Thai massage Chiang Mai
The art of Thai massage has been refined during hundreds of years of practice and passed down through generations. In Chiang Mai massage is alive and well and enjoyed by hundreds of visitors every day. The methods used today date back to Indian Ayurvedic practice developed initially by Buddhist monks nearly 2000 years ago. All across Thailand, particularly in tourist areas such as Chiang Mai, you will find massage shops.
Here in Chiang Mai, spending an hour or two having your muscles kneaded, pushed, pulled and relaxed is an invigorating experience and banishes all the aches and pains you get from travelling, walking and sitting on long bus or air journeys. When in Thailand, this is one experience you should certainly indulge in, and the whole two-hour experience costs less than a price of a gym workout in your home country.
Those giving massages in Chiang Mai are properly trained and very skilled with their hands, offering a genuine muscle rehabilitation experience. If you are more interested in massage as a 'naughty' activity, you should rather visit our page on "dirty massages".
There are three popular choices of massage.
Thai massage: which involves vigorously treating more than 100 areas of the body, using hand pressure and the masseuses own body to apply forces that aim to work pressure points, and re-align energy lines in the body. Ideally, this process takes at least two hours and can be a little uncomfortable at times, but leaves you feeling very relaxed.
Oil Massage: is gentler than Thai massage and involves deep muscle tissue treatment using specially blended therapeutic oils. Of course it leaves you a little oily afterwards, requiring a shower to freshen up, but can be a very sensual experience.
Foot massage: works the internal organs of the body through manipulation of pressure points on the soles of your feet in much the same way as reflexology. This is another skill that has been passed down through the ages and can be quite effective in producing a mild detox effect on the body. At the Night Bazaar and Sunday Walking Street in Chiang Mai foot massage is widely available and a popular relief for tired feet.
Many places also offer massages specialising in specific parts of the body, such as the hands and head.
Thai massage focuses on 10 energy points in the body, known as 'sen' though there are over 70,000 recorded sen in all. It differs from other forms of massage in that there is a focused spiritual aspect involved, and a properly trained masseuse will conduct a short prayer before commencing in order to focus their energy on the task.
Aspects of yoga are incorporated in the massage, bending and twisting the torso to 'reset' the muscular-skeletal position. The procedure is a slow and patient one, with most attention given to areas which are most muscular, such as the thighs. There arent many 'brutal' movements in this form.
The most active tool in a masseuses arsenal is the thumb, however, as with the fingers, there is indirect pressure applied and the ball of the digit is used rather than the tip. A correctly trained Thai massage practitioner will avoid sensitive areas such as the knees. If you have ailments or chronic problems sensitive to body pressure, you are advised to receive your massage from a professional spa, where the masseuse will usually quiz you beforehand so as to avoid anything painful and harmful. Its also not advised to go for a massage directly after eating.
Thai massage shops in Chiang Mai
In Chiang Mai, you can find plenty of massage shops liberally scattered throughout the tourist centres, advertising themselves with a large reflexology diagram outside. Some are them are very simple, consisting of a couple of mattresses on the floor, with clean linen, though this doesnt suggest the massage will be inferior. In general, older women are the most experienced and skilled at giving massage. Those that display a selection of young ladies outside are less likely to give you a proper Thai massage.
Hotels and spas offer a more luxurious environment, with nicely decorated private cubicles, scented clothing and soft music, as well as more of a guarantee that the masseuse is a good one. However, they are typically two or three times more expensive and not necessarily any better. Usually a Thai massage will cost 120 baht an hour and a foot or oil massage is 200 baht an hour in the small shops.
Although there are plenty to choose from, we have recommended a few for you. When selecting a massage shop, look out for the certificates on the wall indicating the masseuses have been properly trained. Some locals have a favourite place they regularly frequent, often due to the friendly character of the masseuse. Most masseuses are ladies. Foot massages are always offered at the walking street market on Sundays, and at other popular events.
Lek Chiaya Massage: is a well established place, centrally located, and the proprietor, Lek, has several decades experience teaching and giving deep tissue massage. 79/1 Ratchadamnoen rd, near Tapae Gate, Chiang Mai. Tel: 0-5327-8325
Baan Nit Massage: is the domain of Nit, a highly experienced and knowledgeable old lady whose methods of deep tissue and herbal massages have been passed down through many generations of Chinese healers. Soi 2, Chaiyaphum rd (near northeastern moat corner), Chiang Mai.
Lets Relax: is an upmarket place near the Night Bazaar, offering a range of spa treatments, or simple massage at premium rate. Chiang Mai Pavilion, Chang Klan rd, Night Bazaar. Tel: 0-5381-8494
The Old Chiang Medicine Hospital: can be a little difficult to find but is perhaps the most professional place in the city and has a full training course with expert and very experienced massage practitioners. Located on Hang Dong road, across from the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Centre; tel: (053) 27 5085.
The Best Massage: boasts a large staff of very professional masseuses and private rooms for everyone. It's always busy despite charging double the rate of the small outfits, but worth it. Located in car park between Porn Ping Towers hotel and Vieng Ping Night Bazaar centre. (053) 904 666.
Kavilek Spa: is a very respectable place which is popular with ex-pats because of its location in suburban western Chiang Mai. It has a large professional staff, comfortable facilities and a lovely interior, yet charges reasonable rates. Nimminhemin rd, near Amari Rincome Hotel. (053) 895 187.
Rada Spa: is a comfortable and hospitable place in the Nimminhemin area (soi 3) which offers very reasonably priced spa services, and various massage in a professional environment without the price tag. It’s popular with locals for its down-to-earth atmosphere.
Mystic Oriental: is a place specially for men, a classy place with Lanna styled decoration and all male staff. They are conveniently located near Thapae gate, with private rooms and offer a professional massage. 59/1 Sittiwong Rd., Tel (053) 874334.
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