Kaya Spa
By Amondi Buyu, Natural Wellness Practitioner, Kaya Spa, Tribe Hotel
Kaya Spa
Thai‘ body repair’ is a treat for tired muscles
By Amondi Buyu, Natural Wellness Practitioner, Kaya Spa, Tribe Hotel
I
recently had a Thai massage. If you have any idea of the intensity of this treatment, then ideally this is where my story would end. The experience was luxurious, dynamic, fluid, intuitive and deeply therapeutic.
The Thai massage is a spiritual practice and an ancient healing art. It is much like a gentle form of the martial arts and acts as a meditation for both giver and receiver.
Allow me to introduce you to our in-house therapist, Wanna. When you first meet her, her height, demeanour and gentle spirit may deceive you into thinking that she lacks strength. Wearing comfortable Thai attire that mimics pyjamas, I walked into Wanna’ s treatment room feeling tired and worn. Every word in the dictionary that describes fatigue, described me. Aching and exhausted, I lay on the floor mat like a stone, unable to move. As soon as Wanna touched me, I knew I was in good hands. Her hands were warm and her energy soothing.
Relax
Using her hands, forearms, elbows, knees, heels and feet alternately to guide me into various postures, Wanna proceeded to massage and knead my sore, tired muscles. At a slow rhythmic pace, my body was compressed, stretched and rocked in order to relieve tension, stress and pain. She encouraged my muscles to stretch in ways they had never done and flex in directions unknown to man. What was amazing for me was that during this experience there was no discomfort.
The technique used in Thai massage improves flexibility, circulation and muscle tone and adjusts the skeletal structure. By allowing energy to flow more freely, the massage works to alleviate problematic conditions such as lower back pain, arthritis, headaches, digestive difficulties, menstrual problems and stress-related conditions. Promoting this free flow of energy also works to restore balance and create a deep state of relaxation and well-being for both client and practitioner.
Sixty minutes later, my headache is ebbing away, my back feels wonderful and the constant throb in my legs has ceased. The session at this point consists of gentle tapping and manipulation to achieve spinal alignment. A gentle twist of the neck and it snaps back into place. Adeptly, she firmly holds my arms and flips me into a position that allows my back a full stretch. While I am in this position she murmurs“ Leelac, leelac”(“ Relax, relax”) and I allow myself to let go of whatever is left of my pent-up tension. A gentle tapping on the head, shoulders and back and the session is over. I am undone.
Relaxed, refreshed and much more flexible, I go to bed later and what I experience can only be referred to as a black-out. It has been ages since I experienced sleep this deep. I realise that, with the number of treatments I have experienced, Thai Bodywork is unmatched in its ability to relax and repair at the same time. If this was a religion, I would truly embrace it.
Ka ya Spa & Studio
Tribe Hotel Tel: + 254 20 7120171 / 7200656 Email: kaya @ tribehotel-kenya. com
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