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Anatomical Locations in the Trunk Correlated with Basic Massage

Lines and Signaling Points of Nuad Thai

*
*,‡
Narongsak Chantawang , Krissana Homwhuttiwong , Prarin Chupawa †
*Faculty of Medicine, Mahasarakham University, Nakhon Sawan Road, Tambon Talad, Amphoe Mueang,
Maha Sarakham 44000, Thailand
†
Faculty of Engineering, Mahasarakham University, Tambon Kham Riang, Amphoe Kantharawichai, Maha Sarakham 44150, Thailand
‡
Corresponding author: narongsak.c@msu.ac.th

Abstract

Court-Type Thai Traditional Massage (CTTM) or Nuad Thai (Thai massage) Raja Sum Nak is an
effective treatment for musculoskeletal disorders that are commonplace in Thai infirmaries and has specific
major lines or points for massage with deep compression and rhythmic gentle pressing. The aims of this study
were to compare surface landmarks and anatomical structures of the trunk in major basic massage lines (BLs),
massage points (MPs) and signaling point (SPs) between healthy volunteers and cadavers by percussion,
auscultation, bimanual palpation and dissection including measuring the applied pressure force by acupressure
test in healthy volunteers. In healthy volunteers, percussion or auscultation in lines and points of abdominal
region demonstrated a bowel sound, whereas for the back region a dull sound was demonstrated. Palpation
indicated there were muscles in both abdominal and back regions in all lines and points of CTTM. Dissection
of cadavers revealed the anatomical structures in the abdomen beneath major locations were mainly organs of
the gastrointestinal (GI) system with their associated small vessels and the large vessels. For the back area,
BLs and SPs are verified to be mostly muscular structures with their associated vessels and nerve branches.
The BLs of the shoulder correspond to the fleshy part of the upper trapezius muscle with related underlying
vessels and nerves. The averages of the commonly applied fingerûs pressure massage on abdominal, back and
shoulder areas were 5.32 ± 1.28 kg, 11.6 ± 1.45 kg and 8.5 ± 0.36 kg, respectively. The trunk MPs, BLs and
SPs used in CTTM are associated with or closely correlated to important anatomical structures, especially GI
tract organs, blood vessels, nerves and paravertebral muscles. The results of this study are important for
clinical practice and could lead to effective treatment with patient safety.

Key words: Nuad Thai (Thai massage), basic massage lines, signaling points, pressure value

Received date 07/06/17 Accepted date 22/06/18

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