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A trip to Thailand is sure to be packed with activities – water sports and beach hopping in Phukhet and Pattaya, visits to temples, shopping at the floating market, elephant, crocodile and cultural shows and Bangkok’s pulsating nightlife.

When you get tired and wired from your leisure or business trip to Thailand, it’s time you lie and get lazy with Thai massage, a.k.a. yoga for the lazy. Thai massage is traditionally practiced in a Buddhist temple or “wat” but is now performed in many massage centers in Bangkok and elsewhere. Here are some preparations for your Thai massage:

1. Health History

Arrive 5-10 minutes before your appointment to fill out a health questionnaire. The Thai masseuse (since they are mostly women) needs to be aware of any contraindications, any current or prior injuries, or limitations that need to be respected.

2. Let Loose

Before the massage you could take a hot shower. Hot water tends to loosen up the muscles and prepares the skin for the massage (imagine dry sponge vs. wet sponge).

3. Why Water

Likewise, drinking water before a massage is recommended. When you are hydrated, it is easier for the masseuse to manipulate your muscles. During your massage, the muscles are stimulated, blood is circulated throughout the body, and water, salt and other minerals are released. Drinking water will help your body dispose of any accumulated materials in the muscles.

4. Undo Undress

Thai massage does not apply oils or creams so you don’t have to undress during a session. Thus, massage is performed in a common room with curtains serving as dividers. You will be asked to wear loose and light clothing allowing ease of movement and flexibility.

5. Feet Fix

While it is not necessary to undress, your feet will be exposed as you lie on a padded mat on the floor so make sure to clean your feet prior to your massage. Treatment often begins with the feet and moves upwards towards the head. Your body will be gently arranged into four positions: facing down, facing up, lying on your side, and sitting down.

6. Neither Famished nor Full

Arrive neither too hungry nor too full. If you are hungry, grab a light snack first and if you’re full from a heavy meal, then take time to digest what you’ve eaten. It is recommended that you avoid eating a heavy meal at least an hour and a half prior to massage.

7. Stretching Session

The muscles of both the therapist and the client must be stretched prior to treatment. Thai massage will kick off with a warm up followed by a gentle joint mobilization that will progress into yogic stretches and capped by a cool down.

8. Degree of Discomfort

A certain amount of discomfort may be felt as the Thai masseuse works your body in positions it may not be used to. Varying amounts of pressure are applied to energy lines or “sen” along the body using the therapist’s elbows, feet, knees, forearms, thumb, and palm. You will feel the gentle rocking of the masseuse as pressure is applied. The aim is to let the energy flow because when these passages for energy are blocked, energy grows stagnant and the body loses its balance, leading to ailments.

9. Caution on Cracking

The masseuse will move you into a series of stretches or yoga-like positions, thus its name “yoga for the lazy”. When you reach that part when you are asked to be in a seating position, the masseuse will probably crack your spine. If you have apprehensions and are uncomfortable with it, do not be afraid to speak up and tell her about it. Your worry is well-grounded since they are not chiropractors.

10. Hush, Hush

If you could avoid it, do not talk during the massage session. Listen to the relaxing music, if they are playing one, or to your own breathing. Silence allows you to meditate. In silence, you are less distracted by outside noise and therefore more aware of the inner workings of your mind and spirit.

Just as there are preparations, there are also things you and your masseuse should observe after the massage:

11. Rest and Relax

A Thai massage usually lasts for two hours, after which you should relax before getting up.

12. How to Hydrate

The masseuse should serve you water after the massage. Just like when you exercise, you lose water and electrolytes. By drinking water, you not only replenish them but also reduce the potential for pain and soreness in the days following the massage.

13. Avoid After

Do not shower for at least two hours after the massage and do not eat for at least two hours after the massage. Thai massage is quite physical for both you and your masseuse but it is also relaxing – something you need before you head back home or move to your next destination.

Photo of a Thai massage session by Chotanan.