The instructional information in this book is based on the
program taught in Chiang Mai at the Old Medicine Hospital,
the Foundation of Shivago Komparaj. This is considered a
northern style of Thai massage. The training program at the Foundation
of Shivago Komparaj is conducted in a traditional manner. A
ritual prayer in the Pali language is chanted in veneration of the Father
Doctor twice daily. This ceremony, called Wai Khru, is offered as a
mark of respect to our teachers and in the hope that the studies and
practice will lead to good conduct and action, and lessening of human
suffering. A fuller description of the ceremony, including the text of
the mantra, appears in Appendix B. Specific rules and methods of
Thai massage are outlined for students to learn and follow. In the
following sections, I have expanded and added explanations to the
information as presented at the Old Medicine Hospital.