THAI MASSAGE
What Is Thai Traditional Massage?
A traditional Thai bodywork technique combining pressure — from the fingers, palms, elbows, and knees — with stretching. Here, we also introduce its origins.
onsenSPA's 60-minute Thai traditional massage course includes a head spa.
PRICE
Pricing
A Retreat for the Overworked — Thai Traditional Massage + Onsen Footbath
For severe shoulder and neck stiffness. 60-minute Thai traditional massage, including head spa.
- 60min¥23,500
- 90minShop Recommended¥30,000
- 120minFor Severe Stiffness¥36,000
TECHNIQUE
Technique
The technique combines pressure — applied with the fingers, palms, elbows, and knees — with assisted stretching. Traditional Thai medicine holds that the body has countless energy lines called "sen," and that treatment follows ten lines considered especially important. Many movements draw on yoga: you let your body rest into the therapist's hands as they gently guide you through each position.
- Head & scalp
- Shoulders
- Back & lower back
- Legs
HISTORY
Origins & UNESCO Recognition
Traditional origin
Traditionally attributed to Shivago Komarpaj, a physician said to have been a contemporary of the Buddha and physician to the early Buddhist monastic community.
Cultural influences
Thai massage is understood to have developed in Thailand with influences from Buddhist medicine and Indian Ayurveda.
2019
Traditional Thai massage (Nuad Thai) was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Today
At onsenSPA, we offer Thai massage combining pressure and assisted stretching.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the treatment involve?
- Using the fingers, palms, elbows, and knees, the therapist applies pressure to the body combined with assisted stretching, gently guiding the whole body.
- How is this different from aroma oil treatment?
- Thai traditional massage is performed without oil, centered on pressure and stretching. If you would prefer a flowing, oil-based treatment instead, aroma oil treatment is also available.
- What is "sen"?
- In traditional Thai medicine, "sen" refers to energy lines believed to run through the body. The treatment follows ten lines considered especially important.
- Can I ask for a specific amount of pressure during the treatment?
- If you have a preference for the strength of pressure, please feel free to let the staff know before or during the treatment.
ONSEN
A moment to soak in, like onsen therapy
onsenSPA positions the space itself as "a hot-spring retreat you soak into without submerging your whole body." We offer this treatment, letting your whole body rest into the pressure and stretching, alongside an onsen footbath (availability may vary by location and course). We offer it at onsenSPA locations, including fully private rooms available into the late-night hours.
ABOUT
onsenSPA: A Massage & Relaxation Salon
onsenSPA offers massage and relaxation treatments in Azabu-Juban, Kichijoji, and Niseko. Our Azabu-Juban, Azabu-Juban Annex, and Kichijoji salons offer treatments in fully private rooms and are open from 10 a.m. until 6 a.m. the following morning, with the last appointment at 5 a.m. In Niseko, we provide outcall treatments at your accommodation, with the visit and treatment time arranged when booking.