Thai Massage

Long before I moved to Thailand I had heard of Thai Massage. However whenever the topic was raised in the UK it usually was accompanied by a few knowing looks and suggestions about some sort of erotic massage delivered by scantily clad Asian lady in some sleaze back street massage parlour somewhere in the world.

True, if you head down the wrong soi in Pattaya, you might well be offered an erotic Thai massage in some dimly lit massage parlour, including some extras, that you won't be offered in an establishment that actually delivers a true Thai traditional massage. Adverts are everywhere and include words like soapy massage or Thai oil massage and sexy Thai massage. I am sure you can work out for yourself what goes on behind the closed doors of such establishments.

But what about a true Thai massage, nuat phaen boran, in Thai, it translates to something like ancient massage? Well the technique employed is definitely not erotic since it is based on pressure and stretching. It doesn't involve soap or oil under normal circumstances and it certainly isn't delivered by some scantily clad Thai lady. No a true Thai massage is based on Ayurveda and Yoga. Imported from India many years ago, Thai massage, can be both therapeutic and relaxing.

Personally I do not like Thai massage, as I find my lack of suppleness brought on by years of neglect to my body, can make the process a little painful. Yes I know the one about no gain without pain, but I have a low pain threshold, well thats my excuse anyway! MTF on the other hand calls on the services of the local Thai massage lady about once a month and subjects herself to two hours of stretching and manipulation. She swears by it and cannot understand why I don't like the process.

So what about you, whether its Thai massage or massage in some other form. Do you have a regular massage? Do you think it is beneficial? What are your views on Thai massage and the bad press some establishments bring to it?

By the way the You Tube video on Thai Massage is suitable for anyone to view.

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