Spa Treatments - Chiang Mai Spas

Thai massage was developed by Buddhist monks in Thailand as a healing modality 2,500 years ago. Thai massage is a combination of influences from Indian, Chinese, Southeast Asian cultural spheres and traditions of medicine. Thai massage is more energizing and rigorous than more classic forms of massage. It uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body’s energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body’s energy systems.

Swedish massage uses five styles of long, flowing strokes to massage. The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. The therapist uses firm but gentle pressure, aided by oil to reduce friction, to compress and relax muscles, always stroking in the direction of the heart. Bending and stretching movements may also be used to relax joints.

Hot stone massage is the application of water-heated smooth basalt stones to key points on the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth. Hot stone massage has been used for centuries in traditional Native American, Japanese and Hawaiian therapies. It’s normally combined with another massage technique such as Thai massage or Swedish massage. The penetrating heat from the hot stones relaxes the muscles, which allows for deeper relaxation, when compared with regular massage therapy.

Aromatherapy massage is a massage therapy with highly concentrated plant oils, called essential oils, added to the massage oil or lotion. The essential oils, derived from leaves, bark, roots, seeds resins and flowers, are mixed with a carrier oil like sweet almond, apricot kernel, or grapeseed oil. The massage therapist use up to five oils in a mixture, and chooses the oils based on what you need. A relaxing aromatherapy massage, for instance, might have lavender or bergamot, while a massage for sore muscles might include peppermint and eucalyptus.

Reflexology is a treatment where the therapist works primarily on your feet. The theory behind reflexology is that there are "reflex points" in the feet, hands and ears that correspond to specific organs and glands in the body. Practitioners believe that applying pressure to those reflex points promotes health in that organ via the body's energetic pathways. For example, reflexology holds that a specific spot in the arch of the foot corresponds to the bladder point. When a reflexology practitioner uses thumbs or fingers to apply appropriate pressure to this area, it affects bladder functioning.

Traditional Thai herbal steam therapy is one of the most efficient methods of ridding the body of toxic wastes through the skin and lungs. The aroma of Thai herbs in combination with essential oils, together with steam, cleans the respiratory tract and pores, promotes blood circulation and has a soothing effect. A herbal steam bath and/or sauna session at a Chiang Mai spa is often included as part of a spa package, usually done before a body treatment to open up the skin's pores and get people into a relaxed state of mind.

Hydrotherapy is a treatment where water is used to treat disease or maintain health. The theory behind it is that water has many healing properties. Water has a hydrostatic effect. That feather-light massage it creates, stimulates touch receptors on skin, boosting blood circulation. Hydrotherapy is used to treat many illnesses and conditions, including joint, muscle and nerve problems, sleep disorders, stress, and pain. It's also used for relaxation and overall wellness.

Body scrubs are a great way to keep your skin healthy and beautiful through exfoliation. Body scrubs help you remove dead cells and impurities from the skin, eliminate blemishes and get that natural glow back. Your skin can feel soft, smooth and healthy again. Natural products such as tumeric, aloe, honey, kaffir lime, tropical fruits, mud, oils or sea salt are applied, with blends often specially prepared to suit one's skin condition (dry, oily, sunburned, etc.).

Body wraps are designed to improve the texture and appearance of the skin by helping to rid the body of excess fluids and toxins. The benefits of body wraps may include body contouring, detoxification, boosting of the lymphatic system and metabolism, temporary inch loss, skin tightening, and skin softening. Plus there are added benefits, such as the relief of joints and muscle pains. Body wraps are all-natural, most often containing a mixture of herbs and minerals designed to beautify the skin. Essential oils and sea salts may also be used in body wrap treatments, helping to tone and soften the skin.