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dukkha (unbearableness), and anatta would be to create causes and conditions
(non-self). Idappaccayata is the principle of favorable for healing and recovery.
conditionality - that all things arise, persist
and cease due to an endless stream of eve TTM has embraced these Buddhist
- changing causes or conditions. natural laws in all aspects of its healing and
treatment process. Traditional doctors are
A Buddhist view informed by these trained to understand the unique nature of
three principles holds that health and each individual patient, specifically his or her
illness are phenomena that arise, change and basic characteristics, gender, age, temperament,
disappear, being dependent on causes and character traits, physical characteristics
conditions that are in a state of constant flux. including body shape, positions of organs,
Illness is simply something wrought by the their normal functioning or irregularities, the
elements that constitute the body as nature bodyโ€s different parts and overall system,
takes its course. If we cling to illness as ours, the basic nature of illnesses, remedies and
it would only add mental suffering. This treatments to be prescribed (Yongsak, 2016:
awareness led to the realization that things 175-176).
are determined by causes and conditions, not
by oneโ€s craving or godsโ€ blessings. From this As part of TTM, Nuad Thai takes this
perspective, healthcare and healing should holistic approach to health and healing, but its
concentrate first on avoiding causes and main aim is to redress imbalances in the wind
conditions that could give rise to diseases. But element in the body, especially lom (wind)
if illnesses have already occurred, the focus that is carried through sen or energy channels
through the body. When lom in sen is
imbalanced, whether being agitated,
weakened or deranged, it will affect lom in
the entire body and have repercussions on
the water and fire elements. Unless being
treated, the abnormalities will eventually
spread to the earth element, which
constitutes the body organs. Restoring
balance to the wind in sen simultaneously
improves blood circulation. Therefore, the
focus of Thai massage therapy is on the wind
and blood, two of the most vital elements of
human body, according to TTM.
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