Reflections from Asia (Part II)

Grounds of Sankampaeng Hot Springs, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

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Instructions for boiling eggs in thermal pool water. Sankampaeng Hot Springs, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

(Asia, like most everywhere, is a mixed bag--there is much to love juxtaposed with challenging to meet circumstances and conditions. This is the second part in the series of reflections from travel to Myanmar and Thailand in December, 2016 through January 2017.)


Hot springs and massage are a way of life. I've yet to experience anything that takes stress out of my body quicker than soaking in the hotest pool at a mineral bath. It is the closest thing to magic I've encountered in my 50+ years. I still believe that the hot shower is humanity's greatest invention.

Until Harbin Hot Springs burned, weekly soaks were a part of my regular health care. Monthly massages are also part of my ongoing health and wellness routine.

Asian cultures have a long history of public baths, soaking in mineral waters and massage. Because of its evolution within the culture over thousands of years, it is not only an acceptable part of the culture, it's an invisible part--meaning it's not really paid attention to because it is so common. It would be like our use of forks and knives in America--we just don't think about it.

Unlike Harbin, though, these public baths don't include mixed gender nudity and in Japan, they include a very  ritualistic experience. Having never heard of one, we accidentally stumbled across the Yunimori  Onsen Spa (a Japanese traditional public bath) in Bangkok and ventured to try it out.

The upscale establishment was a fusion of onsen with  massage so we soaked and then enjoyed a one hour traditional Thai massage. The facility has a restaurant serving everything from sushi to mounds of snow with fruit toppings. There were intimate sitting areas around a Zen garden and we all lounged around in traditional Japanese kimonos and bamboo flip flops as we ate our treats and sipped our drinks. Others around us smoked tobacco, read the news, checked their phones, and napped.

Of course, Jim and I were only two of the non-Asians at the spa, quite noticeable on our own--not to mention when we didn't follow proper protocol, which for me was quite often during the first visit. Instructions on everything from which of the five large baths to use in what succession to tying robe sashes properly were given, but still I found myself stumbling through.

I knew I was as much a curiosity as everyone else was to me. By the 3rd visit, I felt as comfortable, at home and grateful for the medicinal waters and relaxing, prayerful experience amidst the chaotic hubbub of Bangkok.

Woman waits for eggs in basket to boil. Hot geyser sprays behind her. Sankampaeng Hot Springs, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

I knew I was as much a curiosity as everyone else was to me.

Sankampaeng Hot Springs, Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Hot springs are so common and accepted in Thailand that many of them are government run parks. We visited one, the Sankampaeng Hot Springs, with our friend/tour guide Ya outside of Chiang Mai on an overcast and misty day. 

Quite surprising to both Jim and I, it was a large park and facility including street vendors offering special soaps, herbal concoctions and other bathing accoutrements. On this particular day, there were bus loads of children on field trips and many families visiting. Thai massage, camping,  small cottages, snack bars and restaurants were dotted around this beautiful orchid- and bougainvillea-filled park, while hot springs flowed and geysers amused attendees.

It was fun to witness and experience traditions such as soaking feet in the warm, gentle flowing stream that meandered through the park or boiling a basket full of eggs in a pool of hot spring water.

Our massage was relaxing and refreshing as we lay in an open aired space filled with thin, single wide mattresses. I love Thai massage! They are like doing a deep stretch session of yoga WITHOUT having to exert effort. (Very Taoist, and for those that know me, I'm a person of least effort!)

Thai massage works with putting pressure on energy lines within the body--the same energy lines that Chinese medicine, acupuncture and reflexology use. It is part of the Thai health care system and you can even find them offered at the local wats (monasteries).

The massages can get somewhat vigorous towards the end, after the body is warmed and limbered up, and feel like a visit to chiropractor. They certainly release the tension and stress from the body and I've experienced instant relief from congestion, sore throat and constipation from them. It is real clear to me that they affect the whole body and all its systems and an important part of staying balanced in the body.

Thai massage can be found on virtually every street and, during the bustling walking street markets, practitioners set up next to food and other vendors. After a few hours of walking and eating, many just sit and enjoy a foot massage while watching the parade of people pass by or engage with their family or smart phones.

As an integral part of life, hot springs and massage contribute to a healthy and balanced lifestyle, melting  away the stress that can accumulate into stress-related illnesses. What an enjoyable and proactive approach to preventing illness and generating wellness! My kind of culture!

--JoAnn Saccato, MA, teaches mindfulness, the popular health and wellness practice based on purposeful attention to present moment experience. It is a scientifically proven approach that helps reduce stress and stress-related illnesses, increase focus and attention, decrease incidences of and relapses with depression, reduce anxiety, reduce relapses in addiction, and aid in sleep and digestive disorders. Mindfulness has also been shown to increase well being, life satisfaction, happiness, as well as improved social relationships. For more information, visit www.MindfulAndIntentionalLiving.com .