"We humans are very good at facing a challenge, solving a situation, or reaching out to someone for support," says the director of Yale Medicine's Interdisciplinary Stress Center. "We are wired to respond to and relieve stress, sometimes automatically. But life has become more complex and many situations don't have easy answers."
In today's fast-paced world, chronic stress is a constant companion. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Society and work impose unprecedented pressures on individuals. The signs of stress are everywhere and the consequences are many. Chronic stress slowly depletes a person's psychological resources, damaging the brain and body until the stressed person feels unable to change their situation. And yet finding an effective solution can be a real challenge, leaving many feeling overwhelmed and unwell. Even if we all react differently to stress, and there's no one right way to manage it, Nuad Thai Massage has been proved to be a powerful technique to help our mind and body.
Nuad Thai Massage is an ancient Thai practice that dates back 5,000 years and is historically linked to Buddhism. It incorporates Ayurvedic medicine, acupressure, yoga-like postures and meditation. This blend of practices creates a powerful tool for relaxing the body and calming the mind. Maria, the founder of SOLEA and organiser of The Nuad Thai Retreat in Tuscany, is one of the few who has benefited from this technique. "In 2021, I was on the verge of a serious burnout, which left me feeling lost, with no idea how to deal with this difficult situation. I tried everything to feel better: psychological sessions, nutrition, yoga, meditation, massage, etc. But Nuad Thai Massage worked best. When I finally felt my health improving, I started attending Nuad Thai classes in Amsterdam to learn this extremely beneficial practice".
Four years later, she set up SOLEA to help others in the same situation. Many people suffer from chronic stress and have no idea what to do or where to turn. Even within the EU, the problem is tackled in different ways. In the Netherlands, for example, where the system is one of the most advanced and mental health is considered an important topic, there are still waiting lists of months to start a process with a psychologist. Meanwhile, in Italy, chronic stress is still not recognised as something that needs attention. It's crucial to deal with it as soon as it manifests itself or, better still, to prevent it. That's why Maria wants to raise awareness with SOLEA and is now collaborating with ITM Thai Hand Amsterdam for the first Nuad Thai Retreat in Italy.
“The idea behind the retreat is simple: combining Tuscany's natural beauty and exquisite food with the restorative power of Nuad Thai Massage to create a unique, life-changing experience for participants. Over thirteen days of deep immersion in Nuad Thai, amidst the enchanting Tuscan countryside, participants will find relief from chronic stress and learn a technique that will serve as a lifelong tool for stress management. This retreat is also ideal for those aspiring to become Nuad Thai practitioners, as ITM Thai Hand is among the few institutions in Europe authorized to certify in this ancient massage technique.”
Founded by Manel Aguilera and Nicole van Zurk, ITM Thai Hand is the first European franchise of ITM Chiang Mai, the International Training Massage School in Northern Thailand. Since 2009, they have been helping massage enthusiasts, aspiring therapists and wellness seekers to master Nuad Thai Massage and they have guided more than 10,000 people to wellness through this ancient practice. Since 2018, they have also developed a new way of approaching this massage, making it more accessible to everyone through their lifestyle Nuad Thai classes, which are now a daily reality in Amsterdam.
In a world where the pressures of everyday life can often feel overwhelming, turning to ancient wisdom such as Nuad Thai Massage can provide a much-needed respite and a path to long-term well-being, along with new ways to manage stress and promote a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
