Khmer massage. Thai massage. Oil massage. Elephant massage (don’t ask; I don’t know). Blind massage. Foot massage. Head massage. Neck and shoulder massage. Aromatherapy massage. Aloe Vera massage. Fish massage.
In Southeast Asia, there is a massage for every body part (yes, every body part) in a variety of styles. I, personally, am a big fan of foot massages and blind massages—usually including some sort of oil or herbal extract. Other people—namely gross old white men—seem to prefer massages more “happy” in nature. In fact, A and I were at a salon the other day getting pedicures, where we witnessed said older gentlemen emerging from the private back rooms after their rubdowns. The men all had big smiles plastered on their pervy faces. And their masseuses were all smiles too…until the men paid and left. Then the smiles fled, and it became obvious they did not relish the intimate details of their profession.
I do, however, think the blind masseuses and masseurs are relatively pleased with their jobs. In a region where having a disability generally relegates you to a life of beggary, getting a job as a skilled worker is kind of a big deal. I like the idea that, by going to them, I’m helping the blind community live independent of charity. Plus, they just give really great massages.
A fish massage, on the other hand, is a weird and slightly disturbing thing. Basically, you sit on the edge of a giant fish tank with your feet dangling in the water. Then hundreds of little flesh-eaters swarm around your hooves and devour all the dead skin. I was both repulsed and intrigued when I saw this, so of course I had to try it. But being overly ticklish, I only managed to last about five minutes. Which really is a shame for the fishes because, given the current state of my feet, they would have had a feast.
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