Although Thai massage has undergone phenomenal growth in Thailand, partly due to the vast number of tourists who visit there every year, it is little practised in the north of England.

However, massage therapist Christine from Thornton Road in Morecambe was lucky enough to spend a week in Bangkok whilst on holiday which led to a qualification from the Wat Pho school of traditional Thai massage.

She is now qualified to perform Thai massage, which combines the kneading of muscles with the manipulation of massage points along the body's invisible 'energy lines'.

I signed up for a treatment, keen to experience what Christine had in store for me.

Before I arrived, Christine had asked me to put on loose, comfortable clothing as Thai massage is performed on the clothed body on a mat on the floor.

We discussed my exact requirements before starting to ensure I got the best from the treatment, as Christine would do with any client.

Christine explained that my whole body would be treated, starting at the feet and ending with a head and face massage. Thai massage is really a hands-on treatment and involves the therapist using their hands, elbows, forearms, feet and knees.

As the treatment progressed I could see it was a workout for Christine as well!

Every one of my joints was taken through its full range of movement and every accessible muscle was stretched a little more than it normally would be.

My arms, legs, hips and body were stretched in every direction and it felt good!

My fingers and toes were each given individual treatment, turned, twisted and manipulated.

The most satisfying position Christine got me in was the 'back crack'.
This is where she sat behind me, put her arms under mine and arched my back so all my vertebrae were put back into alignment.

It cracked a few times, which was slightly worrying, but Christine assured me this was perfectly normal.

The second time she did it my back hardly cracked at all, which makes me wonder how I managed beforehand! She finished with a head massage which targeted the sinuses and skull with gentle rythmic movements.

The treatment took around an hour and after it was finished I felt like I'd had a small workout.

I was given a glass of water to rid my body of any toxins which had been released as a result of the massage.

Christine said some clients suffered from headaches a few hours after treatments if they didn't drink plenty of water or fluid afterwards.

She said: "The beauty of Thai massage is that it can be practiced almost anywhere as no specialist equipment is required.

"I generally treat clients in the comfort of their own homes so they can make the most of that blissed-out feeling afterwards by chilling out on the sofa.

"But treatments can also be given on-site at sports clubs, dance studios and gyms.

"It would be nice to give treatments on the beach like I experienced in Thailand, but maybe not in the north of England!"

After the rigours of the Thai massage I actually felt tired but invigorated at the same time.

I would recommend the treatment and for anyone slightly nervous about what is involved – give it a go, you'll be pleasantly surprised!

Christine also performs Swedish massage, full body massage and various other types of massage focusing on different parts of the body. Prices range from £15 to £35.

* For more information or to book a treatment, contact Christine on 01524 415888, mobile 07948 619836 or by email at info@hushhappy.co.uk
Visit www.hushhappy.co.uk for further information on Thai massage and the other treatments provided.