The Spa Capital of Asia

Author: 
M. Ghazanfar Ali Khan, Arab News
Publication Date: 
Wed, 2007-05-02 03:00

Just a decade ago, only a handful of people knew exactly what a "spa" was, and even fewer had enjoyed first-hand experience. Today, spas have become the talk of the global village and more so in the Gulf countries, where ailments like obesity and stress are on the rise. Thousands of places have been springing up all over the world offering "spa" facilities in response to the demand. But, Thailand’s spas and wellness centers have no match.

Thailand has been on the cutting edge of this trend besides a large number of hospitals and health facilities across the country. With its tradition of natural healing arts such as ancient Thai massage, natural springs, an abundance of medicinal flora and a deserved reputation for excellent service, Thailand was ready to accommodate the demand and literally hundreds of spas have sprung up over the past few years.

There are endless types of treatments and special programs plus varying levels of luxury, price and value in Thailand. In fact, spas and holistic approach to health in general have become increasingly popular and they have emerged as traditional Thai way of preserving wellbeing, curing ailments and refreshing the body.

So far as spa treatments in Thailand are concerned, the great thing about spas is that they have devised hundreds of ways of making you feel good. Centuries of tradition, common sense and imagination have resulted in pastes, mudpacks, specialized oils, countless muscle kneading techniques, hot and cold water jets aimed from various angles and pressure points that have been mixed and matched to create highly specialized therapies to suit the requirements of the spa visitor.

Whichever suits you, they all feel good at the time and afterward. Above all, these health centers called spas have been playing very effective roles in ensuring better health for one and all — for slimming, weight reduction & firming with Spa. For those who want to enhance their appearance there are treatment programs for both face and body, bringing you closer to your ideal self-image — or combating the ravages of time and stress.

There are a number of spa treatments in Thailand that used together can help you to achieve this. For the face, there are exfoliating scrubs to remove dead skin, revealing the more glowing complexion beneath, cleansing facial masks to draw out dirt and toxins and clear the pores; nourishing masks to counteract vitamin deficiencies in the skin; moisturizing face massages to tone up facial muscles and restore elasticity through , increasing circulation and rehydrating skin cells. Some spas also offer high-tech treatments such as electrotherapy to tone sagging muscles. For a slimmer, firmer softer body, there are similar treatments for the skin, along with toning massages, anti-fat and anti-cellulite wraps. Many spas also offer customised slimming diets and exercise regimens. These are most effective at destination spas where the focused and often isolated environment makes it easier to concentrate your efforts, spending days or even weeks achieving the goals you have set with your spa consultant.

Referring to the spa massage and Thai massage, a book published by the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand said that “Thai message is a science which offers many benefits. It helps to ease the body during a period of injury or pain and alleviates illnesses which can not be cured by injections or pills.” Thailand offers folk massage, herbal medicine, meditation techniques, hot herbal stream and mineral bath.

In fact, Thailand has been the home to a wide range of herbal plants species including medicinal plants and herbs. Besides these herbs used as medicines, there are many other traditional ways to treat human beings suffering from various ailments. On such method is massage of different forms, used in Thailand with scientific tips and methods. The first such method of massage is known as acupressure, which is a traditional massage that originated in Asia.

It is based on the belief that the body's energy flow can be disrupted by trauma, injury and illness, that in turn creates isolated pockets of muscle tension, that block important nerve pathways. By applying pressure to these points, the tension is released and the energies can flow freely and naturally. On a more scientific note, some studies have shown that the pressure releases natural endorphins into the system, promoting relaxation and healing.

The next great method is called aromatherapy massage, which combines the traditional kneading-style massage with essential oils that have various specialized effects on the body and mind through both the skin and inhalation. The pressure tends to be lighter, allowing the oils to do much of the work.

Then, you have the option to choose Ayurvedic massage. Ayurveda is an ancient holistic medicine promoting the unity of body, mind and spirit. Most spas that don't actually specialize in this form of medicine have adopted a few of Ayurveda's extensive range of treatments. Ayurvedic massage unblocks invisible points of energy flow, enabling the body to heal itself more effectively.

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