Now that I have been working out more dutifully, I have come to realize the importance of upkeep for the body, and this includes regular massages. These not only help with blood flow, but ensuring I am able to carry out my work out for sessions and years to come.
So today I took a pause from my regular RMT: registered massage therapist appointments to indulge in something a lot more South East Asian and authentic. I have tried Thai massages before where they claim to be authentic, although now I am able to recognize that they were very similar to Western style massages with oil.
So today I was excited to get the true Thai massage experience at Leelawadee’s newest and second location. The first was once in downtown’s core, but the demolition of the building caused them to move to Cambie Street. However, they are now back downtown with this new Howe location.
I was able to meet the owners and verify that they themselves, as well as the other operators of the spa are all originally from Thailand. And not only have they brought their customs, traditions, and techniques to Vancouver, Canada; but also their products as well. Upon walking in, and noticing it on their feature wall, my partner was excited to pick up a container of Thai imported smelling salts. The container is filled with herbs that once its cap is unscrewed, you are able to breathe in a menthol-like minty scent that rejuvenates.
Our experience begans with the usual intake, followed by exchanging our outdoor shoes for a set of house slippers. We opted for the couples massage, there we were able to pick our own experience, but share a room where the services are being done.
As I mentioned, I was keen on having the full Thai experience, so selected that. My partner went for a hybrid massage that was equal parts Thai and equal parts North American style massage with oil as a lubricant.
We were led into a shared room, a narrow space that just fits two massage tables. Side-by-side, each one covered with a folded sheet, a plastic orchid, and one basket for us to put our clothes into.
Whereas my partner had to strip down to his undergarments for his split treatment.
I myself had a change of wardrobe. I was given time to change into a matching dark blue stretchy pants and shirt combo. This is apparently traditional for Thai massages, but new to me. Because they do not use oil, the clothes act as a barrier, outside of your limbs.
I jokingly, yet also accurately, stated that if it doesn’t feel like your massage has you fighting an opponent where they are pinning you down, pulling on your limbs in a direction until they cannot bend anymore, then they aren’t doing it right.
My masseur was a tiny woman, and she used her entire body to add pressure to the points that ailed me. I asked for more attention to be spent on the lower back and hips, as well as upper back and shoulders, as per what fatigue I felt, after my latest week of workouts.
I was able to make out and feel her knees press on my feet as they laid flat. Elbows dug into my back. And at one point, her feet pressed against my back calf and she pushed in as she held on to my forearms and had me bending backwards to get the most elongated stretch. I could feel her working each joint as she rotated and pulled. There was a lot of cracking and new and tender points were discovered.
This was 60 minutes in session that words cannot fully describe. Instead, I suggest you try their authentic Thai massage for yourself, especially if you want to walk away better than you have ever felt; with more mobility, than you have ever had. My arms and legs twisted and bent further than I thought they could. There is no denying the results.
As far as the full experience, I can confidently say that I prefer Thai massages over your more commonly seen spa massages. And as far as the setting goes, this is one of neatest, most modern Thai salons I have been in. Natural stone walls and tiles really help to ground you.
It just would have been nice to be able to sit and rest a bit after the massage. To be offered a cup of warm tea and allowed to rest at a lounge of some sort. All to help slowly and gradually awaken you from such a relaxing experience. We also had our massage first thing in the morning and felt too relaxed and lazy to do anything else after it. So it would have been nice to enjoy this after work or after the gym, followed by soothing nap.
In conclusion, for what ails you and as a treat to help rejuvenate you, I recommend a Thai massage. And the ones at Leelawadee Spa are fantastic.
Leelawadee Thai Spa Downtown Location
1282 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2N7
(778) 788-8708
leelawadeethaispa.com
