A Client's Experience
Yao Thai Spa - Thai Massage In Edenvale
TRADITIONALLY THAI
I Visited Yao Thai Spa Health Hydro in Edenvale, one of the few spas on the East Rand which offers Traditional Thai massages by Thai Therapists.
Those who have visited Thailand will have returned invigorated by the hospitality of the gentle Thai people. Among the extraordinary services available to visitors to the country, are the traditional Thai massages given by talented practitioners and locals alike, for whom massage is a way of life.
Traditional Thai massage is more than just your conventional “rub down”. It is intense and deep-working and targets the many pressure points in the body. It is said that Thai therapeutic massages uses the whole person to treat the whole person. But to understand this fully, you need to witness the massage process, as I did when I visited Yao Thai Spa. I was welcomed at the door by the petit therapists, who smiled warmly and bowed, before showing me to the therapy room. Before entering, I lay my shoes at the door, as is tradition in Thailand. In the room, two therapy mats were spread out, beautifully decorated with inviting, oriental-style flowers. On each, a pair of freshly-ironed, white linen Thai-style pajamas had been neatly folded. The massages are done on the floor mat with the receiver wearing loose, comfortable clothing. This gives the practitioner more leverage and the ability to use her body more effectively.
I, now dressed for my treatment, lay down on the mat and the therapy began. The massage techniques are completely different to anything seen on a western massage therapy table. I recognized various yoga postures as the therapist worked through the treatment. The therapist used every part of her body – her knees, her hands, her feet, her elbows - to deep massage my muscles. I was twisted and stretched in all direct ions, as was the therapist! This is an age-old treatment – some 2 500 years old. In 1690 it was written of the treatment that it was used to skillfully “mold the body” of the client. While “molding” of my body was done, the therapist continually rocked back and forth - a movement which creates a “oneness” between therapist and client.
I am naturally flexible, but if you struggle to even touch your toes, rest assured, the massage therapist intuitively adapts the treatment to suit each client’s needs and flexibility. Through experience she has learnt to read th e clients and can even tell you something about your lifestyle from how your body responds to the treatment. Bodybuilders, cyclists, runners, martial artists, golfers and other sports people frequently visit Yao Thai Spa for the treatment because of its many benefits. I emerged feeling I had so much energy, I felt as though I could walk back to the office. The massage, I felt, had awoken something deep within me.
Yao Thai Spa is one of the few spas offering traditional Thai treatments and massages on the East Rand. The therapists have been trained in Thailand and each has her own treatment style. Costs are R400 for 90 minutes and R300 for 60 minutes (well worth it in my opinion). Other treatments include Thai hot stone therapy, neck, shoulder and back massage, face and head massage, various Thai body exfoliations and scrubs, a Thai healing herb sauna, oxygen/ozone spa bath, Thai aromatherapy full body therapy, Thai reflexology foot therapy and Thai herbal compress therapy. Various packages are also available and they do children’s pamper parties (wow!).
This is an experience you don’t want to miss!
For more information, contact 011 453 9900 / 011 453 4604 / info@yaothaispa.com, or visit www.yaothaispa.com.
