A Phuket Massage is what you will need after hours of lying on the beach, shopping or touring around Island. Having a massage in Phuket for a reasonable price is a novelty and a luxury that most visitors to Phuket find a rare and indulgent treat.
These types of massages that we are talking about are not to be confused with the seedy men only massage parlours where the masseuses perform their job naked.
For the first time visitor to Phuket you will be shocked at how many massage parlours there are, especially around the major tourist area's such as Patong, Karon and Kata. There maybe three to four massage parlours right next door to one another. A visit to any Phuket beach you will find ladies, sitting under trees offering massages, some may think that there is an over supply. Whilst some tourists visit Phuket solely because it is renowned as a major centre of spas and wellness.
There are many
Spas in Phuket,
all offering massages and treatments to make you feel pampered, lots of these spas are located within the resorts and hotels. The price of a spa treatment or massage in Phuket depends on where you go, within the resorts and hotels you will pay around 500 baht up to thousands in day spas. Where as if you go to the massage parlours around the major tourist area's of Phuket or just lie on the beach and have a massage it will cost considerably less. On our last visit to Phuket in 2009 we paid 300 baht for an hour long massage, 300 baht for a foot massage (reflexology)and 400 baht for an aloe vera massage.
A Phuket massage is so cheap compared to at home so while we were on holidays we were able to have a massage everyday.
If you are like me and love to have a relaxing massage, than try a Phuket massage there are plenty of options available, The main type of massages are:
Traditional Thai Massage
Is an old age art of healing that originated as a spiritual practice taken from the teachings of Buddha, this practice was originally taught and practiced only in temples.
Thai massage derives it's roots from ancient India, these ancient massage techniques gained popularity for the abilities to relieve ailments such as backache, headaches, nervous tension and fever.
Unlike a Western massage a Thai massage doesn't involve using oils. Instead they work on pressure points and stretching techniques to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and to balance the body's energy systems.
Some people find that the Thai massage is at times painful, if you find the pressure or stretching to uncomfortable tell the massseuse to stop or ease up.
Our first experience of a Thai massage was 20 years ago on our first visit to Phuket, the masseuse uses their thumbs, arms, elbows, knees and feet. So expect her to climb all over your body and to even walk on your back. If you are after a relaxing Phuket massage it maybe better to try a different type of massage.
Reflexology - Foot Massage
A very relaxing massage and our daughters favorite, this type of massage works on pressure points that targets specific nerves. Mainly on the feet, but also on the ears and hands which corresponds to every organ and nerve throughout the body to promote good health.
Swedish Massage
A common massage treatment in Phuket is the Swedish massage using a technique of long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, vibration and shaking motions that apply pressure between the muscles and the bones, rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. A Swedish massage is relaxing and invigorating and it feels good. It increases oxygen flow in the blood and releases toxins from the muscles.
Oil Massage
An oil massage in Phuket can be extremely relaxing and is similar to the traditional Thai massage combined with aromatherapy but more relaxing and less painful.
Aloe Vera Massage
If you would like your skin to feel as rejuvinated as your body try an aloe vera massage in Phuket. It is similar to an oil massage, although much better for your skin. We paid 400 baht for an aloe vera massage on the beach at Karon. They used a real aloe vera plant and scooped the gel out with a spoon. Your skin will feel great for days.
No holiday to the Island is complete without spoiling yourself to a Phuket Massage, whether it be in a spa or on the beach they are all very relaxing.
