Comments on: Thai Massage Culture Shock

By: Shama

Shama — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 17:32:28 +0000

That sounds like a similar unusual massage experience. I think it is really beneficial for us therapists to have some massage experiences “out of the box”. It helps our minds to remain open and flexible. Of course here in Thailand that kind of experience is just an everyday occurrence.
I am sure you would have fun here in Thailand!

By: Shama

Shama — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 17:28:15 +0000

I agree Jeannine, it’s the most fun way for people watching that I know of.

By: Ariana

Ariana — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 04:54:09 +0000

What a wonderful description of a very unique massage experience, cell phone and all! I love your description of the massage sheet: “So I was lying on a massage mat with a sheet on it that had suffered through many clients without the refreshing benefits of a washing machine.”

The energy of the article reminds me of one of the first times I did sports massage for Lance Armstrong’s Ride for the Roses at the finish line. We had a tent, we had water, and things were sanitary. The riders were a little late finishing because they had a headwind!

What surprised me most was the blaring music from the loudspeakers at the Finish Line! I’d never massaged to Rock ‘N Roll or Country and Western music at a finish line before.

It was quite an adventure.

Bicyclists came from all over the United States and parts of Europe to participate in the race. I had a great time.

Every time I see Lance’s yellow jersey, I think of that afternoon.

Your description of massage in a Chiang Mai market is very interesting. I’d love to come visit someday.

Maybe I’ll even get a massage in a market and it might even be with two hands if the therapist’s phone doesn’t ring!

By: Jeannine

Jeannine — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 15:20:38 +0000

Thanks Shama for the cute story. For me the Sunday Market massages are for taking a break from the crowds and as you say “watching the world go by”. I like people watching and what better place than from a relaxing chair having a foot massage.

By: Shama

Shama — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 06:46:39 +0000

Adam and Rusty, thanks for your comments. It is good to get feedback from people who actually live here.

By: Rusty

Rusty — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 04:45:01 +0000

Nice to read something that sounds like the Thailand I live in, not the one I usually read about but never seem to find! You might also wear old clothes when you go for a street massage, the oil used will finish a good shirt.
Another piece of advice: Treat cross walk’s as pop art, not as traffic control, and you should make it through tonight.

By: Adam

Adam — Sun, 14 Nov 2010 00:54:58 +0000

Yep, that just about says it all. Brings massage into the everyday world. Such a part of life here. My usual Sunday evening is to go to the Sunday market, get a foot massage for an hour and watch the world go by. And sometimes I nudge the masseuse if she’s chatting a bit too much back to paying more attention to my feet. That’s ok too.