If you are worried that a sport like Muay Thai sounds a bit too strenuous and dangerous for you, or because you’re too unfit (and frankly too worried) to engage in it, then this blog should put your fears to rest.
After years of addictive acting out, many of us are in pretty bad shape. Even after a month or two in primary drug rehab, you might think that the level of cardio fitness required to do something like Muay Thai would be beyond you. Well think again.WHAT IS MUAY THAI?
Muay Thai was developed initially for the battlefield during the medieval era when Thailand was at was with neighbouring Burma. All of the countries regional to South East Asia have some version of ‘the art of 8 limbs’. If you lost your weapon on the battlefield then being able to use all of your striking limbs; your fists, elbows, knees and lower legs, was very helpful as a last resort.
Over the centuries Muay Thai has entered deeply into Thai culture and become the national sport. It is a great source of pride for the Thai people who rightly look highly upon internationally known proponents of the sport as local heroes. Thai kickboxers like Buakaw, Senchai and Yodsanklai, to name just three of Thailand’s greatest kickboxing stars of recent times, are international celebrities.
THE SPIRITUAL SIDE OF MUAY THAI
MUAY THAI & MUAY BORAN CAN BE USED AS A MOVING MEDITATION (OR ‘TRAUMA INFORMED THERAPY’)
SO WHAT CAN MUAY THAI DO FOR ME?
- Well it’s a self-defence technique, which is handy
- The cardio is like nothing else. You will get used to this level of intensity much more quickly than you think you will
- It’s a fast track to getting fit because it’s fun. It doesn’t feel like work
- It teaches you about Thai culture and customs
- It brings you into a rewarding working relationship with local Thai people who are just great to be around with their laid back and happy energy
- Movement is therapeutic and meditational.
FAQs ABOUT MUAY THAI AT ALPHA
So that’s a basic overview of Muay Thai works in a Thai addiction treatment setting.
Contact us at Alpha for more information about our body-based recovery programme or counselling services in Chiang Mai.