SPA

Now an established practice in spas and fitness centres worldwide, traditional Thai massage is a therapy that combines yoga and acupressure techniques, manipulating the body internal energy by using pressure points and yoga positions.
In Thailand the centres of learning and practice have always been the temples. Massage is regarded as a way of achieving inner tranquillity by easing the stresses and aches of the body. By force on pressure points, muscles and ligaments, stretching and bending and manipulations, the whole body is decompressed. A massage is performed with the recipient clothed, usually in loose pyjama-like garments supplied by the massage centre.
King Rama III had all available knowledge on the subject gathered and inscribed on stone slabs in the early 19th century, and these can be seen at the Temple of the Reclining Buddha (Wat Po), along with stone figures demonstrating classic massage postures. Today, the temple is still regarded as the centre of learning for Thai massage techniques.
You can enjoy the benefits of traditional Thai massage at any number of resorts and spas in Thailand as well as at Wat Po where intensive courses are also available for those who wish to learn more about the technique.
WHERE TO GO
Wat Po's Thai Traditional Medical & MassageSchool 2 Maharat Road, Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10210Tel: 0 2221 2974, 0 2225 4771watpottm@nepscape.net The massage centre inside Wat Po is open daily from 8 am-5 pm. Private courses are given in English. General 10-day/30-hour course followed by other 10-day courses teaching the treatment of disease. Graduates receive certificates.
Green Chart Ayurveda12/90 Sri Nakharin Road, Bangkok 10260 Tel: 0 2746 0122 Fax: 0 2746 0118Thai massage for health, relaxation and beauty.
Ayurved Vidyalai (Jivok Komarbhac)16/2 Soi 5, Phaholyothin Road, Phyathai, Bangkok 10400 Tel: 0 2619 5836-7. Fax: 0 2619 5837Thai massage for stress relief and relaxation of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems, every Tue, Wed and Fri from 1 pm-4 pm. Herbal steam baths every Mon, Thur and Sat from 10 am-4 pm. Herbal medicine Mon-Sat from 10 pm-4 pm.
Health spasHealth spas are now a worldwide trend. During the mid-1990s Thailand began opening its own spas, and with its natural attributes the country has emerged as one of the finest spa destinations.
A long heritage of natural health treatments, year-round sunshine, beautiful scenery, and the natural warmth and hospitality of the Thai people have allowed the spa culture to flourish, and when allied to investments in the newest medical, fitness and therapy technology it is easy to appreciate why Thailand's spas have generated a new tourism sector.
There are four categories of spa in Thailand, as defined by the International Spa Association. Day spas encompass salons, beauticians, fitness centres and other outlets offering short-term treatments and therapies, and can be found throughout Thailand. Amenity spas are purpose-built facilities, usually in city-centre locations and attached to hotels: there are many of these in Bangkok and other main cities. Resort spas can be found at most of Thailand's leading tourist destinations. As yet there is only one destination spa in the country, namely Chiva-Som International Health Resort in Hua Hin.
Beauty treatmentsLong-staying in Thailand means you can pamper yourself with so many luxury things in life including giving yourself a new you. The range of beauty treatments available here is no secret, and international clients target Thailand every year, knowing that they'll find the treatment they want at prices which are as friendly as the ambience.
Many of the beauty care institutes in Thailand have received international recognition, and can refresh, restore and rejuvenate body and soul while soothing away the ravages of time. They are ready to provide you with everything from a manicure to a complete makeover, from reflexology to recontouring.
Aromatherapy and essential oils Aromatherapy, the therapeutic use of aromatic substances, is a holistic treatment that combines massage with essential plant oils. In Thailand, there are many plants that contain the essential oils in their flowers, leaves, seed or roots, each having its own healing properties. Specific essential plant oils are known to have physiological and psychological effects. They soothe and relax, stimulate and help dispel depression.
Of all the five senses, smell has the strongest link with the subconscious and so can help to release psychological blocks. Additionally, the essential oils' molecules are absorbed through the skin, and then dissolve in the natural body fats and fluids. This allows them to flow around the body, to relax or stimulate, detoxify and regenerate.
You can have a full body aromatherapy session which may include the face and feet, incorporating pressure point manipulation. It may last up to two hours. The ideal time for a treatment is at the end of the day, so that you can completely relax afterwards. You can enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy at any number of resorts and spas in Thailand.