From a Western point of view, it is obvious that traditional Thai massage enhances the flexibility of the body, stimulates nerves, relaxes muscles, and enhances blood circulation as well as the lymphatic system. Moreover traditional Thai massage releases chemical substances called endorphins into the nervous system. These are able to neutralize pain and stressful feelings, and will move the reciever into a deep feeling of well-being.

In its holistic approach traditional Thai massage is first considered as a work on one's energy system before focusing on a person's physical body. For the giver as well as for the receiver the balance of the spirit and the mind is the first objective in the practice of nuad boran. The Thai massage therapist, compared to a classical massage therapist, is not guided by anatomic structure or by physiological structure but by following the web of complex energy lines (sen) throughout the entire body. As well as yogic postures primarily focus on the energy flow and then on enhancing the flexibility of the body.

This deep tissue and energy-flow massage can detox the body, enhance its natural defense system, prevent sickness and accidents by promoting the flexibility of different tissues. Finally, the art of traditional Thai massage, given with calmness, serenity and from an attitude of attention and understanding brings the giver and the receiver into a deep meditation which will gives to both a subtle sense of well being.

From its therapeutic approach one of the functions of nuad boran is to stimulate the body's natural way of healing itself. Even though traditional Thai massage complements significantly other medical and physical treatments, it would obviously wrong to think that it is a massage that can heal everything. Traditional Thai massage is before everything a relaxing massage and some of its techniques can be used in a therapeutic way from case to case. But it wouldn't be reasonable to rely only on its benefits. Even though the effect of traditional Thai massage are obvious, in certain cases, the patient should definitely consult a qualified professional doctor.