Thai massage without happy ending
One of the many things that I really appreciate in Thailand is a traditional one Thai massage. A massage without oil and without a 'happy ending' or other hand and span services. Oil is never used in a real Thai massage anyway.
Traditional Thai massage
I prefer a real and firm traditional Thai massage. When you've experienced that a few times, you don't want anything else. You just feel reborn. Your energy channels are cleared, some stretching, some yoga exercises, actually a bit of everything. And the best part is you don't even have to do anything. Thai massage is therefore also called yoga for 'lazy people'.
The big problem is always, how do you recognize a good massage shop? Sometimes I check whether there are no back rooms. But that does not say everything because often there is a staircase somewhere to a floor higher or something for more privacy. Another problem is the masseuse. Sometimes they really can't do anything about it and it remains with a bit of stroking and kneading. They also smile very sweetly. It's all nice, but it doesn't help me much, because that's not what I'm here for.
“You want oil massage?”
Usually I check whether the masseuses are not too young and too handsome, but that is not a guarantee either. I once had one of about fifty years old and over 90 kg clean on the hook on me. He also wanted to give my young man a massage for the necessary extra income. If you politely say 'no', they will continue to nag you.
Also so annoying is when you walk into a massage parlor in Pattaya and such a happy Thai comes storming at you with the question: “you want oil massage?”. When I explain that I only come for a foot massage, the disappointment can be read on the face.
Beach massage
On Koh Samui and Phuket I regularly visit it beach have a massage. Then you also know for sure that the ladies stay away from it. A Thai massage on the beach has something extra. The murmur of the sea in the background, the scents and the tropical heat. A wonderful way to relax. If you hate to apply sunscreen, take the bottles with you. The masseuse will rub you in from head to toe.
The best massage I've ever had was in Chiang Mai. She was a very slender Thai female, but she was very strong. Of course you also get a lot of strength in your hands when you do this work every day.
Ripped a part
In Phuket I was once massaged by a strong Thai of about 40 years old. I will never forget that massage. I really thought she was going to kill me. Or at least that I could enjoy disability benefits for the rest of my life. She pulled me apart, folded me in half, and showed me every corner of the room. At times I literally cried out. She must have thought they were screams of pleasure because after that she went even harder. Maybe she found out that day that her husband was secretly keeping three Mia Nois?
Blind masseuse
The best masseurs seem to be blind Thais, but to gouge such a girl's eyes out first goes a bit too far for me. A good alternative is the world famous massage school of What Pho. There you run the risk of being massaged by a student. No guarantee for success, in my opinion. And on top of that, I'm not in Bangkok all the time.
In short, please advise. How do you recognize a good massage parlor and then a good masseuse?
“The best massage I've ever had…….” So you already indicate what you think is best.
You will experience a hard firm massage as good.
However, what is the goal you wish to achieve?
As a physiotherapist / manual therapist, I look at this differently.
Medical or non-medical?
I experience the knowledge with regard to diseases as nil with the practitioners of Thai massage.
NB! It's easy to teach someone how to crack.
However, it takes years before you know when that is not allowed!
The risk of folding someone of 60 + double in all kinds of bends is much too great.
Especially with osteoporosis, which can certainly be present to a serious degree.
For example, there are still many unknown contraindications that the Thai do not inquire about.
Hi Hans,
and where did you get your extensive knowledge of Thai massage and their practitioners from so that you have your unsubstantiated claim that Thai physical therapists have no knowledge.
You mean as framed Physio/manual who can only work in isolation and has no knowledge of the body as a whole functionality. And who does not inquire about someone's living patterns and / or circumstances.
Yet this.
To avoid the fear of getting a wrong massage, I advise you to go to a hospital where you first go to the doctor before you get a massage and who will indicate which woman will give you the right massage.
My wife used to work in a 30thb hospital and after studying at the university in Khon Kaen she was allowed to work in a hospital where everyone is welcome. Thai people with financial problems get a massage for 30thb, the rest is made up through the intervention of the state.
For Falang and other people who need real massage pay 300thb.
My good advice is, stay away from that (street) massage and wrong treatments and if you have complaints and need a real massage, go to a hospital, if you feel sick, you also go to a doctor and not to a fortune teller with glasses sphere.
Hans you are absolutely right.
I was in Thailand in March and from the arrival in Bangkok I had pain that went through my buttock to my upper leg. I could only stand or walk for a few minutes. After 3 Thai massages it had only gotten worse and I waited until I went to the doctor in the Netherlands and then ended up with the physio.
After a short intake interview and diagnosis, it soon became clear that my SI joint was stuck. 1 x targeted cracking and the problem was over. Not a single masseur in Thailand has done an intake interview or taken a good look at the complaint. They just go through the standard routine. While I have, according to say, looked up really good professional massage therapists. So chanceless.
I really like Thai massages, but with serious complaints it is better to go to the doctor and possibly consult a physio afterwards.
This question has been asked many times before. I myself have a massage parlor Harmony in khon kaen. For example, you can recognize a good business by its exterior. Program in Thai and English, including prices. Not too much clutter and frills on the outside.. Upon entry there must be papers from the massaging ladies and the control papers from the municipality and the inspection reports from the Ministry of Health. (these are not tender, including this year the inspections have been considerably increased in terms of health, expertise and clarity.) Look at the layout of a lounge, separate rooms, etc. Does it smell fresh upon entry. Don't put the music too loud. Don't be overly welcomed. Ask in advance if you can wash your hands to check the toilet and shower. Age does not always have to be an obstacle when you come for a real Thai massage. (quality). Also see if the ladies all wear the same uniform and are not too thickly made up or dressed too sexy. After all, you come for a massage. Respect for each other is very important for both parties. Hope this gives a bit of clarity. Would say enjoy the massage. Sabai Sabai
ps, I forgot to report: Nowadays there should also be information, when massages are allowed and NOT allowed. The customer must report in advance if there are certain physical complaints. This way the lady can decide for, no or adapted massage.
A good friend of mine .. who always hibernates here and is severely rheumatic .. goes well with a visit to TBMI blind massage in Jomtien 3 times a week ..
And it's time again for the umpteenth piece with the subject of Thai massage. Everything is thrown together again and asserted with certainty as correct.
I have already commented on pieces about Thai massage before, but apparently the previous comments are not read before they again post something as an editor. It is unfortunate and unnecessary that incorrect information is given repeatedly.
“With a real Thai massage oil is never used anyway” you state in the opening text at the top of the article.
So all that Thai oil massage is not real Thai massage according to you. What nonsense. A case of hearing a bell ringing but not knowing where the clapper hangs. What you are probably referring to is that the Royal Thai massage was never done with oil. This had nothing to do with the massage but with the word Royal. The royal family was not allowed to be touched directly with hands and so people massaged through thin cloths or clothing. Behold the Royal Thai Massage. In practice, it is even the case that oil, given the many grips, stretches and "slides", is more pleasant for the customer than applying this to dry skin. Especially the older people or people with problem skin benefit from this.
Just for your clarification I am a professional Thai reflex massage therapist. Educated in Thailand at master level. I have a Thai Reflexology massage practice in the Netherlands Hellevoetsluis and have been doing this work for 15 years to the full satisfaction of many customers.
Next commonplace is your statement:
“Thai massage is therefore also called yoga for 'lazy people'” This is a Thai massage style and not a generic overall Thai massage form. There are roughly two styles in Thailand 1. The pressure point also called reflex massage style. Based on the training as given in Wat Pho and mainly focused on medical repair. And 2 called northern style Thai yen massage and known as Thai yoga for the lazy people. In many contemporary salons, those 2 styles are mixed.
Anyway, I've done my best to correct you again and I'm curious if you also post this.
Yet this.
To avoid the fear of getting a wrong massage, I advise you to go to a hospital where you first go to the doctor before you get a massage and who will indicate which woman will give you the right massage.
My wife used to work in a 30thb hospital and after studying at the university in Khon Kaen she was allowed to work in a hospital where everyone is welcome. Thai people with financial problems get a massage for 30thb, the rest is made up through the intervention of the state.
For Falang and other people who need real massage pay 300thb.
My good advice is, stay away from that (street) massage and wrong treatments and if you have complaints and need a real massage, go to a hospital, if you feel sick, you also go to a doctor and not to a fortune teller with glasses sphere.
Dear lungfons,
In a Thai state hospital, 2 types of massages are given.
And with both types you need a referral from the doctor.
Type 1 is an adapted Thai massage on medical grounds.
Type 2 is the “physical therapy” (a much better type than the Dutch physiotherapy). In the Netherlands a treatment takes about 20 minutes and here in Thailand a “physical therapy” takes 90 minutes or more.
You have to experience it yourself to be able to talk about it.
In addition, there are also very well-trained Thai masseurs who perform their work very carefully. And that has nothing to do with a happy ending.
usually it says "massage only" on the door or counter, so you know if you're in the right place.
Don't understand why it keeps being praised - looks more like blind parrots. Factory work, expensive, and indeed: usually an apprentice. Especially loved by large buses full of ASEANs.
The average tourist seems to prefer a foot massage after a somewhat long city walk. So you will find it wherever there are some tourists - from 99 bt/30 min. ion the open air near the famous KhaoSarn rd. Although it may still be cheaper in ChMai (there the previously low prices have skyrocketed after the Chinese invasion).
Years ago I went to a “real” massage parlor in Bangkok on the recommendation of my female colleagues. This one was located in a parallel street of PatPong, in Sala Daeng.
Well, I'd have known… that my bones weren't broken was almost a miracle.
Did I feel reborn? Yes, if you mean it after first dying from a fall from a mountain. I was bent over in pain for three days. Never again for me…
The only thing I had done again, and that was more than two years ago now, was a foot massage.
But to be honest, it doesn't bother me. It doesn't make me better, just a little poorer. I've never liked massage and certainly not being touched by strangers. The only one who is allowed it now is my own wife, but she doesn't like it... which I don't mind either...