Thai massage at Chameli Spa, Al Rashidiya

What is Thai massage?

Thai massage comes from Thailand, where it developed alongside traditional medicine and Buddhist temple practice. Unlike the oil massages on our menu, you stay dressed, there's no oil, and you lie on a firm padded mat rather than a table. The therapist uses her palms, thumbs, forearms and sometimes knees and feet to apply pressure along the body, and moves your limbs through gentle stretches.

People sometimes call it "lazy yoga": you get the stretch without doing the work.

What does a Thai massage feel like?

Expect a rhythm of press-and-release along the legs, back and arms, followed by stretches: a knee drawn across the body to open the lower back, an arm drawn back to open the chest, a gentle lift through the hips. Some stretches feel strong, which is normal; none should hurt. Breathe out as you go into a stretch and tell your therapist if you want less.

What should I wear for Thai massage?

Nothing special. We provide loose cotton clothes to change into, so you don't need to bring anything. Avoid a heavy meal in the two hours before, because some positions put gentle pressure on the stomach.

Thai massage vs deep tissue vs Swedish

Traditionally used for vs what research generally supports

Traditionally, Thai massage is said to improve flexibility and energy. A handful of small studies suggest it may help with flexibility and some back pain, but they are small, and the US National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) describes the evidence for massage in general as promising but limited. We'd describe it simply: many guests feel looser and more mobile afterwards.

Is Thai massage suitable for everyone?

Massage is not a medical treatment, and the team at Chameli Spa are massage therapists, not doctors. Please tell reception before you book, and your therapist before you start, if any of these apply:

• a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis, now or in the past, or you take blood-thinning medicine
• surgery, a fracture or a sprain in the last few weeks
• a fever, an infection, or broken, sunburnt or irritated skin
• a heart condition, uncontrolled blood pressure, diabetes with nerve changes, or a recent injury you haven't had checked
• allergies to nuts, coconut, sesame or fragrance (we'll switch to a plain oil)

If in doubt, ask your doctor first. A good massage can wait a week; an aggravated injury takes longer.

Thai massage involves stretching, so also mention any back, hip or knee problems, joint replacements, or recent dislocations.

Questions before you book