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Thai massage has its roots in a spiritual tradition, and its purpose is to heal a person physically, emotionally and spiritually.
It was originally developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand as a method of healing. The technique uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body's energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body's energy systems.
It is both deeply relaxing and energizing.
Thai massage is called Nuad Phaen Boran in Thai - which translates to Ancient Massage or Traditional Massage.
Traditionally, the massage takes place on a futon mat on the floor, and you wear loose fitting clothing. You start by laying on your back, and the therapist uses gentle compression and stretching techniques on your body.
As it progresses, the therapist will literally use her whole body, including her feet, to move your body into various positions - it has been compared to yoga without any effort on your part.
A Thai massage works on the major meridians (energy lines or Nadis), which run throughout the human body. It aims to harmonize the body, to loosen blocks, and to recoup deficiencies along the energy lines. In contrast to traditional Chinese
medicine, which uses acupuncture to manipulate the pressure points, the massage stimulates these same points with a healing touch. Therefore, the points suffer less stress, and life energy (Prana) is allowed to freely circulate.
With regard to the physical aspects of the massage, it starts at the feet and progresses up to the head. The client's body will be moved, loosened and stretched. It combines techniques which include Trigger Point Treatments, Myofascial Techniques, Manual Therapy and others.
The combination of energetic and physical aspects is unique to Thai Massage, and so are its effects. It is regarded as a therapy for the body, speech (energy) and mind (heart).
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A spa provides a time to relax, reflect, and revitalize. Although it is often regarded as a place for a bit of stress-relief pampering, or simply a temporary refuge from life's worries, perhaps the real test of a spa is the quality of the overall experience and the end results delivered
- a sense of well-being, the feeling of being revitalised, restoration of the delicate balance of mind, body and spirit, and even the feeling of a new lease of life.
Spas in Thailand go beyond the superficial pampering of look good beauty treatments along with feel good treatments. Holistic healing is central to the spa concept.
Although the spa concept may have been borrowed and imported to some extent, Thailand has done it better. The concept has been adopted, adapted, and refined with a distinctive Thai touch.
Thai spas really do have it all - in a perfect blend of Western leisure concepts and traditional Asian well-being therapies.
The quality of the Thai spa product offered is world-class and unsurpassed, particularly the level of service offered.
The centuries-old tradition of gracious hospitality and service, and the friendly and caring nature and gentle ways of the Thai people, contribute greatly to the service and hospitality of a Thai Spa.
But the experience goes beyond the excellence of service. There is also a time-honoured healing tradition - based on herbal and holistic remedies, generations of folk wisdom, and centuries-old healing
techniques (some of which reflect deep-rooted Buddhist influences). A key component in the ancient Thai tradition of natural healing is the healing power of indigenous herbs and plants, and many of the rejuvenating treatments offered in modern spas have evolved from these ancient recipes.
In Thailand, the majority of spa facilities are Hotel/Resort Spas, which provide professionally administered spa services, fitness and wellness components and spa cuisine menu choices.
There are also Destination Spas, whose sole purpose is to provide guests with lifestyle improvement and health enhancement through professionally administered spa services, physical fitness, educational programming, and on-site accommodations.
Medical Spas provide comprehensive medical and wellness care in an environment which integrates spa services, as well as conventional and complimentary therapies and treatments.
There are also Day Spas which offer a variety of professionally administered spa services to clients on a day-use basis.
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There are several quality massage and spa centres in Thai Muang, especially at the hotels.
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Examples of Thai massages:-
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Nuad Thai Pan Boran
Traditional Thai massage which involves prolonged stretching and deep pressure along the meridians of the body to help free flow the energy system.
The ancient skills of traditional Thai Massage - stretching, manipulations and rhythmic compressions using the hands, elbows and feet - allow the therapist to use pressure points to open the flow of energy and elongate muscles, releasing deep seated tension. An improved sense of well-being and physical flexibility will result.
(A word of caution: Not recommended for those with joint or back disorders).
Nuad Lukprakop Boran
This massage incorporates a traditional Thai massage with a hot Thai herbal compress prepared in the traditional Thai way, and is ideal to ease muscle aches and pains leaving you feeling totally stress free.
Foot Reflexology
This specialist treatment stimulates the nerve endings in the feet which correspond to the internal organs of the body to promote balance and harmony throughout the entire body.
Radiance Hand Treatment
A nurturing pamper treatment for your hard hands. It starts with a warm compress and is followed with a luxurious jojoba bead exfoliation. A soothing massage will leave your hands feeling silky, smooth and soft. A blend of alluring fragrances such as lemon, lavender and geranium make this a wonderful experience.
Thai Facial
This traditional Thai facial massage uses a blend of natural ingredients to cleanse, exfoliate and massage the skin.
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Back, scalp & face massage with volcanic stones
It includes a stimulating and deep-cleansing back exfoliation and a deeply intensive back massage using volcanic hot stones and aromatic oils. A personalized intensive facial then follows which concludes with a tension-relieving acupressure scalp massage.
Aromatherapy Massage
This massage uses blends of essential oils and balms whose aromatic appeal is a personal response to each individual's needs.
Warm Stone Massage
Helps restore energy and promotes relaxation for an easier, deeper sleep.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage
This specialist massage stimulates the lymph nodes around the body assisting the release of built up toxins and excess fluid.
Detox Massage
Here we use a detoxifying balm to remove water retention or swelling.
Tonic Massage
A full massage using an aromatic and toning body balm to assist in tissue regeneration and improve skin tone.
Circulation flow Massage
Uses an aromatic balm to boost your circulation and help relieve tiredness.
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Examples of Thai creams and herbs:-
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Thai Herbal Poultice
This heated muslin parcel of aromatic herbs and spices is a heavenly treatment, dating from the 14th century Ayutthaya period, to rejuvenate skin and muscles.
The poultice is applied directly to the body in a kneading action, such that the herbs, under the influence of heat, are absorbed by the body to help to reduce
aches and pains, increase lymphatic drainage and condition the skin.
This traditional treatment is practiced to open pores, soothe muscle tension and stiffness on the key areas, reduce joint seizure and tissue contraction, and
generally reduce swellings caused by inflammation of muscles, ligaments and joints.
The poultice contains prai (a Thai herb for relief of sore muscles and tired joints), tumeric (an antioxidant and antibacterial skin softener and freshener), lemon grass (an astringent for skin blemishes), kaffir lime (for toning mature skin and for boosting circulation), camphor (for cleansing minor infections), tamarind (to hydrate and regenerate skin cells), and ginger.
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Scented packs
These unique tropical scents, including Jasmine, Wild Mint, Mandarin, Hibiscus, Lotus, Lemongrass, Lime and sweet Basil help promote the feeling of relaxation.
Coconut Indulgence
Freshly-grated coconut mixed with Ylang Ylang and sweet almond oil helps in exfoliation of dead skin and surface impurities. Coconut oil itself can be used in a deeply relaxing gentle stroke technique massage.
Aromatherapy Oils
These alluring fragrant oils include Ylang ylang, sweet almond, geranium, grapefruit and spike lavender and help in exfoliation of dead skin and surface impurities.
Rejuvenating creams
Various rejuvenating creams and lotions, for regular maintainance, cleaning and moisturising - to enhance the fitness of your skin. They are all made from natural organic ingredients.
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Reflexology
Reflexology is a natural healing art based on the principle that there are reflexes in the feet (and hands and ears) that correspond to every part, gland and organ of the body.
In particular reflexology is based on the premise that all nerve endings run to the feet.
Through application of pressure on these different nerve endings, meridiens or energy lines, reflexology relieves tension, improves circulation and promotes the natural function of the related areas of the body.
The art and science of reflexology has been practised for thousands of years especially in China, India and Egypt.
In the old days, mankind stimulated reflexes naturally by walking barefoot over rough ground and stones. In today's modern world we have lost much of nature's
way of maintaining a balanced and healthy equilibrium. Reflexology helps to restore this balance and promote natural health and vitality.
It has proven quite successful over time in relieving symptoms, easing pain and discomfort that have manifested themselves physically in the body - either as a result of stress, trauma or disease.
However, only in the past twenty years has international interest in reflexology been revived as an alternative therapy.
Several reflexology centres have opened in the past few years.
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