Following the UAE government’s recent proclamation to regulate activities and registration of massage parlours in the country, businesses affiliated with Thailand have received a major boost due to their historical good reputation back home, Haleemah Siwaporn, a professional massage practitioner, has said.
Consequently, the numbers of Thai curative centres have recently seen a steady increase in the UAE, as many people seek more energising and rigorous ways, than the other classic forms of massage, to relieve body stress and muscle conditions.
“Thai massage is faster getting traction in the UAE since it is widely renowned to be a medical discipline used for the treatment of wide variety of ailments,” she said, in an interview with Alrroya.com.
“Back home in Thailand, it is considered as one of the branches of Traditional Thai Medicine, which is now recognised and regulated by the government,” Haleemah added.
“We have brought our massage expertise in the UAE’s doorsteps, however, many people here still prefer to travel to Thailand for the purposes of that wholesome experiential feeling that one can only get when they visit the country,” she enthused.
According to official figures, there has been an increase in the number of families visiting Thailand for therapeutic medical services. Last year, the Asian country saw a surge of 24 per cent in the number of tourists coming from the UAE alone. The number of people who visited Thailand for leisure, business and health services from the UAE was 130,000.
Thailand Healthy Massage Centre in Ajman blazes trail
A weekend visit to the Thailand Healthy Massage Centre located in Al Rashidiya, in the emirate of Ajman, did not disappoint and was worth it in every nook and cranny.
The procedure felt different and unique in the sense that it involved gentle stretching and applied yoga, combined with acupressure which resulted to a powerful massage therapy.
“No oils are used in traditional Thai massage,” Haleemah explains.
The client dons comfortable clothing and is put into many yoga-like positions during the course of the massage, while lying on a firm mattress on the floor. It can be done in a private room or with group of about five or so patients in the same spacious room.
“The technique involves stretching and deep massage, which is usually performed on the floor, and the client wears comfortable clothes that allow for movement,” she adds.
The massage practitioner leans on the client’s body using hands and usually straight forearms locked at the elbow to apply firm rhythmic pressure.
“All in all we utilise a holistic approach and wellness programme to alleviate chronic pain, stress and illness,” she added.
A full session typically lasts two hours or more, and includes rhythmic pressing and stretching of the entire body and this may include pulling fingers, toes, ears, cracking the knuckles, and walking on the recipient’s back.
Haleemah’s active involvement shows her dedication to her profession, as she also designs her range of Arabic perfumes and also arranges flowers that have proved a hit with the local fashion-forward trendy women. She honed her massage skills on-the job, back in her native Thailand.
“As a massage therapist, florist and perfume designer I have been able to reach out to clients across the board and my satisfaction comes when I know I have been able to restore lifestyles back to proper healthy conditions and well being,” she said.
She lauded the UAE authorities for taking precautions to stem the mushrooming of illegal outlets, “which have given the business a bad name.”
“As a proprietor of a legitimate massage centre, I applaud the regulations that were introduced, as this would help the industry develop into a sector that is viewed as beneficial to the wellbeing of human development,” said Haleemah.
Crackdown on illegal centres to continue
During the crackdown in Dubai, licences for registration of new massage parlours were temporarily suspended after a number of outlets were found engaging in unlawful activities, which included women massaging male clients and other cases, while others were allegedly offering sexual favours. Almost two dozen massage parlours were slapped with fines of between Dh2,000 and Dh10,000.
“Such illegal parlours were spreading in almost all the emirates, but were reined-in in good time and stopped. Now clients are looking at this business as a well-being industry,” she added.
Haleemah is a Thai holistic certified massage therapist and an active advocate of the role of massage in the overall holistic healthcare approach. Her private practice Thailand Healthy Massage Centre in Ajman offers both male and female clients therapeutic massage like aromatherapy, body oil and hot herbal compress, alongside assisted stretching and psychotherapy.
At the facility, a one hour Thai full body massage costs Dh150, oil body massage Dh200, and a refreshing hot herbal compress massage sets one back Dh200. Similarly, foot massage costs one Dh120, sport and relax massage Dh200 while sauna and sliming massage is Dh250.
“We also offer home visits, where our practitioners go with all the required equipment, in the comfort of the client’s home and convenience,” Haleemah said.
Recently, the Thai Ambassador to the UAE, HE Somchai Charanasomboon inaugurated the “Thai Business Club” that aims at forging stronger ties among businessmen and entrepreneurs from that Asian country, who are based in the UAE.
The envoy also revealed that plans are underway to launch a special exhibition that will showcase and promote Thai businesses in various aspects including tourism, medical treatment and spa, here in the UAE.
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