The EARTH element “ธาตุดิน Ṭhātu din” (Taat diin)

It represents the solid parts such as: muscles, bones, organs, both inside and outside the body, trees, tables, stones, etc. Everything tangible. Thai massage also operates in its material aspect, on the body, muscle-tendon chains, joints, skin, etc.

Thai Nuad Borarn works here to soften and prepare the earth for cultivating energies.

The WATER element “ธาตุน้ำ Ṭhātu n̂ả”(Taat naan)

All the fluid parts of the body both inside and outside of it, blood, rain, sweat and moisture, body fluids in general are part of the element Water, which often resides as in life in the earth, it resides in the element Earth and needs the wind to move.

Thai Nuad Borarn mechanically stimulates the movement of fluids in the body to keep all organs healthy.

The WIND element “ธาตุลม Ṭhātu lm”(Taat Luum)

The energy of the body to stay in motion needs the wind element, there are different types of wind that move in various directions of the body inside and outside to connect all that is perceptible. Through breathing, the gases inside the intestine and outside the organs (space and empty areas of the body)

Thai Nuad Borarn encourages the movement of energy to flow freely in the body.

The FIRE element “ธาตุไฟ Ṭhātu fị” (Taat faii)

And the vital heat that allows us life inside and outside the body. Like the energy of digestion that destroys to create, even body heat uses elements to provide heat. Thai Nuad Borarn rebalances energy and fluids, it often happens that during or after a treatment the perception of temperature changes even suddenly and even several times, even with manifestations of sweating.

​

When we talk about Thai herbalism, we are not just referring to phytotherapy, but to a much broader knowledge, which includes the use of numerous ingestible natural elements: not only plants, but also substances of animal origin, insects, minerals, horns and much more. It is an ancient tradition that is based on the ability of some herbs to convey others, promoting their absorption and effectiveness.

Among these, an important role is played by herbs with a spicy or hot flavor, such as chili peppers, onions, long pepper, black pepper, garlic. These plants have the ability to penetrate the superficial layers of the skin, stimulating circulation, dissolving stagnation through heat and relieving pain. In addition, they promote sweating, an essential mechanism for the elimination of toxins and to allow the active ingredients of herbs to reach the deeper layers of the body.

For this reason, in herbal formulations intended for tissues, sên (energy channels) or bone layers, one often finds herbs with a spicy and warming character. However, these substances must be used with caution: in case of skin rashes, inflammation or fever, they can be excessively stimulating.

Within this category, there is a subclass of herbs defined as aromatic and spicy, such as Borneo camphor, known for their particular ability to transport other active ingredients through the skin. Not surprisingly, these plants are frequently present in massage formulations, balms and liniments used in traditional Thai physical therapy.

Another essential element of the Thai pharmacopoeia is salt, often found in herbal tablets. In addition to providing essential minerals for bones, salt also has the property of retaining heat, prolonging the beneficial effects of herbal applications.

If you look at the ingredients of most Thai herbal compresses, balms, liniments, compresses and plasters, you will find that they often contain a combination of herbs from these flavor categories, especially the savory one.

Understanding the role of different flavors in herbal formulations is not only fascinating, but also helps us create more effective blends and better understand the properties of the products we use. Thai herbal tradition is not only a science, but also an art, based on a wise balance between ingredients, energies and knowledge passed down over time.