During these stressful times, a massage is needed more than ever to help lift anxiety, boost moods, and reduce stress levels.
But massages do not come cheap, and with so many different types of massages, from Swedish, Tuina, Shiatsu and Thai - how do you know which type of massage suits your needs?
Saowalak “Fon” Mala is the founder of the Sanctuary Thai Massage group, which has four outlets on Auckland’s North Shore, including The Massage Boutique in Birkenhead.
If you’re after a relaxing massage, where you’d be able to possibly even doze off during treatment, then Thai massage isn’t the one for you, Fon says.
But what it does is it helps you feel energised and improves your range of body motion.
“Traditional Thai massage does not use oils, and you will be wearing loose clothing during the treatment,” she said “There is no skin-to-skin contact with the therapist, who uses her fingers, palms and even feet to apply firm pressure during treatment."
“But you can also have a Sanctuary signature-style oil massage where therapists use coconut oil to massage the whole body. Thai massage style is somewhat a combination of acupressure, assisted yoga poses, and Ayurveda. “A participant doesn’t just passively lie down during treatment but actively participates by getting into positions and postures that feel a bit like yoga,” Fon said.
This more active form of massage reportedly helps improve energy levels, circulation, and flexibility and reduces stress levels. However, it is important to note that there has been little rigorous scientific backing to these claims.
Despite being an ancient art form, Thai massage is still a relatively new technique here in New Zealand and in many other Western countries.
Fon is originally from Chiang Rai, the northernmost major city in Thailand, and learned how to do Thai massage in Bangkok.
“Thai massage has helped me maintain my health, and I strongly believe it can help others, which is why I decided to learn the craft and do the same for others,” she said.
“Thai massage keeps your mind awake, clear, relaxed, and connected to your body.”
Fon moved here in 2008 and has been operating her Sanctuary Thai Massage businesses for 13 years.
“People generally live very stressful lives in Auckland, and I feel I could help them through my Thai massage.”
Demand was so strong that it led to her opening a branch in Milford, which is being run by her sister Kanjana “Som” Mala, and another one in Glenfield.
She also opened the Massage Boutique on Enterprise Street, close to the original Sanctuary Thai in Birkenhead, which offers space for group massages, an infrared sauna, and package treatments.
For those who prefer a more relaxing massage style, Fon suggests a Thai-style fusion oil massage, hot stone, or the aromatic, relaxation massage where you can expect more long strokes, kneading, and circular motions.
“My mission since we opened 12 years ago was to deliver exceptional massage experience and create moments of pure relaxation and rejuvenation for those who come to us,” she said.
DOWNLOAD CHOWLUCKCARD AND BE IN TO WIN ONE OF EIGHT COUPLE SANCTUARY ROYAL WELLBEING LUXURY TREATMENT
Download the new ChowLuckCard app and be in to win one of eight “couple” Sanctuary Royal Wellbeing treatments at Sanctuary Thai Massage and Spa.
To enter, download ChowLuckCard by 15 May 2025 on iOS here: https://apps.apple.com/nz/app/chowluckcard/id6744236704
The 90-minute treatment includes a foot soak, followed by a choice of either traditional Thai, Thai-style oil massage or an aromatic relaxing massage, concluding with a half-hour foot reflexology.
“With our Thai massage, the focus will be on circulation and pressure points to promote internal health as well as muscular flexibility,” Fon said.
“However the oil massage will be better to help reduce anxiety and ehancing energy, and the aromatic massage helps reduce insomnia, anxiety and facilitates relaxation.”
The treatment ends with a foot reflexology which according to Fon is “great for improving circulation and movement of the lymphatic system in the feet and lower legs” and helps with building a stronger immune system.
Sanctuary Thai Massage and Spa
Birkenhead Village: 11a Birkenhead Avenue, Birkenhead. Ph 022 0770675
Milford: 159A Kitchener Road, Milford. Ph 022 8466189
Glenfield: 1/1 View Road, Glenfield. Ph 020 40709216
The Massage Boutique by Sanctuary
1 Enterprise Street, Birkenhead. Ph 020 40306298
Prizes: Two couple massages from each of the four centres
