Thai Massage Koh Lanta
THAI MASSAGE KOH LANTA
Thai Massage Koh Lanta. After all the distance in the little minivan involved in doing your latest visa run, you may be feeling a little knotty. Luckily, Koh Lanta is a mecca for Thai massage. Walk down the more populated beaches and you will see massage salas and hear, “massage, massage,” a gentle invitation to experience the 2,500 year old Ayurveda tradition based on body science and yoga movement.
The popular belief is that Thai massage was developed by Buddha’s doctor, Jivaka Kumar Bhaccha. Even if you’ve experienced professional massage in the past, it’s likely your first Thai massage will surprise you.
Thai Massage Koh Lanta
More focused and active
Unlike Swedish massage you may receive your treatment fully clothed in loose comfortable attire, or if you’re right on the beach your bikini or swim shorts will do fine.
The therapist will use their entire body to hold and press you into stretches while rubbing pressure points called sen or meridian lines. Some feel Thai massage is more intimate than Western styles of massage because of the amount of contact with the practitioner’s body.
Thai massage has a more focused and active approach than other styles. The objective is of course to relax, but also to invigorate.
Manipulation of muscle and energy lines along with stretching, increase circulation and often afford more long term benefits than other types of massage.
Because it employs yoga stretching, meditation, acupressure, active use of the breath, movement and reflexology it is a complex and effective healing art.
Wat po
Known as the birthplace of Thai massage, Wat Po in Bangkok is considered Thailand’s 1st public university and is the place to study (or receive) Thai massage.
Home also to the Reclining Buddha and neighbor to the Grand Palace, the Wat Po complex is a historically interesting site of healing and meditative arts and in 1962 became the 1st Thai massage and medical school.
Many Thai and Western students are certified there every year qualifying them to practice Thai Traditional Massage throughout the world. Get yours as close to the source as possible – if you’re serious about your Thai massage, make sure your practitioner has their certificate.
Proud Wat Po alumni often have their certificates hanging in their massage space. With classes lasting from a few days to over a month, you, too, can study the ancient healing arts in Bangkok with the famous practitioners of Wat Po. Courses cost from a few hundred to over a thousand US dollars.
Benefits of thai massage
Thai Massage Koh Lanta
Physical Benefits of Thai Massage
- Helps detoxify the body and boost immune system
- Increased blood circulation
- Muscle relaxation and increased flexibility
- Improves breathing, posture and balance
- Improves athletic performance
- Eases arthritis and back pain
- Tones and strengthens joints and alleviates degenerative diseases
- Slows the aging process
- Restores energy flow throughout the body
Mental Benefits of Thai Massage
- Supports emotional balance
- Improves concentration and creativity
- Clears and calms the mind
Psychological effects of Thai Massage
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Boosts energy
- Develops discipline and self-control
- Improves overall health and vitality
An impromptu meeting on the beach is one of the great ways to enjoy this venerated tradition, however many of Koh Lanta’s spas also have Thai massage programs that include tutelage. They are literally all over the island (and a bit closer than Wat Po), so check them out! Here are a few recommendations:
Serenity Massage and Spa is built on wooden stilts; it not only overlooks the ocean, it’s suspended above it! Enjoy the tranquil lapping of waves on Serenity’s private pier, before during and after your massage.
Also in Long beach Lanta Massage, a small simple studio provides masseuses with excellent technical skills and attention to detail.
Layana Resort & Spa is for the luxury lovers. This upscale resort offers massage and spa treatments by an impeccably trained staff.
But don’t miss out on the home-style hospitality of these mom and pop shops: Ning Home Massage and Don Ya Spa are small spas near Phra Ae Beach; Yazz Massage, Boodphakerin and Surween Massage and Beauty are all located near Kantiang Bay.
Also in the Kantiang Bay area, The Arista Spa and Salon offers a variety of spa services including Thai massage.
Onward around the bend, in Old Town, check out Club Uku – they offer holistic medicinal services, meditation consulting and use Thai massage as a part of their therapies.
It’s yet another way to let Koh Lanta work its magic — relax and let the care and tradition of Thai massage cure your ills.
