Thai Spa Book
The Natural Asian Way to Health and Beauty
Chami Jotisalikorn
photos by Luca Invernizzi Tettoni
Published by Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd
Copyright © 2002 Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd Photographs © 2002 Luca Invernizzi Tettoni, with the exception of pages 2/3, 72, 75 where photos are by Luca Tettoni but © Devarana Spa; and p126 (top right) by Jock Montgomery © Tamarind Retreat
All rights reserved,
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without prior permission of the publisher.
ISBN: 978-1-4629-0839-4 (ebook)
Printed in Singapore
Creative Director: Christina Ong
Editor: Kim Inglis
Designer: Felicia Wong
Stylist: Rai von Bueren
Distributed by:
North America, Latin America & Europe
Tuttle Publishing 364 Innovation Drive,
North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436, USA.
Tel (802) 773 8930; fax (802) 773 6993
Email: [email protected]
Asia Pacific
Berkeley Books Pte Ltd 61 Tai Seng Avenue,
#02-12 Singapore 534167.
Tel (65) 6280 3320; fax (65) 6280 6290
Email: [email protected]
Japan
Tuttle Publishing Yaekari Building, 3rd Floor,
5-4-12 Osaki, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0032, Japan.
Tel (813) 5437 0171; fax (813) 5437 0755
Email: [email protected]
contents
| the thai spa experience | 4 |
| fragrant herbal healing | 10 |
| the power of touch | 54 |
| the path to serenity | 70 |
| the thai spa at home | 86 |
| spa listings, acknowledgments | 124 |
the thai spa experience
Thailand is the first choice retreat for well-travelled sybarites looking for stress-relief pampering—with silky smooth beaches and mouth-watering cuisine to boot. Everyone's heard of Thailand's famous spas, and the lucky ones have experienced their rejuvenating treatments, but what few realise is that the enticing menus at today's spas are formulated from ancient herbal healing traditions that have deep roots in Thai culture. Thai massage, for example, migrated from India with Buddhist monks and Brahmins in the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC; and the herbal heat compresses and Thai herbal steam are derived from folk medicine and ancient midwifery techniques.
The relaxing benefits of such blissful treatments are well known. But other than feeling fabulously indulged in the gentle hands of a soft-spoken Thai spa therapist, do these massages and herbal beauty therapies have real healing properties?
Elegant lines at the Lanna Spa, Regent Chiangmai Resort.
Teakwood pavilions come aglow when twilight falls at the Aman Spa, Amanpuri resort, Phuket.
Turmeric paste is cherished by Thais for its skin healing properties (above) while toning mask of cucumber (right) cools and revives.
The answer is a resounding 'yes'! The tradition of herbal healing in Thailand dates back for centuries; historical evidence suggests that the Thais practised an integrated system of medicine incorporating the Indian Ayurvedic system with Chinese practices, mixed with deep-rooted folk beliefs in the supernatural, mystical and astrological. The core philosophies of Thai medicine revolve around the balance among the four basic elements—earth, water, wind and fire—which comprise the essence of life, and appear as recurrent themes in many modern day spas.
Traditional massage and herbal remedies have cured the ailments of generations of Thais—that's why they're still in use today And even if some scientists scoff at such techniques, says herbal therapist and owner of the Thai Herbal Spa, Khun Komon Chitprasert: "Once you experience the healing abilities yourself, your beliefs change".
while toning mask of cucumber cools and revives.
The Bodhi tree is a spiritual decor motif at the Lanna Spa.
An outdoor treatment fanned by cooling sea breezes at the Aman Spa.
In recent years, Thai traditional healing has experienced a revival, in part due to the efforts of Khun Pennapa Sapcharoen at the Institute of Thai Traditional Medicine; as a result, an interesting trend is the emergence of innovative new therapies based on ancient lore. For example, Bangkok's Nakriya House of Health and Beauty offers a unique fat and cellulite-reducing herbal bath and massage invented by owner Khun Shelida Buranasiri, derived from ancient midwifery practice. "Don't expect incense and candles," she warns, "my particular treatment is not about pampering, it's healing."
Her statement sums up the fundamental aspect of the Thai spa. The candles, flowers and luscious surroundings add to the sensory delights—but at the core of the best Thai spas is the Thai healing tradition, a special element offering the benefits of a glowing complexion, renewed energy and a feel-good factor, inside and out.
fragrant herbal healing
"Don't overlook the techniques of ancient remedies... the healing power of herbs and plants is far deeper and greater