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Around the Island | Natural
Wonders | What
To See | Things
To Do & Places To Go | Healthy
& Spa
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SPA
Samui’s reputation as the spa capital
of Thailand has resulted in a bigger number tourists going to
this holiday island in the last few years. No 
doubt
that many visitors want to include in their vacation plans a few
days at one of the numerous spas that offer a variety of services
and beauty treatments which guarantee complete relaxation and
rejuvenation. Slowly, Samui has shed its image as a place for
unspoiled beaches into that of a regional center for health tourism
where some of the best spas are located.
There are a lot of health programs and treatments offered. Among
these are fasting, detoxification, colonic irrigation, weight
loss, healthy eating, aromatic steam bath, acupuncture, herbal
face and body-masques, yoga, reiki, tai-chi and traditional Thai
massage.
For first times, it is best to start by trying the famous traditional
Thai massage, which has been practiced for centuries. History
indicates that That massage was introduced to Thailand by India
along with Buddhism sometime between 300-200 BC. It is based on
the belief that there are 10 focal points (known as sen in Chinese;
the energy that accompanies the acupressure is called chi or prana
in Hindu) within a human body 
through
which major cosmic energies passes. Thai massage enables the opening
of these points to maintain a continuous flow of energy into the
body. Since it focuses on the muscoskeletal system (bones, joints,
muscles, ligaments and connective tissues), a massage is therapeutic,
relaxing and stress relieving.
A good massage will ensure that blood vessels and nerves function
better, remove tension and cleanse the body of toxins and impurities.
It is one thing to get an excellent and therapeutic massage; it
is quite another to undergo a comprehensive cleansing program
to add years to one’s life. This focuses on fasting, which
many say deals effectively with the problems that a human body
and mind encounter daily. It is often accompanied by light exercises,
breathing exercises, meditation and yoga. At the same time, the
diet is limited to salads, fruits, vegetables and water.
The fasting program lasts from three to 14 days. By doing so,
experts believe that the body’s vitals organs and the bloodstream
will be rid of toxins, a process that would activate the body’s
self-healing mechanisms.
Prices are not a problem as there are several spas that offer
programs which can meet any budget. Maybe it’s time that
you visited Samui not to get a tan at its famous beaches but to
experience a spa treatment.
HISTORY
OF HEALING
Thai massage has a long history
of therapeutic healing. Practiced for centuries, it can
be traced to India about 2,500 years ago. Its founder was said
to be Jivaka Komarabhacca, a 
doctor
friend and contemporary of
Buddha. The Chinese and the Indians were
believed to have greatly influenced
the therapies and treatments developed in Thailand. The
theoretical basis of Thai massage lies in the
theory of energy lines running throughout the body.Out
of the 72,000 energy lines said
to be in existence, the focus is
on the 10 major lines, called sen. Important acupressure
points are found on
these lines. Treatment for the whole
body. Different organs and diseases is
often done by using the system of the 10 sen. Much of what
is known in Thailand as traditional massage was handed
down orally from generation to generation. Much
of the ancient medical texts were destroyed in 1776 with the destruction
of Ayutthaya by the Burmese. In 1832, King Rama III had
the stone inscriptions set into the walls at Wat Po to preserve
the tradition.
THE
ANCIEN ART OF FOOT REFLEXOLOGY
The ancient healing art of Reflexology has been known
to man for many thousands of years and was first practiced
by early Chinese and Egyptian people. Reflexology is well established
in the complementary health field and is effective
in stimulating the body's natural healing ability to overcome
many adverse reactions to stress and to enhance the quality of
life.Reflexology is a science that deals with the
principle that there are reflex areas in the hands and feet which
correspond to add the glands, organs and parts
of the body. Reflexology is a unique method
of massaging these areas to relieve stress and tension,
improve the blood supply and keep the body systems operating at
peak efficiency.These reflex areas are arranged in such a way
as to form a map of the body, a mirror image in effect with the
right foot corresponding to the right side of the body and the
left foot corresponding to the left side. Although the roots of
reflexology go as far back as 2330B.C., in the early 1900's an
American ear nose and throat specialist Dr. William Fitzgerald,
studied the relationship of the body with the hands and feet.
He noted that pressure on specific parts of the body could have
an anaesthetizing effect elsewhere.
Developing this theory, he divided the body into ten equal and
vertical zones, ending in the fingers and toes. He concluded that
pressure in one part of a zone could affect everything else within
that zone. Thus, reflex areas on the feet and hands are linked
to some other areas and organs of the body within the same zone.
Eunice Ingham further developed and refined the zone theory into
what we know as foot reflexology. She observed that congestion
or tension in any part of the foot mirrors congestion or tension
in a corresponding part of the body. Thus, when you treat the
big toes there is a related effect in the head, and treating the
whole foot can have a relaxing and healing effect on the whole
body.
The Eunice Ingham Reflexology Method pioneered, researched and
developed in the early 1930's is the leading method of Reflexology
in use today throughout the world. It's worth noting that there
are thousands of nerve endings in each foot and perhaps this contributes
to why we feel so much better when our feet are treated. Nerve
endings in the feet have extensive interconnections through the
spinal cord and brain and lead to all areas of the body.Reflexology
is well established in the complementary health field and is effective
in stimulating the body's natural healing ability to overcome
many adverse reactions to stress and to enhance the quality of
life.
FITNESS CENTERS AND GYMS
With all the good food around, it is easy to put on weight during
a holiday. But you don't have to leave your regular workout schedule
behind. Several gyms on Samui can help you stay in tip-top shape.
World Gym in Chaweng, and Lamai Gym are the places for those who
would like to show a little muscle on the beach. Body building
equipment and fitness experts are usually available to get you
started. Alternatively you could go upscale at the Chaweng Regent
Fitness Center in Chaweng, or at other 4-5 star hotel.
YOGA
Yoga
is an excellent way to improve flexibility in both your body and
mind. If you are experienced, try your practice on the beach.
You can do you sun salutations early in the morning when the air
is cooler, and there are few people around. There are also good
yoga classes for beginners and veteran yoga stretchers alike at
The Spa in Lamai, and classes for children and families at the
Health Oasis Resort.
HOSPITALS AND CLINICS
Several clinics and hospitals around the island offer inexpensive
health care if you get sick or have an accident. Bandon International
and Samui International Hospitals are up to international standards,
as their names imply. Samui International even has a dental clinic
and plastic surgery facilities if you are serious about your bodywork.
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