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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