THERE are many styles of massage therapies around the world, and one of the most renowned is Thai massage, which has spread far beyond its homeland.
There is something unique about traditional Thai massage. Despite being thousands of years old, it is still a part of Thailand’s medical system due to its benefits at both a physical and emotional level.
The history of Thai massage, like Thai traditional medicine, is a combination of influences from Indian, Chinese, and Southeast Asian cultural spheres and traditions of medicine, and the art today is likely to be the product of a 19th-century synthesis of various healing traditions from all over the Thai kingdom.
UNESCO even added traditional Thai massage to its Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in December 2019
Traditional Thai massage doesn’t use oil and uses a combination of acupressure and pressure on specific points and stretches to clear energy blockages and relieve tension. A massage uses fingers, thumbs, forearms, elbows, knees and feet to provide deep relaxation and rejuvenation.
Rather than just rubbing on muscles as in other massage therapies, the body is compressed, pulled, stretched and rocked, with an underlying sense of care, based on Buddhist teachings, an integral part of this practice.
Here in Shepparton, Proud Traditional Thai Massage is a beautifully laid out massage parlour which smells and feels like stepping into Thailand. Owner, Nattanya ‘Kathy’ Khongsthidporn, from Bangkok, offers a range of massage therapies including aroma massage, foot massage, hot stone, and of course, traditional Thai massage, which can include a mix of oil massage.
As a perfect Christmas gift for anyone, gift vouchers worth $20, $30, or $50 are available.
Proud Thai Massage is open seven days a week, located at 272B Maude Street, Shepparton (just down from the CFA). Walk-ins and bookings are both welcome. Call them on 5858 5446. They also have another shop in Cobram, at 2/17 Main Street and can be reached on 5872 2905.
Spend a minimum of $10 and fill out an entry form for your chance to win a share of $15,000. Proud Traditional Thai Massage is a participating business in the GMCU 2020 $15,000 Cracking Christmas Shopping Spree Giveaway.
