Meet Anantara Chiang Mai’s Thai Massage Guru

The ancient art of Nuad Thai or Thai Massage is practised in nearly every rural household across Thailand. This is the story of Anantara Spa’s Thai Massage Guru, Noot, who followed her calling and became an expert therapist.

"I have been massaging people my whole life. As a young girl, not even ten years old, my mum would ask me to walk on her back and legs every evening as a way to ease her aching back and legs after a long day of work at the market. This is quite normal for children in rural households across Thailand as they are taught from a young age how to ease the aching muscles of their parents and grandparents by walking on their back and legs."

"As children, we don’t understand the acupressure point and the theory behind it, but we quickly learn how to pull and push limbs and how to soothe the muscles. I decided I wanted to learn the ins and outs of massage, which is why I pursued physiotherapy at university. After that, I went on to study massage at a Thai Massage academy in Bangkok, followed by a course in Thai massage back in Chiang Mai."

"Rather than finding a job as a physiotherapist in a hospital, like many of my classmates did, I wanted to find work in a more serene environment and eventually landed a job at a spa. The relaxing music, aromatherapy and overall sensory experience had a positive impact on me. I felt calm and was able to effectively interact and educate my spa guests about their bodies so they can better understand their aches and ailments."

"I believe in the power of massage and treating people with my hands rather than medicine. I personally don’t like taking medication, and I apply this treatment approach with my guests. Before starting the massage at Anantara Chiang Mai Spa, I make it a priority to have a consultation with each and every guest. it's crucial that I learn about their concerns, habits and day-to-day activities as they allow me to better understand what each guest's issues may be."

"I also like to recommend activities and teach guests techniques they can follow at home to treat pain or avoid injury. This extends the benefits of their massage and allows guests to treat themselves at home rather than reach for a pain killer the next time they have a niggle in their back."

"Prevention is better than cure and I believe it is important to know how to take care of ourselves so that we can avoid injuries. This is my philosophy on life as our body is given to us only once."