Benefits
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Flexibility
Yoga-like passive stretches open up the body
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Joint Mobility
Passive movement supports ease of motion
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Energy Flow
Rhythmic pressure along the traditional sen lines
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Posture
Stretches leave a sense of openness in the back and shoulders
About
Traditional Thai massage comes from a Thai tradition said to date back some 2,500 years and is given without oil while you stay fully clothed. Passive stretches, rhythmic pressure and joint movement are woven together, which is why it is also called "passive yoga". Your therapist gently guides you into positions similar to yoga poses; all you do is breathe and let go.
What happens during the session?
- Getting ready: You change into the comfortable cotton clothing we provide; the session takes place on a traditional Thai mat.
- Rhythmic pressure: Your therapist uses palms, thumbs, elbows, knees and feet to apply rhythmic pressure along the traditional "sen" lines.
- Passive stretches: The legs, hips, back and shoulders are stretched in yoga-like positions, with your therapist using their body weight for controlled pressure.
- Closing: The session ends with gentle stretches, followed by herbal tea.
The session lasts 70 minutes with medium pressure. Unlike a classic relaxation massage, you stay awake and aware throughout.
Who is it for?
It suits those looking to gain flexibility, people who practise yoga, anyone who prefers an oil-free massage and those who would like to experience massage as a passive movement session. It is also a good choice for bodies that feel stiff from long hours in the same position.
When to be careful
- Pregnancy
- A herniated disc in the lower back or neck, a joint replacement or joint problems
- Osteoporosis
- Recent surgery or injury
- High blood pressure, a heart condition or a fever
None of the stretches is forced; if a position feels uncomfortable, simply tell your therapist.
Thai or another massage?
- Thai Aroma Massage: the same stretches combined with an oil massage using aromatherapy oils; no clothing is worn.
- Shiatsu Massage: also oil-free and clothed; a Japanese technique that uses finger pressure along the meridian lines instead of stretches.
- Sports Massage: a deep-pressure oil massage for recovery after training.
After your session
- As no oil is used, you can carry on with your day without a shower.
- Your body may feel lighter after the stretches; avoid jumping straight into strenuous exercise.
- Drink plenty of water.
About Traditional Thai Massage
What is Thai massage?
Thai massage is a traditional massage from Thailand, given without oil while you stay clothed. The therapist combines rhythmic pressure with yoga-like passive stretches, and the session takes place on a mat rather than a table, which is why it is also known as "passive yoga".
What do I wear for a Thai massage?
We provide comfortable cotton clothing, which you wear throughout the session. As no oil is used, you can go straight back to your day afterwards.
Does Thai massage hurt?
The pressure is medium and the stretches are never forced. Some positions may bring a noticeable stretch; tell your therapist as soon as you are uncomfortable and the position and pressure will be adjusted straight away.
What is the difference between Thai massage and Thai aroma massage?
Traditional Thai massage is oil-free and clothed, lasts 70 minutes and is built around stretches. Thai Aroma Massage combines these stretches with an oil massage using aromatherapy oils and comes in 50- or 70-minute sessions.
How long does a Traditional Thai Massage session take?
A Traditional Thai Massage session takes 70 minutes in Istanbul and 50 minutes in Izmir. Choose your branch on the booking form to see its duration options.
Who is Traditional Thai Massage suitable for?
Traditional Thai Massage is suitable for flexibility seekers, yoga lovers, those preferring oil-free massage and energy-flow practitioners. Please let us know before your appointment if you are pregnant, have had recent surgery or have a chronic condition.
Which areas does Traditional Thai Massage focus on?
The treatment focuses on whole body, joints and meridian lines. You can agree your priority areas with your therapist at the start of the session.
What is included in a Traditional Thai Massage session?
The session includes cotton garments (provided), floor mat and herbal tea.
Where in Istanbul and Izmir can I book Traditional Thai Massage?
Traditional Thai Massage is available at the Aqua Plus branches in Bagcilar, Fatih, Sisli, Zeytinburnu, Pendik and Bayrakli. All branches are open seven days a week (10:00 – 22:00 / 23:00); choose the branch nearest to you when booking.
What are the benefits of Traditional Thai Massage?
Key effects: flexibility, joint mobility, energy flow and posture. How long the effect lasts varies by person and with regular treatment.
How do I book Traditional Thai Massage?
You can book online by selecting a branch, date and time slot, or contact the branch directly by phone or WhatsApp. We recommend booking ahead to avoid waiting at peak times.
Where to Get Traditional Thai Massage
Traditional Thai Massage is available at all six Aqua Plus branches. Choose the one closest to you; the booking form opens with the branch and service already selected.
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ISTANBUL · BAğCıLAR
Traditional Thai Massage in Bağcılar
Near: Güneşli, Kirazlı, Yenibosna
M1B metro line (Bağcılar–Kirazlı), the Mahmutbey–Bağcılar axis and the Basın Ekspres connection; metrobus via Yenibosna/Şirinevler.
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ISTANBUL · FATIH
Traditional Thai Massage in Fatih
Near: Çapa, Aksaray, Vatan
Reachable via the T1 Kabataş–Bağcılar tram (Fındıkzade / Çapa–Şehremini stops) and the M1A metro line (Aksaray).
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ISTANBUL · ŞIşLI
Traditional Thai Massage in Şişli
Near: Mecidiyeköy, Gayrettepe, Esentepe
The M2 metro (Şişli–Mecidiyeköy), M7 metro (Mecidiyeköy–Mahmutbey) and the Mecidiyeköy metrobus stop are within walking distance.
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ISTANBUL · ZEYTINBURNU
Traditional Thai Massage in Zeytinburnu
Near: Cevizlibağ, Topkapı, Maltepe Mahallesi
Reachable via the Zeytinburnu M1A metro / T1 tram interchange, the Cevizlibağ metrobus stop and the E-5 highway.
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ISTANBUL · PENDIK
Traditional Thai Massage in Pendik
Near: Kaynarca, Sapanbağları, Kurtköy
Reachable via the M4 metro line (Kaynarca–Pendik), the Marmaray Pendik station and the D-100 / coastal road.
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IZMIR · BAYRAKLı
Traditional Thai Massage in Bayraklı
Near: Adalet, Mansuroğlu, Manavkuyu
