Thailand was at the crossroads of the main commercial roads between different Asian countries. Its nearness to China and its position on the main commercial road to India brought an amazing mixture of cultural and spiritual influences as well as some health and healing techniques. Even though the system of Thai traditional medicine seems to have been somewhat influenced by China it is certain that its roots are based on the Indian ayurvedic medicine. Elements of Indian medicine are obvious in the old texts of Thai traditional medicine, especially acupressure points and the complex system of energy lines (sen).

Thai tradition holds that Shivaka Komparapj, who was a physician and personal doctor of the Buddha himself, created the Thai traditional medical system. To the present day he is still respected as a god and is recognized as the father of massage techniques, acupressure points and herbal therapy.

Nuad Boran had been, for a long time, practiced only by monks who were deeply devoted to the Buddha's teaching of non-violence, compassion and loving-kindness. So, it is not surprising that traditional Thai massage has been seen for a long time, as a religious act, and still today has a strong spiritual resonance or meaning.