For as long as I can remember, my neck has given me issues.
I’ve never particularly sought diagnosis (beyond Dr Google) but various Chiropractors and Massage Therapists over the years, have loosely confirmed my belief that something, somewhere, is awry.
Low and behold, no more than ten minutes into my treatment with a Thai Massage therapist at the Anantara Spa (who was trained and experienced at the brand’s Bangkok residency), the same suggestion was made, that this might be an area in need of some ‘attention.’
From this point, the massage treatment was tailored accordingly, with a particular focus on ‘ironing out’ the knots and tension that had culminated in this long-standing issue.
The techniques used, were far removed from any massage I had experienced before.
In the main, it hinged on pressure and manipulation, with a series of supported stretches and contortions, all of which are carried out from the comfort of a large, floor-level massage bed.
Unlike traditional massage, Thai Massage is clothed, and the softest cotton shirt and trousers were provided for this, to ensure maximum ease of movement throughout the treatment.
As anyone versed the experience of ‘knot removal’ will know, the process does come with a caveat of ‘no pain, no gain.’
Somehow, in spite of this, however, the treatment did manage to be relaxing, and even more importantly, it succeeded where so many others have failed, in ‘sorting out’ my lop-sided, one-side-bigger-than-the-other neck.
As a testament to this feeling that something had finally been free’d, there was an immediate ‘you look different, somehow!’ comment from my husband, who then proceeded to compliment my newly normal-sized neck.
Reflecting on my Anantara spa experience, I feel it might add Thai Massage to the list of ‘things that have made the biggest difference to my health in 41 years!’
The realisation comes with a certain hint of regret, that I hadn’t sought remedy earlier.
There is also, however, the acknowledgement that this (like so many other health-changing opportunities) was a fortuitous ricochet of time and circumstance, and one not likely to come around again… until the next Anantara visit, perhaps!