Thailand Massage - The Finest and Most Unique

If you have spent any time in Thailand you will surely have noticed that Thai massage parlors are popular everywhere you look. Originating in India over 2,500 years ago, therapeutic massage was imported to Thailand by Buddhist monks. Like herbal healing, it was practiced in temples throughout the country. To this day there are many parlors featuring “traditional Thai massage”, but some are more unique than others and shouldn’t be taken for granted.

Wat Pho, also famous for being Thailand’s first university, is a center for traditional Thai massage. The rich, famous and powerful visit the temple for its mastery of art. Inscribed on stone in the walls of Wat Pho is all that was known about Thai massage, dating from King Rama III (1824-1851). Thai massage was originally a profession for the blind. Nowadays, a wide range of people practice the art. Massage teachers, however, still say that masseurs who cannot see concentrate better and have pure intentions. If you visit Bangkok and feel tired or stressed, try heading to Wat Pho to have a massage by one of the blind masseurs. Don’t forget to tip them too.

If you are in Chiang Mai, another unique place to get a massage is the Chiang Mai Women’s Correctional Institution. Housing 1,200 women convicted of drug crimes, the prison allows women who have successfully undergone drug rehab to participate in a 3 month voluntary vocational program. This allows them to learn massage, cooking, dressmaking, hairdressing or waitressing. Massages here are not only cheaper than at most locations, but they also give these soon-to-be-released women a chance to practice their commercial skills, helping them earn some head-start money and helping them to interact with the public in a controlled setting. This money allows them to establish financial independence, so they can support their families upon release.

There is another location in Chiang Mai that allows women convicted of a crime to work in the massage industry. It is called Lila Thai Massage and the owner is also the director of Chiang Mai’s female prison. Women who have left the prison often get a job at Lila’s as a path to reintegration into society. Lila’s is very popular with tourists and locals.

Massage has been a healing art in Thailand for centuries. It is widespread across the country. Whether you are in Bangkok, Chiangmai, or any other province, you can find quality massages. It doesn’t really matter where you go. What is critical is that this healing art be preserved and not forgotten.