What is the Sinchai Method of Massage?

Perhaps the most often question which is hard to definitively answer is, “what will I learn if I
study with Ajarn Sinchai?” What makes his teaching different from other massage schools?
A brief history of Ajarn Sinchai must be understood so you can place his method into proper
“context.”
He often shares his story to those who ask, and such is available from published interviews. He
comes originally from Chonburi province, and lost his vision at age 2 from a childhood virus.
Those who know him will notice he has great intellectual curiosity, and willingness to learn. One
of his earliest hopes was to be the first blind Thai citizen to graduate from a formal university.
However, he was chosen to attend Vocational School for the blind in Bangkok. In the early 1960s
he left home and studied under the auspices of Lersin Hospital Bangkok. He learned basic life
skills, self care, and was chosen for Thai Massage training. This Thai Massage course was
different than the current Thai Massage. (The Thai Massage Revival Project of the 1980s, later
formed the general curriculum of what is now practiced ).
He graduated Massage School in 1969. Continued with a “specialized” course in medical
rehabilitation and patient care. He relocated to Chiang Mai. Served over 34 years employment
at Suan Dok Hospital (Now Chiang Mai University Medical Complex).
He career is quite unique in that he never worked outside the medical environment. His practice
is the result of working with patients suffering from serious medical conditions. This is reflected
in his current practice and philosophy. In a recent interview, he states his great interest in
helping Stroke patients. Through decades of practice, he developed insight in the neurological
and psychological challenges of patients confronted with paralysis.
He is quite familiar with typical medical concerns: sprains, vehicular accident injuries,
respiratory illness such as pneumonia, Bells Palsy, and structural overuse and postural
syndromes, etc. Generally these are understood in a “western’ background of anatomy,
pathology, and treatment. Chinese meridians, Thai system of Sen Lines, and other traditional
medicine practices are not referenced in his system.
Approach, Techniques, Method
The above brief history is intended to provide the “context” of his experience. Please note he is
extensively trained in Thai Massage and is in fact a Thai person, it is incorrect to state he doesn’t
practice Thai Massage. As with any experienced practitioner, he has evolved through hands on
practice. In effect, this is best labeled as: “Sinchai Massage.” From a practical perspective, the
strong power moves common to some Thai styles have limited benefit with serious conditions.
Ajarn understands the risk to reward of various techniques and emphatically believes the
Hippocratic ideal of “Do no harm.” High velocity twists, extreme stretches are replaced with
gentle range of motion tests. He understands pain syndromes are more than just tissue
aberrations. The human nervous system seeks to protect itself, and Ajarn believes adding to the
pain is INAPPRORIATE. He prefers to remain well under a patient’s pain threshold. If you witness
him in treatment, it appears quite moderate in pressure. An injured person needs “treatment”
not assault. However, it must still be effective. This is the wisdom gained from his over 50 years
of practice.
Additionally he teaches proper body mechanics. First, to preserve us from bad posture and
overuse injuries, (such as tendonitis). Maintaining good posture to protect your hips and back
will translate to your relaxed performance. “Maximum efficiency with minimum effort” as
proclaimed by Judo’s founder, Dr. Jigaro Kano.
The basis of his system is rooted in western Physical Therapy. An understanding of anatomy as it
pertains to massage is important. Of interest is the parallel concept taught by Tom Myers, the
famous American Anatomist and author. His presentation of “Anatomy Trains, Myofascial
Meridiens” is identical to Ajarn Sinchai’s understanding of functional lines of movement. A
highly suggested reference.
And finally the choice of techniques. The best analogy is that “techniques” are simply tools. A
good therapist requires a varied “tool box” and uses them with an open mind. Entirely
dependent on the needs of the person being treated. Also within the practitioners unique body
type, flexibility, physical strength, and knowledge of your own limitations.