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A taste of the East

By Angela Spence

When Kanraya Tunn moved to Inverness from Thailand she identified a niche in the market for authentic Eastern massages and beauty treatments.

After completing her training at the prestigious Wat Po massage school in Bangkok, the 29-year-old set about creating her own business in the Highland capital.

Kanraya Thai Therapy offers a range of invigorating and relaxing massage that often include aromatic oils and herbs.

There are no oils used for a traditional Thai massage, which is an exhilarating treatment that combines ancient yoga practices with acupressure of special points known as the ‘Sen Pra Tan Sib,’ which literally means ‘ten principal energy lines.’

This customary practise has long been recognised for its beneficial properties and is said to help relieve muscle and joint pain, as well as aid health issues like migraine, poor circulation and stress.

But this ancient healing technique is still relatively unknown in parts of the Western world, so I went to experience first hand what a full body traditional Thai massage involves.

Kanraya begins by telling you a bit about the history and practice of Thai massage and finds out if you have any medical issues.

She then leads you into the ambient treatment room with its exotic scent, mood lighting and authentic décor and music.

You are transported further into this world of Eastern culture when you change into the traditional Thai clothing and lie on the futon.

Once comfortable Kanraya begins a full hour of head to toe massage which involves her using hands, knees, legs, and feet to stimulate the ‘Sen Pra Tan Sib,’ and ease you into a series of yoga-like stretches.

You may be put off by the thought of yoga stretches and acupressure and I too was a little unsure if I would like such a physical massage. But I can assure you that you will not feel any pain or discomfort and the massage is adapted to suit the individual.

I was actually surprised to find that the stretches and acupressure were strangely enjoyable and your body and mind feel both relaxed and energised. I can honestly say I have never felt so good after a massage.

As for being touched all over by someone’s hands, knees, legs, and feet – as a typical Brit not used to such intimate contact with a stranger I expected to feel awkward, but Kanraya is such a warm and friendly person that she immediately puts you at ease.

You may think a traditional Thai massage sounds like a lot of work, especially when compared to the conventional lie on your front and do nothing massage that we are more familiar with.

But apart from being asked to move on to your side and your front and then return to lying on your back there is very little you have to contribute. It is in fact the masseur that does all the work and all you have to do is relax and enjoy.

I personally felt that I got more out of a traditional Thai massage then say a Swedish massage for a number of reasons.

Firstly a conventional massage tends to be a one size fits all approach, while a Thai massage is very much about the person and what will benefit them.

Secondly I felt the acupressure was more effective on my stiff shoulders than a normal back and neck rub.

Finally I think the whole experience was something special and worth trying for yourself.