healing art rooted in Ayurvedic and Buddhist philosophy [2].
The sen energy lines
Central to Nuad Thai is the concept of sen — 72,000 invisible energy channels that run through the body. The ten primary sen lines (Sip Sen) govern the flow of prana (life energy). Blockages in these lines are believed to cause tension, pain, or illness. A skilled masseuse works along these pathways with thumbs, palms, elbows, and even feet to release those blockages and restore balance [3].
UNESCO recognition: why it matters
In December 2019, UNESCO added Nuad Thai to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity [1]. This recognition confirms that Nuad Thai is not just a wellness trend — it is a living cultural tradition of documented value, actively maintained by certified practitioners in Thailand and around the world.
What are the physical benefits of Nuad Thai?
The main physical benefits include significantly improved flexibility and range of motion, relief from chronic muscle tension and pain, better blood circulation, and reduced stiffness in joints. A 2015 randomised controlled trial found that ten sessions of Thai massage reduced chronic lower-back pain more effectively than conservative treatment alone [4].
- Improved flexibility and range of motion — passive stretching lengthens the muscles and fascia without the risk of overstretching you would face in solo yoga practice.
- Relief from tension and muscle pain — acupressure on trigger points breaks the pain-spasm cycle in overworked or sedentary muscles.
- Improved circulation — rhythmic compression acts as a pump, moving stagnant blood and lymphatic fluid and delivering oxygen to tissues [5].
- Balanced energy flow — working the sen lines addresses the root cause of tension, not just the symptom.
- Improved posture — releasing hip flexors, thoracic spine restrictions, and shoulder capsules naturally brings the body into better alignment.
- Relief from headaches and neck pain — direct work on the neck, shoulders, and upper trapezius is particularly effective for people who sit at desks or carry tension in the upper body.
How does Nuad Thai benefit your mental and emotional wellbeing?
Nuad Thai activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the “rest and digest” mode — which lowers cortisol and adrenaline. Studies show measurable reductions in anxiety and stress markers after a single session [6]. The meditative quality of the treatment also promotes mental clarity, emotional reset, and improved sleep quality.
In the frenetic context of Ibiza’s summers — festivals, travel fatigue, irregular sleep schedules — the nervous system rarely gets a true break. Nuad Thai is one of the few therapies that addresses physical and mental recovery simultaneously:
- Stress and anxiety reduction — the slow, rhythmic pressure signals the brain to downregulate the sympathetic nervous system [6].
- Improved sleep quality — deeper relaxation before sleep is one of the most commonly reported effects by our clients at Can Thai Massage Ibiza.
- Mental clarity and emotional reset — the body-scan nature of the treatment brings awareness back to physical sensations, pulling attention away from rumination.
- Mindfulness through physical sensation — the Buddhist roots of Nuad Thai place an intentional meditative quality into the masseuse’s touch, creating a profoundly calming experience.
How does a Nuad Thai session work at Can Thai Massage Ibiza?
At Can Thai Massage Ibiza in Sant Miquel, on a traditional Nuad Thai session you remain fully clothed in loose, comfortable garments. Our native Thai masseuses guide your body through a full sequence of acupressure, compression, and assisted stretching over 60 to 90 minutes, adapting the intensity to your needs at every step.
- Welcome and brief consultation — your masseuse asks about any injuries, conditions, or areas of priority so she can adapt the session to you.
- Feet and legs — the session traditionally begins at the feet, gradually working up the energy lines of the lower body to ground and relax you.
- Hips, abdomen, and lower back — stretches open the hip flexors and address common tension patterns from prolonged sitting or physical activity.
- Back, shoulders, and neck — deep compression and mobilisation release the upper body, where most people carry accumulated stress.
- Arms, hands, and face — the session closes with lighter, more detailed work to bring a sense of full-body integration and calm.
- Rest and reintegration — a brief moment of stillness at the end allows your nervous system to absorb the work before you stand up.
No prior yoga experience or particular fitness level is needed. Our masseuses adjust the intensity and depth of each stretch to your comfort — communication is always welcome and encouraged.
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How is Nuad Thai different from other massage styles?
Nuad Thai is unique in that the client remains fully clothed, no oils are used, and the masseuse uses the whole body — hands, elbows, knees, and feet — to guide the receiver through dynamic postures. This makes it fundamentally different from Western relaxation or deep-tissue massage.
| Aspect | Nuad Thai (Traditional) | Swedish Massage | Deep-Tissue Massage | Thai with Oil & Aromasession |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Fully clothed | Undressed (draped) | Undressed (draped) | Undressed (draped) |
| Oils used | No | Yes | Sometimes | Yes (essential oils) |
| Surface | Floor mat/Massage Table | Massage table | Massage table | Massage table |
| Movement | Dynamic / assisted stretching | Passive / stationary | Passive / stationary | Passive / stationary |
| Primary goal | Energy flow + flexibility | Relaxation + circulation | Deep muscle release | Relaxation + sensory calm |
| Pressure level | Adjustable (light to firm) | Light to medium | Firm to intense | Light to medium |
| Session duration | 60–90 min | 60–90 min | 60–90 min | 60–90 min |
| UNESCO recognised | Yes (2019) | No | No | No |
At Can Thai Massage Ibiza, we offer all of these styles. If you would like help choosing the right one for your needs, visit our About Us page or contact us directly.
Who is Nuad Thai suitable for — and when should you avoid it?
Nuad Thai is suitable for people of all fitness levels and ages, including those with no flexibility or yoga experience. However, it is not recommended for people who are pregnant, recovering from surgery, have active cancer, unhealed wounds, or fractures. Always inform your masseuse of any conditions before the session.
Ideal for:
- People with desk-job posture problems (rounded shoulders, tight hips, lower-back pain)
- Travellers and holidaymakers seeking deep rest and recovery
- Athletes or active people needing muscle and joint maintenance
- Anyone experiencing stress, anxiety, or poor sleep
- People curious about holistic or energy-based wellness practices
- First-timers — no prior massage or yoga experience required
When Nuad Thai is NOT advisable:
- Pregnancy
- Active cancer treatment (without physician clearance)
- Recent surgery or open wounds
- Bone fractures or acute inflammation in joints
- Active gout in the feet (for foot massage component)
- Severe osteoporosis
If you are unsure, please consult with our team before booking. We are always happy to advise on the most appropriate treatment for your situation.
How often should you receive a Nuad Thai massage?
For general wellbeing maintenance, one session every 4–6 weeks is a widely recommended starting point [5]. If you are addressing chronic tension, postural issues, or stress, an initial course of 4–6 sessions over consecutive weeks produces the most lasting results. For holiday visitors to Ibiza, even a single session delivers immediate and noticeable benefits.
The effects of Nuad Thai are cumulative. Muscle memory, fascial restrictions, and habitual tension patterns take time to shift. Guests who visit us multiple times during their stay in Ibiza consistently report longer-lasting relief with each session.
What are the most common myths about Nuad Thai?
The most persistent myths are that Thai massage is painful, that you need to be flexible, and that it is the same as a standard relaxation massage. None of these are true. A skilled masseuse always works within your comfort range, and the treatment is designed to improve flexibility — not require it.
- Myth: “It will hurt.” — Nuad Thai should never cause pain. Some pressure points may feel intense momentarily, but your masseuse constantly adjusts to your feedback. Pain is never the goal.
- Myth: “I need to be flexible or athletic.” — The opposite is true. People who are stiff or sedentary often benefit the most. The masseuse does the work; you simply receive it.
- Myth: “It’s the same as any relaxation massage.” — Nuad Thai is a therapeutic system with documented effects on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems [4]. It goes well beyond surface-level relaxation.
- Myth: “You’ll feel fine immediately after.” — Some people experience mild post-session tiredness or muscle awareness for 24–48 hours as the body integrates the work. This is normal and temporary.
- Myth: “All Thai massages are the same.” — Nuad Thai is a specific traditional practice. Not all establishments offering “Thai massage” use authentic techniques or employ certified native Thai masseuses. At Can Thai Massage Ibiza, all our masseuses are from Thailand and certified by its leading schools.
Why choose Can Thai Massage Ibiza for your Nuad Thai experience?
Can Thai Massage Ibiza is a family-run centre of Thai origin in Sant Miquel, Ibiza. All masseuses are native Thai, certified by Thailand’s most prestigious massage schools. We offer traditional Nuad Thai and a full range of Thai massage styles in a peaceful, professional environment with over 81 verified Google reviews.
We are located at Carrer Eivissa, 11, 07815 Sant Miquel, Eivissa — a calm, authentic setting away from the busy resort areas, open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:15.
Our services include traditional Nuad Thai, Thai massage with oil and aromasession, Thai facial massage, back and shoulder massage, and Thai foot reflexology. Whether you are spending a day in Ibiza or staying for the season, we can design a treatment plan that fits your time and needs.
Experience authentic Nuad Thai in Ibiza with certified native Thai masseuses.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Nuad Thai
What is the difference between Nuad Thai and a regular Thai massage?
Nuad Thai specifically refers to traditional Thai massage — the original, clothing-on, recognised by UNESCO. In practice, “Thai massage” is often used as a general term that may include oil-based or table-based variations. At Can Thai Massage Ibiza, Nuad Thai always follows the traditional method: no oils, fully clothed, and acupressure along the sen energy lines.
Do I need to be flexible to receive a Nuad Thai massage?
No prior flexibility or yoga experience is needed at all. The masseuse guides every stretch and posture, adapting the intensity to your current range of motion. People with stiffness or low mobility often experience the greatest improvements. You simply receive the treatment — the masseuse does the work.
Is Nuad Thai painful or uncomfortable?
Nuad Thai should not be painful. Some pressure points or stretched areas may feel intense, particularly if you carry a lot of tension or stiffness. However, your masseuse at Can Thai Massage Ibiza will continuously check in with you and adjust the pressure and depth to ensure your comfort throughout the session.
How long does a Nuad Thai session last?
A standard session is 60 minutes. You can extend to 90 minutes for a more thorough treatment covering all body areas in greater depth. For visitors to Ibiza who want a comprehensive reset, the 90-minute option is particularly recommended.
What should I wear to a Nuad Thai session?
Loose, comfortable clothing is ideal — think yoga trousers or comfortable tracksuit bottoms and a light top. You remain fully dressed during the entire treatment. Avoid tight jeans or restrictive layers that would limit movement during the stretching sequences.
Can I receive Nuad Thai if I have never had any massage before?
Yes. Nuad Thai is an excellent entry point for first-time massage recipients. Its fully clothed format can feel less intimidating than oil-based treatments, and the masseuse adapts every element of the session to your comfort level and physical condition. Let your masseuse know it is your first session and she will guide you gently through the process.
How is Nuad Thai different from Swedish massage?
Swedish massage is performed on a table with the client undraped, using oil-based strokes primarily for surface-level relaxation. Nuad Thai uses no oil, is performed with the client fully clothed, and includes active assisted stretching alongside acupressure — making it far more dynamic and working deeper into the musculoskeletal and energetic systems.
Why was Nuad Thai added to UNESCO’s heritage list?
In December 2019, UNESCO inscribed Nuad Thai on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising it as a living tradition of cultural and therapeutic value that has been transmitted across generations in Thailand. The recognition highlights both its historical roots and its continued practice by certified professionals worldwide.
How often should I have a Nuad Thai massage?
For general wellbeing, one session every 4–6 weeks is a common recommendation. If you are addressing a specific issue such as chronic tension or postural problems, an initial course of 4–6 weekly sessions is more effective. Holiday visitors to Ibiza with limited time will still benefit significantly from a single session, or two sessions within the same stay.
Where is Can Thai Massage Ibiza located?
We are located at Carrer Eivissa, 11, 07815 Sant Miquel, Eivissa — in the peaceful village of Sant Miquel in the north of Ibiza, next to the Thai restaurant Ca Na Hathai. We are open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 19:15. You can book online or reach us at +34 660 741 610.
Sources
- UNESCO (2019). Nuad Thai, traditional Thai massage. Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. ich.unesco.org
- Chatchawan, U. et al. (2005). Traditional Thai Massage: Theory and Practice. Chiang Mai University Press.
- Gold, R. (2007). Thai Massage: A Traditional Technique. Elsevier Mosby.
- Buttagat, V. et al. (2016). Effects of Thai Traditional Massage on Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.11.010
- Field, T. (2016). Massage session Research Review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 24, 19–31. doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2016.04.005
- Moyer, C.A., Rounds, J. & Hannum, J.W. (2004). A Meta-Analysis of Massage session Research. Psychological Bulletin, 130(1), 3–18. doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.130.1.3
About Can Thai Massage Ibiza
This article was written by the team at Can Thai Massage Ibiza, a family-run Thai massage centre founded by practitioners of Thai origin in Sant Miquel, Ibiza. All our masseuses are native Thai and hold certifications from Thailand’s most prestigious massage schools. With over 81 verified Google reviews and years of daily practice, our team brings an authentic, hands-on understanding of Nuad Thai and its therapeutic applications.
How this article was produced: Content is based on the direct practice experience of our masseuses, peer-reviewed massage session research (see Sources), and UNESCO documentation. Last reviewed: February 2026.
