Spa category in Chiang Mai

Wisdom of the Golden Land

Although the commonly accepted undestanding of spa is more often associated with Europe, Thailand has deep rooted culture and traditions that are intrinsically linked to an age old word of spa and traditional healing practices. Thai people have long understood the life giving qualities of water, yet have remained respectful of this essential gift fro Mother Nature, even holding a festival (Loy Kratong) where homage is paid to the water spirits for its use. Add to this respect for water, is repect of each other and the family member genuinely care for each other and across the generations - something that is rarely entertained in the industrialized world. Children are asked to massage limbs, shoulders, or even to step on the legs and backs of their elders in a practice that not only helps to ease aching muscles, but also creates a family bond, while encouraging the younger member of the family to be helpful.

This sense of touch (through massage) is part and parcel of health and wellbeing for generations of Thais, and has only recently been expanded into a broader, more international awareness, with the incorporation of traditional knowledge of Thai botanicals and the development of this cultural wisdom into what is now known as the Thai Spa Industry.

A tactile approach to health and wellbeing is not the onlu wisdom from the Golden Land. Stretching exercises; Reu-Si Datton (or Contorted Hermit), have been employed as well. Sometimes referred to as Thai Yoga, it is done for exercise, to relieve aching muscules or to strengthrn the body. For pregnant women, experienced or specialist health professionals (traditionally the family doctor) perform pre and post natal massage to relieve menstrual pains, or to adjust the baby's position. Today, many spas offer "pregnancy massage" based on this traditional wisdom. Massage for infants and young children stimulates the growth of the muscles, prevent disfigurations, encourage development.

Beyond traditional Folk massage, Thai herbs add another level to the nurturing care. Most commonly, these are applied via the herbal compress ball (or Luk Prakob) - a round medicinal herb-filled ball, which is steamed and applied on various body parts to relieve aches and pains. Many of the herbs, each with its own specific health or healing qualities, and used in the herbal balls are also common in Thai kitchen where they are also utilized not only for their flavor, but also for their health or healing qualities:

* Kaffir Lime relieves dizziness, eliminates odors, eases coughs and hypertension.
* Lemongrass eliminates intestinal gas and stimulates the appetite.
* Turmeric stunts the growth of bacteria in the intestines, eliminates gas, bloating
* Zingiber purpureum Roscoe anti-inflammatory analgesic and sprains.
* Tamarind aged leaves have an astringent, sour taste, eliminates phlegm from the intestines, relieves coughing.
* Salt endothermic, took the drug absorbed through the skin easily.
* Camphor flavor, nourish the heart
* Acacia leaves nourish skin, cure skin diseases, lower blood pressure.

These and many other ingredients are meticulously selected and prepared, then steamed to release a cacophony of scents before being applied to the body. This science of healing has been adapted and incorporated into a myriad of traditional Thai massage and Chinese acupressure to rela xthe body, balance the elements, stimulate or balance the functionality of internal organs. Thai aromatherapy massage is an adaptation of the traditional Thai massage and aromatherapy.

This is but a short introduction into the wisdom that has been and continues to be incorporated into the Thai Spa experience, in the Golden Land, or "Suvarnabhumi" where the Thais are ready to welcome guests from around the globe, treating them as part of the family.