Thai massage and how to choose a massage parlor in Phuket
Everyone who is going on holiday to Thailand dreams of going straight to a massage parlor upon arrival. This is definitely necessary to stretch out the body that is stiff from a long flight. The magic of Thai massage is known far beyond the Kingdom. However, for some it is associated with erotic massage, although it is not. To dispel all the myths about it, we wrote this article.
History of Thai massage
Thai massage is an ancient art. Its founder is considered to be Dr. Jivaka Kumar Bhashi. There were no massage schools at that time, training was individual. All knowledge and skills were passed on by word of mouth until the 19th century. In 1832, King Rama III of Thailand founded the first university at the Pho monastery (Wat Pho), where not only ordinary people received an education, but also the most important knowledge was recorded. All knowledge about Thai massage was recorded there for the first time. And in 1870, by order of King Rama V, all knowledge about Thai medicine was rewritten. It is this knowledge that is used in training massage therapists.
Types of Thai massage :
- Traditional Thai massage – resembles passive yoga. The client wears special clothes that do not restrict movement. The masseur uses fingers, knees, elbows and feet. Usually the massage is done without oils, but warming balms can be used. The massage consists of pressing on certain points and stretching the muscles. It is great for toning and can be done in the morning or during the day.
- Reflexotherapy ( foot massage ) - the massage therapist uses his fingers or special sticks (nuad tao) to press on the points of the foot that correspond to a certain internal organ. It is believed that if sharp pain occurs during pressing, it is worth paying attention to the organ that the point corresponds to. A very relaxing type of massage and it is better to do it before going to bed.
- Massage with herbal bags - it is called the Royal massage. The masseur gently presses a special bag with herbs on the muscles for their complete relaxation. Before the procedure, the bag is heated with steam. It is better to do this type of massage before going to bed.
Only these types of massage are related to traditional Thai. Massage with oil (oil massage), aroma massage, aloe massage - this is a mixture of traditional Swedish massage with Thai. Most often they have a relaxing, warming effect.
Contraindications
Thai massage, like other types of massage, has a number of contraindications. Sometimes they are written about in salons, given out memos before visiting, and sometimes they are simply hushed up. In any case, the responsibility lies with the client. Therefore, it is better to know about contraindications to avoid unpleasant consequences.
Massage is prohibited:
- in case of infectious diseases, elevated body temperature;
- in the presence of skin diseases, open wounds;
- in the presence of oncological diseases;
- in the presence of exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- in the presence of injuries (fractures, sprains, dislocations);
- under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
- in a state of overeating;
- in the presence of joint prostheses;
- in the presence of diseases of the bones and circulatory system;
- after operations on internal organs (until the doctor gives permission to perform the massage).
Pregnant women are not prohibited from having massage, but you should definitely warn the massage therapist about your condition. Massage can cause uterine tone and premature birth, so it is better to consult with your doctor in advance.
How to Choose a Massage Parlor in Phuket
I will give you some useful tips to help you make the right choice:
- It is important to understand that "staff turnover" is present in Phuket in almost all industries, and massage parlors are not immune to this phenomenon. The cheaper the parlor, the lower the specialist's salary. Accordingly, there is a greater chance that he will gain experience and leave for a more expensive parlor.
- A good salon will certainly have a choice of services. These are all types of Thai massage + mixed types (with oil, aroma massage). But if they also provide hairdressing services - run away from there, hair is guaranteed everywhere.
- The masseur must be neat, the clothes must be closed and comfortable. Should not restrict movement or excessively expose legs and chest. In good salons, specialists have a uniform with the salon's emblem. If you are met in a top and miniskirt, then this is not a massage salon.
- Look at the hands of the masseur. There should be no watches, bracelets, massive rings, or long nails. A good specialist has short nails and nothing on his hands that could cause discomfort to the client.
- A good salon must have air conditioning, tables (or mats) with clean sheets and towels, chairs for foot massage, massage tables with a hole for the face, a toilet;
- There should be no foreign unpleasant odors in the cabin (for example, the smell of food), animals, or loud music.
- A good indicator of the salon's popularity is a lot of shoes at the entrance (which means a lot of visitors, because everyone takes off their shoes when entering),
- There are Thais among the clients. Of course, it is not always possible to notice this right away. But it is a good sign
- In good salons, you can always make an appointment with a specialist for a certain time. If a salon does not make appointments, it means it does not have a regular client base. This is a bad sign.
The article is written for informational purposes. We do not book sessions in massage parlors, but we can organize individual and group excursions for you. To contact our manager, click the button under this article.
