Thailand and its wonders never fail to amaze, and like every aspect of its life, relaxation through massages and treatments remain an integral part of their tradition and lifestyle. That is why the Thai spa industry is one of the popular industries in Thailand that have been thriving for years now.
When in Thailand, the places for Thai massage and other Thai spa activities can be seen everywhere, from shopping malls to hotels, to markets, and more. Like everything else, spa treatments are widely accessible all over the state because of their rising demand and the homages Thai people gave to their history by keeping the 2500-year-old legacy going.
Now Thai spa treatments, especially Thai massages, have become a global phenomenon to the extent that tourists all over the place come here and get massages for sure, and many countries have started to offer that spa services too.
So with that popularity, let’s go through a brief history of Thai spa, the many versions of it, and future prospects for this service so that your next visit is aware and relaxing as you intended it to be.
Thai Spa
The practice of massaging arrived in Thailand with Buddhism over 2500 years ago and has some similarities to Chinese meridian theory as well as influence from Southeast Asian culture and medicine. Hence has proven to have healing properties and was popular amongst the royals and later to the residents.
Initially, Thai spa treatments were limited to Thai massages, but with time it became a vital part of the Thai culture and started an ever-expanding, flourishing industry of spa services that today caters a wide range of treatments from Thai massage to sculpture treatments, oil treatments, cupping, acupuncture and hot stone massages and other wellness treatments.
Art Mural of Thai Spa
There are two traditional Thai massages, southern-style and northern style. Both of the two massages have distinctive influences and techniques. Generally, they follow the energy pathway that involves stretching and massaging hardened muscles to release stress and pain and improve blood circulation. This type of massage usually is performed on the floor or a mat, as it’s the traditional way to do so, and the clients are expected to wear flowy, comfortable clothes to ensure ease of movement. This treatment is definitely effective and offers great benefits, but on a surface level, appearance-wise may not be as fancy as the other ones on the list. But despite the lack of décor, homely feel, and usually small premise, this massage requires a masseuse with a great skill set and years of experience.
This may not be something new for people and specifically restricted to Thailand, but the hotel spas in Thailand are a great leisure activity. They may be similar to what others experience globally, but the hotel Thai spa has some Thai inclinations, and the treatment is holistic, catering to both spiritual and physicals aspects of the human body. And not to mention they are very exquisite, very luxurious and value for money. And don’t worry, they are not insanely expensive, in fact, there are numerous packages to choose from.
Just as the name suggests, this Thai spa treatment is given in an actual house. These houses are exclusively designed to cater to spa treatments while maintaining a casual homely feel, unlike actual spas. This spa treatment includes a flower bath, incredible body, facial massage, and overall full-service spa treatment that usually lasts all day. This type of spa includes proper meals, high tea, refreshments throughout, and just a cool casual hangout. A relaxing day filled with fun, food, and comfort. An ideal activity to with friends and family together, such as for a birthday treat or a bridal shower.
The term Medical attached with spa may look scary and not as appealing as others, but this spa treatment is specifically designed to help with anti-aging and overall wellbeing. This type of spa treatment combines various treatments and techniques such as Thai massages to cater to the specific needs of the client. Done under a doctor’s consideration, this treatment is heavily influenced by Asian and western medicine. The many benefits of this spa variant include whitening, beauty, stress-relief, anti-aging, blood circulation, and more. Proved to have works wonders for health and beauty, you can avail this service at proper spa centers and clinics. These places also have spa day type of situation, but instead of decadent delights and proper meals, they offer healthier portion meal options that are mostly organic.
Thai Spa Treatment
Hospitality, tradition, and health are the three pivotal aspects of the Thai lifestyle, and with the growing time, these core elements have become an integral part of the Thai spa industry whether practiced in Thailand or branched out in other parts of the world.
But either way, throughout all areas, the Thai massage and spa are not widely accepted as a non-surgical medical discipline to treat many things, and hence the industry is hoped to grow further.
Moreover, the general lifestyle globally is shifting towards overall wellness and health, especially since the prevalence of the Covid virus. Therefore the demand for such holistic treatments has drastically increased. With that, it can be expected that there are possibilities of new variants of the Thai spa, which includes both the traditional Thai style, the more medical approach, and the technological route in the future for an even more holistic and contemporary Thai spa style.
We hope your next Thai spa experience is as exquisite and relaxing as possible, and if you have the authentic spa experience in Thailand, we cannot hype it enough; an incredibly relaxing time is up ahead. However, just a disclaimer, some saps in Thailand offer sexual services, so avoid going to places where you might feel uncomfortable but rest assure the massage/spa therapist in Thailand are very professional, trained, and respectful.
We believe our job here is done with all things conveyed, wishing you a joyous and relaxing spa experience Thai-styled.
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