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Asian Spa Experience
In Asia, spa has evolved into a concept focussing on the
spiritual and natural, drawing from traditions of meditation,
respect for nature and the desire to achieve physical and
mental well being, the key to maintaining health and beauty.
In Thailand, the concept of spa blends with the ancient
traditions of natural healing through herbal baths, massage,
meditation, and the continued pursuit of inner and outer
beauty. Before the arrival of modern medicine in Thailand,
the temple was the the centre of learning for all disciplines,
including medicine. Monks therefore played the role of doctor
and pharmacist, prescribing herbal remedies, steam compresses,
massages and other such treatments for the relief of various
ailments.
One can still try ancient massage therapy in its original
form at certain temples such as Wat Pho in Bangkok, where
treatments can be undergone daily for a small fee. Most
major hotels also offer traditional Thai massage as part
of their health and fitness services, as do natural healing
and spa centres where herbal steam bath and sauna treatments
are derived from holistic therapies practiced for centuries.
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