Bangkok Massage - An Introduction

Massage and body treatments of varying types ( more on this later ) are widely available in central Bangkok. There must be literally two hundred or more massage shops on Sukhumvit Road and side streets between Soi 1 and soi 48 !!! I would not like to guess how many there are in the whole of Bangkok.

There are also many Spas, with the most luxurious and most expensive located within the first class hotels. There are also many independent Spas dotted around central Bangkok with a new one springing up every week !

But beware, some of the normal massage shops have changed their name to a Spa to justify charging higher prices. The appearance of the premises will go a long way to allow you to make the decision whether to go in or not.

Naturally, the further you travel away from the central Bangkok area and main tourist traps, the cheaper it gets for a good spa or massage treatment.

Types of Treatments Available Thai Traditional Massage Foot Massage Oil Massage Aromatherapy Body Scrub Milk Baths Spa Packages This list is not exhaustive. Many spas have many more treatments available, ranging from mud wraps to 4 hands massage. It is best to visit a spa's website and look at its menu !

More Detail - but not too much !!

Thai Massage is a combination of a gentle rocking motion, acupressure, refloxology, energy work and stretching - a form of passive yoga. Joints are loosened and opened through manipulation and peripheral stimulation, muscles are stretched, internal organs are toned, vitality is increased and a deep state of relaxation can be achieved.

The massage is done on a floor mat with the receiver wearing loose, comfortable clothing. This gives the practitioner a lot of leverage and the ability to use their body very effectively, it also allows for movements that are not as effective, or impossible on a table.

Foot Massage is an ancient art of healing that applies pressure to specific points on the feet to treat problems in all parts of the body. Foot massage works through stimulating nerve endings whereas massage is applied to the muscles and soft tissue of the body. This treatment helps the circulation of blood as well as detoxification of the body which leads to a healthier life. Foot massage will also relax the muscles and relieve tiredness. Many people fall asleep during a foot massage treatment. Oil Massage is just that ! A massage with oil ! It is great for relaxation, and stress relief. The massage is similar to a swedish massage where all the muscle groups of the body are massaged. Circulation is increased and a general feeling of well being can be achieved.

Aromatherapy is a more gentle form of oil massage using specialised oils. You can normally chooose the type of oil you want - lavendar, rose, jasmine to name just a few. Aromatherapy oils are reputed to have medicinal properties.

The Body Scrub treatment involves the rubbing, or the massaging of the body using salt or herbs mixed with oil. This removes the bodies dead skin cells, restores and nourishes the skin, and improves blood circulation. After this treatment your skin feels great !

Milk Bath. Combining water with milk provides the most relaxing bath you are ever likely to have. The milk glycerine increases elasticity and antioxidants protect newly emerged skin cells. Seaweed extract, added to the milk, adds essential minerals and buoyancy. Probiotic acidophilus and bifidus cultures transform natural milk sugars into a gentle exfoliant helping create radiant skin. Of course not all milk baths are the same !

Spa packages. All spa's offer packages of treatments from their menu. The packages range from a combination of massage, body scrub and bath lasting 21/2 hours, to a full day of treatment which includes nearly everything. Many spa's personalise their packages according to the clients wishes. Expect to pay a minimum of 2000 baht for a package, going up to 8000 baht or more for a full day !