Sabai means healthy, well, fine, relaxed, tranquil... all of which I was... the day after... "Thai offers many ways to intensify an adjective. One way is simply to repeat it. Thus sabai sabai could be translated into English slang as "everything's chill" or "not a care in the world". It is wellness almost beyond words, the Thais' heaven on earth." (www.thingsasian.com)
It wasn't exactly what I was expecting - I had my body twisted, turned, pulled, pressed, stretched and contorted into positions I didn't even think were possible! There is no oil, so you're fully dressed (in the provided thai pants), and the masseuse 'works' you with her hands, forearms, elbows, legs, and even feet. Oh yes, and I was sat on.
Each of the positions/stretches have descriptive terms, like this one, "Open the Wind of Eyes":
Thai massage is an ancient tradition, dating back over 2,500 years, seen as encompassing the Buddhist concept of metta (loving kindness). I didn't think there was very much love or kindness, although it certainly felt therapeutic! The massage technique is based on the energy flow through the body, focussing on 10 lines called 'sen' (essentially chakras) to release blockages and ease flow of energy around the body.
All this for just 200 Baht (or approximately 6 dollars).
There are other, non-traditional types of massages which will cost you a lot more... the Naughty Massage, which seems to be more common here than even in Bali... these massages usually offer a 'happy ending' for men as the massaging goes beyond the parts that traditional massueses never reach. Flashing neon lights and super-sexy, well made up 'masseuses' is a tell-tale sign of such a place... just walk on by!
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