Ruen Helps You Find the Right Massage Treatment

At Ruen Thai Massage & Spa, our licensed therapists are trained across a full spectrum of Thai massage traditions. We help you become familiar with the practice of Thai massage so that you can get the most benefit out of every session.

​

The Thai Massage Difference

Thai massage involves dynamic assisted stretching, acupressure along energy lines, and yoga-like movements. The therapist manipulates the body by holding poses that increase range of motion. It's effective for lowering tension headaches, migraines, and chronic back pain.

Thai massage is traditionally split into two main schools based on their geographic origins in Thailand. Northern style Thai massage focuses on slow, rhythmic movements for deep relaxation, while Southern style is more vigorous and deep-tissue oriented. At Ruen Thai Massage in San Antonio, our skilled therapists blend these authentic techniques to address your specific needs.

​

Traditional Thai Massage (Nuad Boran)

Traditional Thai Massage, also known as Nuad Boran, is a cornerstone of the Thai healing arts that has been passed down through generations and serves as the foundation of all Thai massage styles offered at Ruen.

This full body massage is performed fully clothed on a floor mat. Practitioners use their hands, elbows, knees, and feet to apply pressure along the body’s energy lines. The massage therapist works along Sen lines throughout the whole body to restore balance, improve blood circulation, and relieve tension that's been stored in muscles and joints.

Key benefits for San Antonio guests:

• Support for back and shoulder pain from office work

• Enhanced flexibility and joint mobility for active individuals

• Deep relaxation and stress relief without oils

• Improved posture and energy flow

This technique is particularly beneficial for improving flexibility, relieving chronic pain, and providing a deep sense of relaxation. Ideal for those who prefer firm pressure, assisted stretching, and rocking techniques rather than a standard oil massage.

​

Thai Oil Massage

Thai Oil Massage combines traditional Thai techniques with Western massage methods, incorporating the use of oils for a soothing experience. This gentle body massage blends the best of both approaches on a comfortable massage table.

Therapists use long, flowing strokes along with kneading and pressure point work, allowing for smoother movements and deeper muscle work. The use of oils not only enhances relaxation but also helps improve circulation and penetrates the skin for additional therapeutic benefits.

Thai oil massage works well for:

• Stress and anxiety relief

• General muscle fatigue after daily stress

• First-time Thai massage clients

• Those who prefer less intense stretching

Our expert therapists can adjust pressure from very gentle to deeper work depending on your comfort level, making this a perfect customized treatment for overall wellness.

​

Thai Foot Massage (Thai Reflexology)

Thai Foot Massage, also known as Thai Reflexology, focuses on the feet and lower legs, based on the belief that different areas of the feet correspond to various organs and systems in the body.

During a session, therapists use their hands and a small wooden stick to apply pressure to specific points on the feet, often combined with stretching and massage of the lower legs. The typical flow at Ruen includes warm-up strokes, focused reflex point work on pressure points, and gentle stretching of toes, arches, and calves.

Key benefits:

• Relief from standing or walking all day

• Reduced leg heaviness and improved lymphatic drainage

• Enhanced circulation without a full-body session

• Deep relaxation for the whole body through reflexology

This treatment is particularly beneficial for individuals who spend a lot of time on their feet. Our regular clients include nurses, teachers, hospitality workers in San Antonio, and anyone who prefers not to undress for their massage.

​

Thai Herbal Compress Massage

Thai Herbal Compress Massage uses heated herbal compresses filled with a blend of therapeutic herbs to deliver both physical and aromatic healing. These cotton pouches, called Luk Pra Kob, contain herbs traditionally used in Thailand including kaffir lime, camphor, lemongrass, ginger, and turmeric.

Therapists steam the compresses and press or roll them along muscles and joints, followed by stretching and acupressure work. The application of hot herbal compresses helps encourage flexibility in joints and muscles, reduces muscle stress, and nourishes the skin with healing properties.

Benefits of herbal compress massage:

• Soothing sore muscles and alleviating chronic stiffness

• Easing joint discomfort and improving circulation

• Calming the mind with aromatic healing effect

• Relief from post-exercise soreness

This massage technique is particularly beneficial for alleviating muscle pain, joint stiffness, and certain skin conditions due to the combination of heat and herbal properties.

​

Thai Aromatherapy Massage

Thai Aromatherapy Massage combines the principles of Thai massage with the therapeutic benefits of essential oils, creating a multi-sensory experience that can enhance both physical and emotional well being.

Essential oils are selected based on the client’s specific needs and preferences, blended with a carrier oil, and used throughout the treatment. Ruen Thai Massage offers blends such as lavender for deep relaxation, eucalyptus for easier breathing, and citrus notes for uplifting mood.

Benefits and options:

• Calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety

• Supporting more restful sleep

• Personalized treatments with relaxing, balancing, or refreshing aroma profiles

• Gentle to medium pressure with light stretches along energy lines

The combination of touch and scent creates a deeply relaxing and rejuvenating experience, making aromatherapy massage an excellent choice for those seeking both physical and emotional benefits.

​

Thai Hot Stone Massage

Thai Hot Stone Massage incorporates heated stones into traditional Thai massage techniques, providing a unique therapy that enhances relaxation and stress relief. Smooth basalt stones warmed to therapeutic temperatures are placed on key areas like the back, shoulders, and legs.

The heat from the stones helps to relax muscles, allowing for deeper work and more effective treatment of muscle tension. This style is ideal for tight, overworked muscles, especially for clients who spend long hours driving or working at a computer.

Choose hot stone massage for:

• Chronic back tension and neck stiffness

• Cool weather when you crave deep warmth

• Post-travel recovery

• General stress relief with heated stones

This treatment is particularly effective for relieving chronic muscle tension and promoting overall health, with pressure adjusted from gentle to firm based on your preference.

​

Thai Facial Massage

Thai Facial Massage is a specialized treatment that focuses on the face, neck, and scalp, combining traditional Thai techniques with elements of facial rejuvenation. This service complements our facial treatments by using gentle acupressure on specific points.

Therapists use gentle pressure on facial points, light strokes, and rhythmic movements to relieve aches in the jaw, temples, and forehead. This treatment supports a more refreshed appearance by encouraging circulation, reducing puffiness, and softening expression lines.

Ideal for:

• People who clench their jaw or experience headaches

• Those spending hours looking at screens

• Guests sensitive to full-body work seeking relaxation

• Add on services to other Thai body treatments

This type of Thai massage addresses tension headaches, sinus congestion, jaw tightness, and the shoulder stiffness that builds from screen time and daily strain. Available as a standalone session or as a complement to a full-body treatment.