Photos: Why a Thai massage could get UNESCO status

Tourists view the historical inscriptions of the Thai traditional massage displayed at at the Wat Po temple complex in Bangkok. This week, "nuad Thai" - or Thai massage - may be added to UNESCO's list of "Intangible Cultural Heritage" when the body meets in the Colombian capital of Bogota (December 9-14).

At Wat Pho's complex, trainees run through a catalogue of moves targeting the body's acupuncture points with thumbs, elbows, knees and feet also incorporating deep stretches and contortions. Originating in India, doctors and monks were said to have brought these methods 2,500 years ago to Thailand, passing its secrets from master to disciple in temples and later within families. Under Thailand's King Rama III in the nineteenth century, scholars engraved their knowledge of the field onto the stones of Wat Pho. But the practice really took off in 1962 thanks to the formation of the school, which has since trained more than 200,000 massage therapists who practice in 145 countries.

The Thai massage practice really took off in 1962 thanks to the formation of the Reclining Buddha School inside the famed Wat Pho temple, which has since trained more than 200,000 massage therapists who practice in 145 countries.

But the training is "demanding", says Chilean Sari, a professional masseuse who travelled to Bangkok to learn the discipline. "The technique is very precise, there are so many things to be aware of," the 34-year-old told AFP, as she made rotations with her palm on a fellow student's skull.

From upscale Bangkok spas and Phuket beach fronts to modest street-side shophouses, "nuad Thai" - or Thai massage - is ubiquitous across the kingdom, where an hour of the back-straightening discipline can cost as little as $5.

The teachings focus on directing blood circulation around problem areas to solve muscle aches - sometimes drawing winces from clients unaccustomed to the force applied.

Studies have shown a Thai massage can help relieve back pain, headaches, insomnia and even anxiety.

Matthieu Rochefolle, a nurse from Lyon, France, says Thai massage techniques add to his repertoire of skills and could help his elderly patients aching for relief. "It could also allow me to earn a little more," he says.