Thai Massage – Ancient Body Treatment Will Leave You Feeling Like You’re On Cloud-9

Need a major dose of relaxation? We got our first Thai massage and we’re never looking back.

Queen Of Relaxation

When it comes to relaxation, massages have always been the most luxurious and effective on the list of techniques to get there. For those who have never gotten one before, I won’t deny that it feels a little invasive at first to let a stranger roll, pull, and tap the knots out of your body while you lay there almost completely nude. But, once you get past those initial feelings, everything about it feels satisfying—I can attest to that. So, when I decided to experience a Thai massage, a totally different massage than I was used to, I was apprehensive at first. I’ve never gotten one before, but how I felt after was way worth any initial discomfort. I recommend a Thai massage to anyone who’s in need of some major relaxation time, or just curious about body therapy in general. Read on to find out my experience with it below.

But First: A Short History

The Thai massage is an ancient therapy that has been practiced in Thailand for thousands of years—a technique proven of its effectiveness through the test of time. More than 2,500 years ago, a man by the name of Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha (a close friend of Gautama Buddha!) developed the practice to aid in lowering stress, lymphatic drainage, and pain reduction. Fast forward to the present day, and you can find an authentic practice pretty much anywhere in major cities.
Camphor mixed with oil used to alleviate muscle pain photo c/o Amber Watkins

Why a Thai Massage?

The health benefits of this specific technique set it apart from other body therapies. The list is long and impressive: aids in lowering stress, boots energy, relieves headaches, stimulates circulation, improves range of motion, reduces back pains, calms the nervous system, and stimulates lymphatic drainage. The best one, though? Feeling luxurious and worth it AF because SELF CARE.

My Experience

The moment I walked into the building I was kindly greeted by a Thai woman
working the front counter (I love friendly service!). I was asked my name and instructed to choose from the long list of massages offered: eternity deep tissue massage, Swedish massage, Thai massage, aromatherapy massage, prenatal massage, four-hand massage, and combination massage (it’s safe to say this place is a pro at relaxation).

I chose a traditional Thai and was led into a room decorated with cultural and religious photos. Then, the woman instructed me to take off all my clothes besides my underwear. I then laid on the table and waited for no more than 3 minutes before the journey of relaxation began. The woman asked for my permission and comfort level every step (pun intended) of the way, beginning with slow steps on my calves, moving down to my butt. Once she moved to my back? Game over. Fireworks of released tension ensued—you could hear the crack of my back with each step and it felt like months of built-up stress was now gone. Each press of her heel felt AMAZING.

Once she was done with the dry tissue massage, she moved on to the oils. The oil she used had a soothing menthol scent that seemed to figuratively and literally clear my senses of all toxins. She then mixed it with a thick lotion and rubbed it into my back and lower body. For her final trick, she had me sit up, arms crossed and behind my back so that she could stretch me out and release all the remaining tension my body was holding on too. I was flabbergasted by her strength and thoroughness.

The Result?

I felt free! My breathing improved and I felt more relaxed than ever before. Once I got home, I fell into the deepest of sleep — if that doesn’t show you the level of relaxed I was, I don’t know what will. If you’re looking for an experience that not only brings insight to a beautiful, cultural tradition but also a level of relaxation that DREAMY, getting a Thai massage is your answer.

The article was from Cherie, written by Amber W.