In Thai massage the therapist puts you through a series of stretches that cover the entire body. You lie on a floor mat or on a table wide enough to accommodate the therapist and yourself, and you wear loose-fitting clothing. In many cases, the spa will provide it to you.

Because there’s no way a sheet can stay put during these movements, the therapist might kneel on the back of your legs and pull your arms to arch your back and open your chest, or she may place her shoulder under your heel to lift your leg and stretch your hamstring.

Thai massage also includes deep-pressure point work to stimulate the sen, or the body’s energy pathways.

Long considered a medical treatment in Thailand, Thai massage is sometimes referred to as “lazy man’s yoga”.