Thai massage originated in India over 2500 years ago and uses stretching techniques and the use of gentle pressure along the meridians or 'sen' lines of the body. A fully clothed treatment performed on a mat on the floor, thai massage aims to encourage the body's own life force (or chi) to flow freely and easily and is suitable for addressing a wide range of ailments such as stress, insomnia, low energy and various musculoskeletal conditions such as back pain. Thai massage is carried out on a mat, which is laid out on the floor. The therapist uses both their hands and feet to apply pressure to the client's fully-clothed body and to carry out a range of gentle stretching movements. The therapist focuses on the client's energy lines (which, in this therapy are called sen lines), with the aim of unblocking stagnant and trapped energy, stimulating specific energy points and encouraging the body's own life force (or chi) to flow freely and easily. A Thai massage normally lasts up to two hours and clients are advised to wear loose, comfortable clothes.