Friday, September 24, 2010

my first thai massage. dare i say better than sex?

local time: friday, september 24, 2010, 4:45 p.m.

earlier this afternoon i had my first traditional thai massage.  you might wonder why i waited this long.  1.  my sunburn needed a chance to heal.  2.  i was somewhat traumatized by my last massage, which occured on over new year's in guerneville, ca.  i'll stop short of using the word molestation, but it wouldn't be much of a stretch to get there. how that woman managed to get a professional license is beyond me, and since then i've been a bit gunshy when it comes to strangers touching me.  but lured by the shaded canopy on the beach, the proprietor's friendly smile, and the incredible price, i caved today.  boy am i glad i did.

thai massage is unlike any swedish, deep tissue, hot stone, or other massage i've ever had.  with unbelievable strength, this tiny woman used her hands, forearms, elbows, feet, and knees to find and then knead, stretch, prod, and pummel away every ounce of stress and tension that my body had been carrying for the last few weeks, months, maybe even years.  she found knots i didn't know existed and stretched joints i hadn't even realized were tight.  it was like a massage, chiropractic treatment, and yoga class all in one - with someone else doing all the work.  yes, it had its painful moments, but the relase that followed was well worth it.

better than sex?  okay, no.  but i left feeling more relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated than i have felt in a very long time.

4 comments:

  1. Was it better than a van massage? I've had three of those. "Travelers," as they are known by, go around in these vans (not the brightest of venues) and offer up massages in exchange for cigarettes, pills, and whatnot. It's kind of shifty, and they often film it for some strange reason, but it is relaxing, and the constant barrage of ZZ Top tunes is more soothing than one would think.

    I just realized your friends and family have no idea who I am and are probably afraid for you.

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  2. A truly healing massage is, as you said, an unbelievable experience. I am so pleased that you took that chance. :-)

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  3. Sounds absolutely scrumptious. SO happy that you are finding the Thailand you went to see and experience. Love you tons....Mom (So OK who IS Doug Brunell???????)

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  4. doug, for those of you who don't know, is a friend of mine who lives in eureka. i met him while training him and his co-workers on c-iv. he and his lovely daughter are looking after thumbelina while i'm on this adventure. he is not nearly as scary as his comment and picture might suggest. in fact, as much as he'd like you to think otherwise, he is not scary at all.

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