Thai Massage Chiang Mai
Chiang Mai claims to be the home of massage in Thailand and techniques have been practiced, developed, studied and passed down for centuries. This tradition is very much alive today and Chiang Mai has been described as the spa capital of Asia with many places covering a full spectrum of from the big to the small, the simple to the luxurious offering massage and health and well being treatments.
This page offers an introduction to the type of treatments offered and links to some recommended establishments in Chiang Mai.
Origins of Thai Massage
"Nuat phaen boran" is the correct name for what westerners know as Thai Massage. Literally translated nuat phaen boran means ancient or traditional massage.
Thai massage is related to Thai Ayurveda and traditional medicinal techniques which are believed to have originally been devised by Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha, physician to Buddha, more than 2,500 years ago in India. The practices spread and developed in Tibet, China and India before arriving in Chiang Mai where they were fully developed primarily by monks into the form of Thai massage we know today.
There are many different and competing schools of Thai massage although the Thai government is seeking to establish a common standard of techniques and quality of practitioners.
Thai massage uses a series of interactive yoga like stretches to manipulate the muscles and joints in the body. By using their arms, legs and feet the massage practitioner manipulates the patient’s body in a series of yoga type exercises. Some people liken Thai massage to yoga with someone else doing the work! Other techniques are also employed including muscle compression and acupressure.
To see picture of some of the stretching techniques used in
Thai massage click here
What is the effect of Thai Massage
The result of these exercises is to release tension, stress and toxic materials in the body. Internal organs are also stimulated.
Thai massage improves circulation, increases flexibility and leaves the ‘patient’ feeling relaxed, stress free and energized.
What Can I Expect from a Thai Massage?
Thai massage is oil free and does not require you to undress. Loose fitting, comfortable clothing is recommended. The massage normally takes place in a private, curtained area and is usually performed on a padded mat on the floor. The atmosphere should be one of quiet, calm conducive to aiding you to relax mentally.
You can expect to be treated with respect and dignity. If at first you feel the techniques are uncomfortable or the pressure applied is too great just ask the masseur to be gentle or go slowly. In our experience this will almost certainly result in the practitioner working to a pace that suits you. As the massage continues and you become more comfortable with the type of techniques used you will come to enjoy the stretches and pressure but it does take some getting used to for the beginner.
Oil and Aromatherapy Massage
If the Thai massage looks too daunting or you are looking for something more relaxing and gentle, most massage practitioners in Chiang Mai offer oil and aromatherapy treatments. These treatment offer deep muscle rubs with various aromatic oils many made with locally produced herbs.
These massages can be deeply relaxing and invigorating.
Reflexology/Foot Massage in Chiang Mai
Foot massage or reflexology is extremely popular in Chiang Mai and is the perfect way of giving yourself a treat after a day on your feet. Reflexology is the manipulation of certain pressure points on the feet to relieve conditions in other parts of the body. Reflexologists believe that the nerve endings found in the feet run through the body and each section of the foot corresponds to a different area of the body; the back, brain, stomach, liver etc. Thus through the massaging of the feet relief give specific relief to troubled areas.