It is a great pity that the industry has to first fight off such a stigma before it takes its place among the many professional therapies and healing arts offered.
Ey Spa, recently opened at the V&A Waterfront directly opposite the Blue Shed and above the parking, is a Thai-owned and run spa that provides international spa level treatments that you would expect from Banyan Tree and Angsana Spas at the top resorts around the world.
I was lucky enough to be invited for a herbal hot compress Thai massage, which is very different from what one usually expects from traditional massage. One is fully clothed in an oversized linen pyjama suit. Secondly, Thai massage is more a combination of stretching yoga and pressure-point therapy than the rhythmical Swedish-type massage and while the end result is a wonderful feeling of wellbeing, it is not a relaxing experience.
This massage is a 90min treatment by Thai therapists using a herbal poultice that includes, amongst other ingredients, lemongrass, turmeric, camphor and tamarind. Although they sound like the ingredients for lunch, I definitely felt more energised after the treatment than I typically do after a massage.
Their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and antioxidant properties are all beneficial and in Thailand this kind of massage is considered a valid treatment for upper respiratory ailments such as bronchitis, asthma and even the common cold.
When I first had this treatment in Bangkok, I was 70kg heavier than I am now. I mention this as an indication of how much strength these Thai therapists can muster that she managed to stretch my body, much like the string of a bow, by pinning my neck and shoulders in a wrestler's grip and pressing against my lower back with her feet. It sounds complicated it is because it is.
I guess most Thai therapists think we Westerners are sissies as there were giggles every time I asked for less pressure or squealed in response to a pressure point being activated for the first time in many years.
I started this piece mentioning the difficult reputation Thai Spas have to overcome. I mention it again because I have known the proprietor Im for about 20 years. I first met her and her then husband when they opened Wangthai Restaurant in the Foreshore and we have stayed in touch since. Not only does she bring elegant style and sophistication to the business but also an untarnished reputation for delivering an authentic and professional experience.
Ey Spa also offers aesthetic treatments such as Nimue Facials. Together with Dr Delia Van Vuuren, Ey Spa offers East/West crossover treatments such as Botox, Juverderm fillers that help replace lost volume and treats static facial lines and Teeth Whitening treatments.
See www.EySpa.co.za or phone +27 (0) 21 421 8888.
