Yam Khang | Fire Massage
During my time in Chiang Mai, I found many (new to me) massage options. Thai Yam Khang, Thai Fire Therapy or Thai Fire Barefoot Massage is an ancient Northern Lanna style Thai healing modality that uses heat, oil applied but using solely the feet to massage.
To prepare the massage session, the therapist prepares a tray containing herbal oil. Hot coals are then placed in a clay pot with the iron blade of a plough, known as a khang, placed on top. The therapist then dips their foot into the oil before using the khang to warm his foot and then massage the oils into the client.
As the oil hits the hot coals, the heat from the fire gives off penetrating warmth & the aroma of the hot oil makes this a multi-sensory experience.
It may not look relaxing but this Yam Khang or fire massage was warm, comfortable and enjoyed every minute of this two-hour experience. Then the luk pra kob (herbal compress) and tok sen sent it over the edge.
My muscles were so happy.
What is Luk Pra Kob: A centuries-old therapeutic Thai medicinal practice that combines the healing properties of aromatic herbs with the soothing power of touch. At its core, herbal compress massage involves the application of a heated herbal poultice to various areas of the body. These compress is typically made from an assortment of herbs, which can include lemongrass, turmeric, kaffir lime, and others. The healing properties of herbal compress massage lies in the rich aromatic herbs’ ability to release essential oils when heated. As the herbal compresses are gently pressed and massaged onto the skin, these oils are absorbed, stimulating the body’s energy flow, or “Sen” lines, similar to the principles of traditional Thai massage.
What is Tok Sen: An ancient Thai medicine is an incredibly soothing massage treatment and very effective at promoting a sense of calm. A wooden hammer and wedge are employed, and following specific points of the body, a rhythmic tapping is set up which creates a resonance that passes through the muscles and into the rest of the body. This resonance helps to dislodge even long held and stubborn tension. “Tok” comes from the sound that the mallet makes when hitting the wooden wedge, and “Sen” relates to the Sen energy lines in traditional Thai medicine. Most notable benefits of Tok Sen massage are its ability to release tension in the muscles and joints, offering relief from chronic pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
If you find yourself in Chiang Mai, be sure to visit the Hang Dong Thai Massage School, which is about a 30 minute drive by motor bike to get to Hang Dong. Not only can you get this amazing massage experience, you can also learn how to do it along with other special techniques taught at the school.
Photography & videography courtesy of Amelia Stevenson-Howard