Beginning of Thailand's Spa
An important turning point for Thai spas came with the new millennium, almost a decade after the spa concept was first introduced to Thailand in the early 1990s. The seemingly insatiable demand for spa services attracted local and international investors. Success ignited the exponential growth of Thailand’s spa industry from 2000-2001. In just a few years, over 200 spa operators followed in the footsteps of the three pioneers: The Oriental Spa, Banyan Tree Spa and Chiva-Som International Health Resort, the country’s only destination spa. The rapid entry of new players hoping to gain a fair share of the lucrative spa pie triggered a spa boom.
With this significant increase in the number of spas around the country, the Thai Spa Association was founded. The registration of the association was approved in early 2003 and by the end of last year it consisted of 100 members representing the major players in the industry comprising spa operators, product suppliers, training schools and spa consultants. A study undertaken by Intelligent Spas reports a growth of 64 percent for the period 2000-2002. Statistics compiled by the Singapore based research company indicate that between June 2001 to June 2002 some 230 Thai spa operators attracted a total of 3.3 million spa users, out of which 2.5 million, or 79 percent of the country’s total spa clientele, were overseas spa patrons contributing a total of US$85 million to Thailand’s foreign exchange revenue.
Readership surveys and polls conducted by leading international travel, leisure and lifestyle publications also reflect a clear vote of confidence in Thai spas. Since 1999 spas in Thailand have managed to consistently secure a place in the world’s top overseas spas. In the 2003 survey conducted by Conde Nast Traveller of the UK- a leading travel and lifestyle magazine – Chiva-Som International Health Resort at Hua Hin was selected the number one overseas destination spa and Mandara Spa at JW Marriott in Phuket the best hotel spa in Asia. Other spas in Thailand that have consistently taken top spots in international surveys are Banyan Tree Spa, The Spa at Four Seasons Chiang Mai and Six Senses Spa.
The country’s reputation for outstanding service and superior spa hospitality are backed by equally solid operating results and economic performance that far exceed that of counterparts around the region. Thailand settles comfortably into its new status as the spa capital of Asia.
While the first wave of Thai spas was fuelled in part by the arrival of international operators and spa consultants who brought with them experience and expertise to establish and manage high quality spa operations, today Thai spas compete on an equal footing with international counterparts in the cosmopolitan centres and fashion capitals of the world. Quality has also attracted joint ventures and co-operative partnerships resulting in an exotic range of innovative spa products and services born of the marriage of the Thai traditional art of healing and contemporary Western spa treatments. The proliferation of spa operations found in a range of places beyond hotels, resorts, destination and medical spas prompted Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health to work towards the introduction of quality standards and a regulatory framework to ensure planned and sustainable growth.
To achieve this, the Ministry, which has assumed the role of custodian overseeing the growth and development of the spa sector, has been working in close co-operation with the Thai Spa Association and private sector operators to develop guidelines and specific standards for the Thai spa industry. The government realises that in order to inspire consumer confidence and trust in the range of products it needs to assure spa guests and visitors to Thailand that safety, hygiene, service quality and quality assurance are top priorities. The implementation of industry standards during the first quarter of 2004 will be supported by mechanisms and processes that promote the systematic improvement of these measures to ensure quality. Among the steps to be implemented are registration of all spas and the operators of the spas, as well as training for staff with tests leading to certification of therapists. The comprehensive plan also includes guidelines to ensure fair pricing.
These measures by the joint state-private sector committees ensure that future industry growth proceeds in the right direction with Thai spa operators aiming for higher standards and striving towards the achievement of global spa industry standards. Earning the official seal of approval denotes quality and constitutes added recognition and credibility every bit as important as the attainment of internationally recognised ISO service standards.
The government’s campaign to turn Thailand into the regional health-care centre focuses on three areas: hospitals for medical treatment, spas for health promotion and herbal products. Its spas have now earned a reputation for the country as the spa capital of Asia. Achieving world-class status is next on the national agenda.
IN TRENDS
The hotel/resort spa sector continues to lead the way in the growth of the local spa industry. An increasing number of hotel properties in Thailand are launching their own spa products in the coming years. Many more deluxe hotels are investing in the addition of spa facilities and will be offering in-house lines of spa products and services.
As a continuous stream of new operators enter the market, product differentiation is fundamental to maintaining competitive edge and ensuring long-term success, if not survival. An increasing number of Thai spas are developing their own lines of products that capture the exotic qualities of Thai herbs. This has contributed to a renaissance of traditional Thai herbal recipes and ancient remedies prized for the healing potency of the natural ingredients from which they are made. In the area of product development, spa experts believe that holistic healing is the best model for Thailand because it enables spa operators to tap into resources indigenous to the country and product differentiation can be achieved cost-effectively.
The key ingredients for a successful spa are the quality and variety of the services and products being offered, the price range, the friendliness and competence of the staff, design, atmosphere and ambience and cleanliness.
The spa concept was imported, adopted and then adapted and refined. Over time a hybrid cross-cult spa formula with a distinctive Thai touch emerged. Offshore, there is growing international interest around the world in Thai spa expertise and the Thai spa concept, health and beauty products, particularly herbal treatments. Overseas spa operators hoping to stay ahead of the game are adding the Thai touch to their spa menus. The growing demand for highly qualified and experienced spa person-nel at spa destinations, both in Thailand and overseas, drives new business opportunities in the recruitment, training and skills development of spa staff, particularly therapists.
Thailand has long been recognised for world-class service and hospitality. Today international spa operators are looking to Thailand to lead the region in the training of spa personnel to address market need in a world where demand far outstrips supply. The Thai spa has become a much sought-after model for success and both locally and overseas, it appears the growth will continue unabated.
Thai Spa Cuisine
Spa cuisine – can it really be Thai? What with all those Thai delicacies such as tom kha kai(chicken in coconut milk soup), phad krapow moo (pork with basil), khao phad (fried rice) and khao niew mamuang (mango with sticky rice) being steeped in saturated fats, salts and sugars, how can these local culinary delicacies conform to the guidelines of spa cuisine?
Spa cuisine by its very nature is a low fat, low salt and low sugar form of cookery. This is not to say that fat, salt or sugar must be eliminated, but just that these elements in the normal diets are over consumed and people would be a lot healthier if they took the effort to review and subsequently reduce the quantity taken. From this one can expand into or specialise in allergy cookery and regionalised menus or even venture into totally raw food cuisine. Regardless, the basic three points are essential to the fundamentals of spa cuisine and if the rich flavours of Thailand are added, you have a winning combination from which to work.
Thai cuisine demands that only the freshness of ingredients be used. Coupled with the tradition of a high level of intensity in flavours, this means that it is relatively simple to adjust many of the traditional recipes so that they conform to the guidelines required of spa cuisine. So why is it that despite Thailand being a recognised leader in spa cuisine development the country still has relatively few outlets that have explored this opportunity? As the spa industry continues to grow, interest in all aspects of the spa culture should grow as well, and it is hoped that Thai spa cuisine will become available to a larger audience.
However, for this to happen it is necessary for the spa operators themselves to see the relevance of the cuisine to ensure that this unique element of the spa culture is developed to its potential. With the traditional aspects of spas in Thailand providing a unique basis for its development, coupled with the general social principles and caring attitudes of Thai society, it makes sense that this caring will carry through to at least some post-visit care. After all, whether a customer has spent 500 baht or 5,000 baht in a spa, they have at the very least started a detoxification process in the body. It makes no sense to then effectively stop this process with the ingestion of the unhealthy, toxin-laden foods that are normally consumed.
With Thai cuisine being in increasing demand the world over and Thai chefs being exported to Thai restaurants across the globe, the further development of the cuisine as a truly healthy one in full support of the growing spa culture in this country is a natural process. All that is required is for spas to put healthy cuisine into practice with the support of dieticians and nutritionists. While the basis of the cuisine is low fat, low salt and low sugar, with virtually no formal training available to the cooks and chefs in Thailand until the educational process is formalised, it will fall to the dieticians to guide the budding spa cuisine chefs. But it is essential that the chefs are still able to stamp their creative talents on the food within its rather stringent ingredient or quantity guidelines.
Some adjustments in thinking are required for true spa cuisine to be successful. Just changing to a simple cooking technique alone such as using shallow frying as traditionally taught will not enable Thai cuisine to develop into Thai spa cuisine. A completely different thought process is required to realise that the fats used so readily and yet widely acknowledged as being not good for the health must be significantly reduced as well in their use in the spa culinary process. With Thai cuisine, like many other Asian cuisines based on the fast-cooking process of a wok, fats and oils are used widely as a cooking medium.
This can be minimised, if not eliminated. The culinary flavour bases of chicken or vegetable stock can be utilised instead, with a slight technique adjustment, rendering the finished product a much healthier alternative and more likely than not conforming to all three rules of spa cuisine. This substitution can be carried further across a whole range of traditional Thai recipes and the cooking techniques employed. Removing the chicken skin and utilising low-fat milk instead of the more highly saturated fat of coconut milk in a traditional green chicken curry will significantly reduce the total fat content – but be warned though, you have to adjust your cooking technique as well. Low-fat milk does not like to be heated and has a tendency to ‘split’, so you will need to add corn starch or a similar binding agent to prevent this happening. This is not to say that all Thai dishes need significant adjustments. Traditional som tam is a great dish, but go light on the fish sauce and palm sugar. Eat this with your kai yang (grilled chicken) which has had the skin removed and you are definitely heading in the right direction – even more so if you combine it with brown rice instead of white glutinous rice.
Avoiding deep-fried foods is highly recommended, but if this seems to be too much of an imposition on the traditional diet, at the very least one should try to reduce the frequency of its consumption. An alternative is to bake the traditionally deep-fried foods in the oven – this will significantly reduce the fat content at the same time providing a dish that tastes very much like the original. Virtually all Thai-style yum salads comply with the principles of spa cuisine without any adjustments needed, providing one does not overdo the nam pla (fish sauce) or sugar content. There are staple Thai dishes such as tom yam, nam prik and even larb that are natural conformists of spa cuisine. Fortunately Thai cuisine does not have the negatives of most European cuisines in that it utilises little, if any, of the butters, creams and cheeses that so heavily saturate Western cuisines.
Other simple substitutes that can be found in Thai spa cuisine include apple juice concentrate instead of sugars, or if this is not available, a small quantity of real honey; fruit purees instead of jams; tamari instead of soy sauce or nam pla (better still, if you can find it, use low-salt tamari); low-fat milk (and corn starch) instead of coconut milk. Avoid deep-fried food, salted-dried food and snacks and trim all meats of visible fats before cooking including removing the skin from pork and chicken.
Increase vegetables in the meals – this has a dual role in that it naturally reduces the saturated fat content while greatly increasing the fibre, vitamins and minerals in the diet. With Thailand remaining an agrarian-based economy, the importance of the simple pleasures in life will remain. This means not only the physical importance of food but also the social aspects thereof. Meals are a time when the family is most likely together in a cohesive unit with one goal in mind – the enjoyment of food and friends. For this, flavours and textures are essential in their consideration.
Not only the hot, sour, sweet and salty flavour aspects demanded by tradition, but also the textural elements of liquids (soups), the crunch of raw salads, the pasty texture provided by the food staple of rice, the firm texture of fish and meats or the sweetness of fresh fruits.
Thailand, being one of the few countries in the world which has never been dominated by another power, is in the unique position of being able to develop a very special cuisine, and this is what has been happening for many years. With the increasing tourist trade in the country, and the toning down of traditional dishes to accommodate the tourist palate, the cuisine needs to re-establish itself to remain a true cultural icon. Fortunately many traditionalists are seeing this and resurgence in restaurants committed to serving only authentic Thai food is exploding across the globe. However, for economic prosperity alternatives need to be considered on the local front. This is where Thai spa cuisine can continue to grow. As the overall health consciousness of the society develops, so too the need to provide a more universal cuisine that is suited to today’s modern, fast-paced, yet all too often inactive world. A cuisine that will supplement and support other cuisines, yet because of the selection and treatment of ingredients, it shall remain unique.
With globalisation, there is a commitment to ensure local and regionalised cuisines see a resurgence. Thai cuisine is no exception to this – just look at the selections of foods served in a Chiang Mai restaurant compared to those offered in a Bangkok or Hat Yai restaurant. And while Chiang Mai restaurants may have a Chinese influence or those in Hat Yai have a Malaysian influence, they remain uniquely Thai. Chefs and restaurateurs know that economically if they purchase produce locally it will be cheaper and their profit margins potentially greater. Thai consumers have limited access to refrigeration in comparison to the Western world, so freshness is also a practical consideration. With Thai spa cuisine being cooked quickly (as with traditional Thai cuisine), the nutrients lost in the cooking process are minimised. So as the spa culture takes a lasting hold on today’s society, all aspects of this culture will no doubt be analysed and dissected repeatedly but the fact remains that Thai cuisine holds a unique place in the world’s kitchens and the potential for Thai spa cuisine to become a world leader in health cuisines remains unquestionable.
Aqua Culture
From the icy Polar Regions to the balmy tropics of the earth, water in its many guises is a source of life. Like air, water is essential. Without it we would wither and die. In its variable forms it has the power to heal, calm, invigorate and destroy. Water’s transformative qualities make it a universal symbol of fertility, birth, regeneration and purification. The word spa is rooted in the Latin sanus per aqua meaning “health through water” and as ice, liquid or steam, H20 is central to the idea of spa.
The northern Thai folklore manuscript Pathamamulamuli contains a description of the creation of the world. Translated by Anatole-Roger Peltier it beautifully illustrates how everything that is springs from water. “When the world was not yet in existence, there were only the cold and the hot. By coming together and by feeding each other, these two states of matter gave rise to a wind that blew very strongly and called into existence the earth and water. The moisture released by rocks produced mosses and seaweeds which, in turn, gave rise to grasses, plants and trees. Insects such as fleas and beetles were born from the elements earth, water, fire, then beings endowed with bones and blood. From the element earth a woman called Nang Itthang Gaiya Sangkasi was born. The scent of flowers was her only food. Mixing her sweat with clay, she molded animals so that they ate the plants that grew in plenty.”
The Thai people have an enduring relationship with water and both are inextricably entwined. Water lies at the heart of the Songkran and Loy Krathong festivals celebrated annually in April and November respectively. Early communities congregated on rivers or canals, or by the sea, while some lived in floating houses. Natural springs, streams and rivers are regarded the world over as special places where magical supernatural beings live. The mythical serpent or naga, which is commonly seen in traditional Thai architecture, symbolises water. It is said to live underground, or in water and links water with the earth. One of its roles was to protect the Buddha whilst he meditated. The sacred lotus, a water plant, is depicted in art and is commonly offered to monks in temples throughout Thailand. It rises up from the water representing the enlightened Buddha, free of earthly cares and illuminated with the light of spirit.
The sound of water is as restorative as its form. Rhythmic ocean waves can transport us to a meditative state, whilst the crash of monsoon rains remind us of the power of nature. The world over, rain is described in numerous and often romantic ways. On a more mundane plane, water takes up more than 60 percent of our body weight. Evolutionists tell us that we originated in the ancient oceans where the first primitive life forms began and thus our affinity with the sea. We cry salty sea tears. Even the ratio of electrolytes in our body is equivalent to that of seawater.
An array of water treatments, all broadly classified under hydrotherapy, includes baths and showers, hot and cold compresses, body wraps and salt scrubs. Hydrotherapy is essential for improving health conditions, alleviating pain, beautifying the body and managing stress. When applied therapeutically it can stimulate the immune system, boost blood circulation, eliminate toxins, soothe and invigorate. It is one of the most versatile media for health maintenance.
Painful conditions such as arthritis or muscular pain respond well to hydrotherapy because its main focus is to help the body eliminate toxins. Conditions thought to be caused by toxic residue, and the discomfort that often accompanies them, can be greatly alleviated by immersion in heated water. In fact many health problems can be diminished with a regular application of directed water because of its ability to increase blood circulation to affected areas of the body. No spa visit is complete without a water treatment and by having a hydrotherapy treatment at a favourite spa, or dipping in a river or floating on gentle ocean waves, we are “taking the waters” and experiencing spa’s original essence.
THAI WATER THERAPIES
Water therapies found in Thai spas include traditional as well as Western methods. The unmistakable bouquet of the traditional Thai herbal steam may be found all over the country. Commonly used herbs such as lemongrass, galangal or ginger root, kaffir lime leaf, basil and camphor were traditionally boiled in a pot which was placed in a makeshift tent. The fresh scent of the herbs in the resulting steam was inhaled, improving blood circulation and cleansing the skin. Today Thai herbal steam rooms range from traditional-style tent arrangements to sophisticated steam rooms. Thai herbal baths use similar herbs to those used for steam, bruised in a mortar, placed in a cloth bag and soaked in the bath. The effect is calming and uplifting, providing welcome relief for overworked muscles or irritated skin.
Thailand is known for its therapeutic hot compresses containing numerous herbs. Fresh or dried, the herbs are tightly bound in fabric, steamed until piping hot and firmly rolled, pressed or pounded over the entire body. Compresses are traditionally applied after Thai Massage to prevent bruising, reduce muscle stress and cure skin conditions. The contents are prescribed according to the condition being treated, with some of the most commonly used herbs being zedoary (khamin oi), turmeric (khamin chan), lemongrass (takhrai), kaffir lime (makrut), camphor tree (naat), tamarind (makham) and plai (scientific name: zingiber cassumar).
SHOWERS AND BATHS
The simplicity of running a bath after a hard day has a near miraculous effect. People who are tense, overworked and stressed do well by soaking in a hot bath. Heat has a calming effect, slowing the activities of the internal organs. If tired and in need of rejuvenation, a hot bath followed by a cold shower invigorates and stimulates body and mind.
The Vichy shower is a wet treatment where the client lies on a table whilst alternating hot and cold water is sprayed from above from a minimum of seven showerheads. Asian-designed versions are often made of beautiful, local materials such as brass, bamboo or wood that work well with the natural spa ambience. Swiss shower therapy sprays water overhead and at the sides of the body. The jets are alternately powerful and gentle and the temperature is also varied. Scotch hose treatments alternate hot and cold water at high pressure whilst the client is standing.
This is a specific hydro massage treatment and is highly stimulating for the lymphatic and circulatory systems. Jacuzzi or whirlpool baths are commonly found all over the world. Warm water is sprayed from jets placed at the side and sometimes from the bottom of a tub. This is an effective and accessible remedy for stress and tired muscles.
BODY WRAPS
Wet spa treatments such as classic body wraps utilise various seaweeds and sea muds containing trace elements, vitamins and minerals. Mud from moors around the world is a rich source of ancient herbs and flowers that are extremely beneficial to health. Both seaweed and mud boost blood circulation, tone and re-mineralise the skin as well as eliminate toxins.
BODY SCRUBS
Rice is plentiful and a number of varieties are native to Asia. It is no coincidence that this water-loving grain is widely used as an exfoliate in body scrubs. Another popular choice is sea salt. Both make skin smooth and soft and salt has the extra benefit of being packed with healthy minerals.
UNDERWATER MASSAGE
A feeling of weightlessness adds a dreamy dimension to this massage technique, inducing a deep level of relaxation and release from tension. While floating on an effervescent stream of water, underwater jets continuously massage specific areas such as neck, shoulders, hips, thighs and feet. Meanwhile the therapist uses a high pressure hose to massage specific problem areas.
WATSU
A relative newcomer to the scene, Watsu combines some Shiatsu techniques such as pressures and stretching with a sequence of fluid, dance-like movements while the client is fully supported and guided by the practitioner. Like most Eastern-orientated bodywork, Watsu releases blockages along the body’s energy meridians, rebalances energies and deeply relaxes.
Massage
With the growing number of spas worldwide offering an extensive range of treatments, it is interesting to know that massage is still the most frequently requested spa therapy. Massage is primarily about touch, and touch in itself has healing qualities. Despite the many techniques and principles, the effects, psychological and physiological, remain the same. Massaging the muscles relaxes and stimulates the circulation so that blood flows freely, carrying oxygen and nutrients to where they are needed. By working on the circulation, regular massage can help normalise blood pressure, easing the pressure on overburdened arteries and veins. Massage stimulates the lymphatic system which is responsible for nourishing cells, carrying waste products out of the body and defending the body against infection. At the same time bodywork improves muscle and skin tone, stimulates the nervous system and improves overall body health. The treatment menu at a good spa will invariably include several types of massage. Many of the more popular ones including Thai Massage originated in the East. But whether Western or Eastern there are similarities in the techniques used, and often they consist of a combination of the different forms of bodywork.
THAI MASSAGE
Nuad pan boran is the name for traditional Thai Massage which dates back at least 2,500 years. It is recognised as a practical application of the Buddhist concept of metta, or loving kindness. Thai Massage is a known healing technique that places emphasis on the mind and body connection and, with a skilled therapist, it is also used as a tool in the treatment of emotional and spiritual disorders. Thai Massage is based on the principle that invisible lines of force run through the body. The focus is on 10 lines called “sen”.  The massage seeks to release blockages that may exist along the sen to allow the free flow of energy throughout the body. The client is clothed and lies on a floor mattress.  The therapist applies pressure using the thumbs, fingertips, hands, feet, arms and legs. Compression using the therapists’ body weight is also applied to large areas of the body, such as the back and hips. Pressures combined with manipulations stretch the spine and pull on joints to leave the body feeling loose and relaxed, ultimately maintaining flexibility and relieving tension. The therapist works kneeling or sitting on the floor alongside the client, working from the feet up to the shoulders and neck, over the face and onto the scalp. Thai Massage is a deep-massage technique that can be very relaxing. However, it can go beyond pampering and relaxation and the more advanced practitioners are trained to treat ailments and diseases as well.
SHIATSU
Although its roots lie in China, Shiatsu was developed in modern-day Japan. Also known as acupressure, the term Shiatsu translates as “finger pressure” but similar to Thai Massage, in practice hands, knees, elbows or even feet are used by the practitioner to apply pressure to the body. Shiatsu is based on the principle that energy runs through the meridians which are said to govern the internal organs and our entire metabolism. The pressure is placed at precisely located points on the meridian lines of the body through which energy flows – there are 14 main meridians and there are approximately 600 Shiatsu points. Applying pressure on the points has the effect of balancing that energy to help maintain or restore the body’s natural vitality, working on the principle that depleted energy requires toning to give relief whereas excess energy needs sedating. In addition to localised pressure points, Shiatsu can also involve stretching and manipulations which also require the client’s participation in order to co-ordinate the breath with the manipulations. Shiatsu is performed with the client dressed in loose, comfortable clothing, on the floor on a mat or futon. Treatments can help the young or old, active or sedentary and the method is claimed to help conditions as varied as allergies, anxiety and depression, asthma, digestive disorders, insomnia, headache and migraine, menstrual problems and sinusitis. Shiatsu can be used as a complete system of health maintenance, or simply for stress reduction and relaxation.
SWEDISH MASSAGE
Swedish Massage is recognised as the first systematic method of modern massage in the Western world and remains one of the most popular massages for the first-time spa goer. The massage typically uses a medium of vegetable oil, cream and sometimes talc and includes long strokes or effleurage, kneading, friction, vibrations and stimulating movements also known as tapotement using the hands, palms, thumbs and fingertips. Movements are generally applied in the direction of the heart and the main purpose is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. By increasing blood flow the muscles are warmed and relaxed and the recovery time from muscular strain is shortened by the flushing out from the tissues of lactic acid, uric acid and other metabolic wastes. Skin tone is improved and due to the stimulation of the lymphatic system cellulite can be reduced. In addition, by stimulating the nervous system there is a reduction in both emotional and physical stress. Swedish Massage is both relaxing and invigorating. It affects the nerves, muscles, glands and circulation, while promoting health and well-being.
TUI NA
Tui Na is an Oriental bodywork therapy that has been used in China for 2,000 years. It uses the traditional Chinese medical theory of the flow of qi through the meridians as its basic therapeutic orientation. Tui Na is a varied technique that uses many different strokes such as rolling, pressing, kneading, plucking and vibrations that are applied to acupoints, channels and muscle groups. When done correctly there is an exchange of qi energy between the practitioner and the patient, resulting in ultimate
healing. Through the application of massage and manipulation techniques Tui Na focuses on the flow of qi through the system of channels, allowing the body to naturally heal itself. Tui Na methods include the use of hand techniques to massage the soft tissue of the body, acupressure techniques to directly affect the flow of qi and manipulation techniques. As with Shiatsu and Thai Massage, the client wears loose clothing and lies on a table or floor mat. Sessions last from 30 minutes to one hour. Tui Na is recommended for the treatment of specific musculo-skeletal disorders and chronic stress-related disorders of the digestive, respiratory and reproductive systems.
AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy is not just a massage using aromatic oils, but is in fact far more complex. A consultation by an aroma therapist is conducted prior to treatment to assess the client’s general health, diet and exercise regimes before a personalised oil blend is created. Whilst the blend that is created can vary from energising to relaxing, the massage technique consists mainly of long, gentle, stroking movements to calm and soothe the nerves, focusing on lymphatic drainage. The rate of absorption of the oil is increased during massage. Essential oils are extracted from an array of plant sources such as petals, leaves, roots and stalks and are composed of tiny molecules which are easily dissolved in alcohol, emulsifiers and fats. During Aromatherapy Massage, the oils penetrate through the skin tissue into the bloodstream. It is used in pain relief management, treatment of emotional stress and generally helps to enhance the quality of life.
AYURVEDIC MASSAGE
Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old holistic healing tradition from India encompassing mind, body and spirit, is based on the Sanskrit word ayar meaning “life” and veda meaning “knowledge”. Three doshas are central to the Ayurvedic philosophies – vata, pitta and kapha – each one representing specific physical and emotional trends. Abhyanga (Ayurvedic oil massage) is an integral part of the daily routine traditionally performed in the morning and is recommended by this healing system for overall health and well-being. Ayurveda is nourishing, relieves fatigue, provides stamina and is beneficial in treating rheumatism, induces sound sleep and gives a sense of well-being. Traditionally Abhyanga is a synchronised massage performed by two therapists. It is a procedure in which medicated oil, prepared using herbs that pacify the unbalanced vata, pitta and kapha energies, is applied to the whole body and massaged in a specific manner by two therapists.
INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
Indian Head Massage, otherwise known as Champissage (Champi), has been practiced for over a thousand years as a tradition of family grooming and is part of the Ayurvedic form of healing and relaxation. Originally, it was developed by women who used different oils according to the season to keep their hair strong, lustrous and in beautiful condition.
PHOTO COURTESY OF: CENTARA SPA
Indian Champissage incorporates deep thumb and finger pressure and friction as well as soothing stroking focusing on the neck and shoulders where stress affects major muscle groups. Indian Head Massage can also work through the upper arms, scalp and face. Muscular tension is relieved, blood and lymphatic circulation is increased, toxins are dispersed from tense muscles and flexibility and fluidity of movement is restored. It helps to relieve headaches, eye strain and sinusitis, focuses concentration and improves sleeping patterns. Close to the end of each treatment, a deeper sense of relaxation is induced and the client’s energy level is improved. Champissage can also release locked emotions and negative energy, making room for positive feelings.
SPORTS MASSAGE
The growth in the number of people taking regular exercise has also led to a higher incidence of minor injuries caused by over exercising or undertaking a too strenuous workout. To redress the balance, there is a growing interest in Sports Massage which has been developed to both help prevent injury in the first place but also promote quick recovery from minor sporting injuries. Sports Massage can play a part in pre-sport, post-sport and in-between exercise or sports activities. This massage shortly before or after an activity will decrease the likelihood of strained or sore muscles and the long-term risks of strain and potential injury are reduced. The specialist technique tends to be strong and deep to really work on the muscle tissue. However, the depth of pressure applied will vary according to the purpose of the treatment. Massage movements are similar to those used in Swedish Massage and include stroking, kneading, compression, friction and tapotement. The effect is relaxing and regenerating to help keep the body in peak condition. The massage can be applied with oil or cream and some practitioners may even use talc.
Spa Products
Visitors to the country often remark on the beauty and grace of the Thai people and their traditions. Herbal recipes and procedures handed down through centuries testify to the importance of beauty and well-being in Thai culture. It is no wonder then that Thailand has become well-known for its spas, which are fast turning into centres for things beautiful and serene. Of all the components that make a spa special, the type of products used ranks high on the list. Products are indicative of what is considered important by spa operators and are selected because they complement the spa’s concept and suit their guests’ needs and preferences. Every successful spa knows that products are one of the key factors in attracting and keeping guests. In short, spa products for therapy and retail are essential elements in a memorable spa experience. At their best, they are a sensory delight that not only engage touch, taste, hearing, sight and smell but also impart a sense of wellbeing and beauty.
Spa goers have a range of goals, but two of the most important are to relax and to look good. That is why so many spas use natural, “feel-good” spa ranges as well as more expensive imported brands that provide more immediate visible results.
NATURAL PRODUCTS
Natural product ranges are mainly derived from plants and there are certainly many well- known herbal options for those seeking an authentic Thai spa experience. Classic Thai healing herbs fall into nine taste categories: astringent, sweet, nauseating, bitter, pungent, nutty, fragrant, salty and sour. Each has particular properties and benefits and single applications or combinations can be formulated to achieve a specific result. Popular ingredients regularly used in Thai treatments are lime, papaya, tamarind, pineapple, turmeric, plai, ginger, honey, egg, rice, kaffir lime leaf, white clay, camphor, aloe vera, lemon grass, rice and rice bran oil.
As many people these days have sensitivities to chemicals, one of the benefits in using a chemical- free, natural spa range is that the possibility of an allergic reaction is reduced. Essential oils are found in practically every spa range and are one of the most versatile spa ingredients because of their effect on body, mind and spirit. As well as the physical benefits, aromatherapy research shows that we respond psychologically and emotionally to certain scents. Well-blended massage oils are designed to evoke specific responses and that is why some essential oils are more popular than others in the formulations of spa products.
Widely used essential oils such as lavender, orange, sandalwood and the expensive jasmine and rose all affect the nervous system and can help relieve stress and depression. French basil, rosemary and vetiver are excellent for alleviating fatigue and nervous exhaustion. Ylang ylang, rose otto and sandalwood appear in romantic blends because of their aphrodisiac properties, whilst clary sage is said to heighten intuition.
Those who regularly use completely pure, natural products may notice that each batch has slight variations of fragrance, despite the most controlled production processes. Anyone who has lived with the highly scented Asiatic lily knows that throughout the day, at certain times, its aroma is much stronger than at other times when it is barely perceptible. This is because plants, unlike chemicals and synthetics, are subject to variation and faithfully respond to their environment. Potency, colour and scent fluctuate enormously and depend on a number of environmental factors. The best natural product makers ensure control over each step of the manufacturing process. Where and how the plant is grown is important with some producers insisting on plants grown in organic soil. The method of harvesting, the age of the plant and the time of day it is picked are crucial factors in ensuring maximum potency. The extraction method used, the blending of the formula and the way the product is packaged all make a world of difference to the power and efficacy of the final product.
IMPORTED PRODUCTS
Imported products are used in many Thai spas and are favoured by clients who expect immediate, visible results. That is not to say that natural products don’t work, but they tend to work best over time. Products from Europe, Australia and the USA may all be found in Thai spas. Name brands such as Guinot and Decleor have traditionally focused on beauty and aesthetics. However, with the emergence of spas as a permanent fixture of the modern lifestyle, more companies are developing ranges that are specifically spa focused. These tend to contain ingredients derived from plant or sea. The Japanese skincare company, Shiseido, has a spa line known as Qi, using mainly plant ingredients.
Because the sea is intrinsically linked to the concept of spa, Algotherm’s spa range and Thalgo, both from France, contain a wide variety of laminaria, commonly known as seaweed, in all their products. The sea offers all of the elements necessary for cellular function and seaweed has the same balanced composition but is thousands of times more concentrated. Seaweed is highly active and beneficial. Its ability to stimulate cellular activity and increase the efficiency of lymphatic fluid helps the body to detoxify, making it a popular ingredient for slimming products and cellulite treatments.
Muds for beauty and therapy have been used for centuries and may be found all over the world. Rich mud collected from ancient moors such as the Neydharting Moor in Austria is laden with high concentrations of active substances from herbs, flowers and plants. It is rich in bio-minerals, trace elements, vitamins, amino acids, plant hormones and fatty acids, all broken down, pre-digested and highly assimilable, ready to be absorbed and used by the body. The molecular structure of the substance is so fine that it penetrates the skin.
Mud from the Dead Sea in Israel is mineral rich and contains a high percentage of calcium, potassium and magnesium chloride, all of which have a healing effect on skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema and stimulate, tone and cleanse the skin. Mud is particularly useful for the treatment of cellulite and for treating blemished skin and like seaweed, it can be used on both face and body.
The luxurious Devarana Spa uses the Jurlique line from Australia because of the guaranteed purity of the products and their sensational textures and natural complex fragrances. Devarana has gone one step further and even has its own specially composed music designed to accompany all treatments. Six Senses Spa offers its guests Sodashi, an Australian brand, because they share common values including ethical principles and purity of product with a holistic hands-on approach.
Spas with home brands often use locally sourced and manufactured products. Sheraton’s Grande Spa’s Integrity range uses lemongrass as a common component in each of its products because it is widely available and has wide-ranging therapeutic uses. Perfect for hot climates, lemongrass effortlessly eliminates body odour, reduces stress, refreshes and tones the skin and relaxes the mind.
Banyan Tree, a spa pioneer, made a name for its spas with unique treatments incorporating freshly made herbal and other natural products. One of its signature treatments uses a refreshing combination of cucumber and lemongrass in a body scrub.
Home spa devotees are finding more goods to purchase as retailing becomes an essential element in the spa business. Besides an array of skin-care ranges, many more spa-inspired categories of goods are appearing. Traditional Thai herbal products including hot compresses, teas and herbs can be bought to enjoy at home. Apparel for movement therapies such as yoga or Thai Massage or for just plain lounging come in an array of colours and fabrics. Ambient music, essential oils, massage oils, incense and natural fragrances ensure that part of the home space can be turned into a sanctuary of calm. Retail products beautifully packaged in fabrics such as Thai silk, or in natural, hand-made papers have a distinctive Thai flavour. Traditional Thai ceramics such as the famous celadon are fired to make
oil burners, ceremonial tea sets, bowls and incense holders. Well-known manufacturers of bath and shower ranges now have specially branded spa lines which are widely available.
The spa culture is here to stay. More people are becoming aware of the importance of making time to indulge the senses and to create calm in the midst of a busy life. By beautifying and sweetening life, spa products certainly help to achieve this. Relax and enjoy both their cosmetic benefits and their therapeutic qualities.

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