I do know that is not how the proverb goes, but it is the best way to describe my Thai experience.
- Beautiful scenery.
- Exceptional food (although in some places are extremely spicy).
- Friendly people.
- Massages!
I came to Chiang Mai to continue learning Thai massage. While waiting to begin a 150-hour training in therapeutic Thai massage at the Baan Hom Samunphai School, I decided to take a 6 day-private-training with blind master Mr Nat.
Chiang Mai is, to me, is the Mecca for massage therapists. There are so many massage schools and centers that to find the right one is not an easy task
Regarding schools, there are plenty of choice, from full certification programs, to short workshops, to big or small classes, all offering a wide variety of techniques (Nuad Boran, Tok Sen, Chi Nei Tsang, Acupressure, Foot massage, etc.). There are also some westernized options like Osteo-Thai , Dynamic-Thai or Ana-Thai.
As for massage places, specially in downtown Chiang Mai, there is one almost every 50 meters. From luxury spas to a basic shed – even the sidewalk during night street markets!
“Studying with Homprang Chaleekhana at the Bann Hom Samunphrai School in Thailand,
learning stomach massage with feet”.
My preference is to go where locals get their massages. Being such a great deal (in some cases 5$ CAD/hour!), why not take advantage and get one every day? Not only because it is very beneficial for the “body & soul” but also for the opportunity to experience different therapists and techniques.
Back to Mr Nat. In Thailand there are official programs and institutions offering massage training to blind people and ex-prisoners, so you can find places around the city where massages are performed by either.
Mr Nat has acquired notoriety throughout the years as an excellent therapist and teacher. His style is very precise and intense (based on the “Royal Style”). As a teacher, he is very patient, knowledgeable, clear and, at the same time, very demanding, most especially when you work on him. I found his private course as the best way to learn the foundations of one of the branches of Thai massage, and to get honest and enriching feedback from an experienced master. He is a wonderful human being, always positive and willing to share his knowledge.
I do wish that everyone interested in Thai Massage (or any massage) might have the opportunity to do a one-on-one training with him, or simply just receive one of his treatments. They change you, for the better!
Not to be missed!
Article written by one of AQTN’s travelling members, currently in Thailand. If you have any questions for him, please comment in this blog post or email us your question at contact@aqtn.ca
Note: click on image to enlarge
