Vietnam has for a long time been offering massage therapies better than any other country. The massage parlors were considered shady and shameful some time back. However, today the massage parlors are recognized establishments. They are cropping up in different cities and offer various services.
The Vietnam message has its roots from Chinese therapy methods. It has over time evolved to truly pay attention to kneading and working the knots in muscles to de-stress the body. Most people are familiar with the Thai massage, which involves lots of stretching, muscle and limb movements. The Vietnam massage, however, involves less movement. It does have some pushing and pulling, but they focus more on targeting knots through firm massages. The therapist attending to you can alter pressure depending on what you find comfortable.
The deep tissue massage offered in Vietnam focuses on tendons and muscles. They target pressure points- for example, improving your vital force through rebalancing the chi on your spine. The therapist will do this by combining knuckles and thumbs with the right pressure, to target the right spots.
What To Expect With A Vietnam Massage
Vietnamese massage adopts a holistic approach. Different body parts influence others, and they can target specific body parts to help relieve pressure from different areas of the body. This targeting can happen even when you don’t order a full body massage. Massages in Vietnam encompass different services including hot stones, foot, and full body massages.
Tips When Getting A Vietnamese Massage
- Get recommendations for the best and legitimate spas from authoritative sources like your tour guide, fellow travelers or hotel.
- Don’t ignore a spa because the therapists are scantily clad women. Legitimate establishments also feature this, and they are mostly men’s clubs. While here, the men can sit in the Sauna, get shaved and eat or lounge in the VIP area while getting a massage.
- If you need privacy, you can request a private room, but it will cost you more.
- You can get a massage right at the beach without having to move. Some masseuses offer their foot massage services in public, at the beach or on the roadside. They are much cheaper than those in established spas, but they provide excellent services
- Foot massage spas that specialize have simple choices and routines. They will offer you some shorts to wear during the massage. You can also choose to stay in yours, but the massage cannot happen without undies. You then lie on a foot massage bed or chair. Some locations will not require you to change for a foot massage. After these preparations, you can now relax and enjoy the complete bliss as your body relieves tension.
- Established spas have various. They are more expensive than the street parlors, and it’s unlikely you will get any services for less than $5. They offer services like body scrubs, facials, foot massages, and other spa treatments.
- Before you get your massage, find out whether the price is inclusive of tipping in establishments. Most of the men establishments are known to request for large tips since the employees work on commission basis. Most of the establishments will advertise their prices with tips included, but it’s wise to confirm before your session starts. Find out how much the minimum tip should be and have enough cash on you to avoid surprises. Most of these establishments do not also take credit cards.
- Men offer massages at foot places too, and women travelers should be comfortable. They will not make you feel uneasy or do inappropriate things. They are experts and professionals at their job.
- Avoid carrying any valuables when going to a massage parlor. If you feel uncomfortable about an establishment, go to another as there are many more establishments available.
- The masseuses may start having private conversations during your session, but you can request them to stop so that you can relax.
A massage in Vietnam induces relaxation and reduces tension. It also rejuvenates your body, reduces blood clotting risks and improves blood circulation. If traveling to Vietnam, consider getting a massage to ease the tension on your legs from walking or long drives. It’s also a great way to experience and enjoy all the greatness Vietnam has to offer.
