Healing hands
George and I went to the Chiang Mai Women Correctional Institution in the centre of Chiang Mai Old Town for our first ever massage. Thai prisoners are taken here daily to be masseuses, waitresses and gardeners before they return to prison in the evening. It is situated in an Ancient House (100 years old) and courtyard. Everyone walked around with a huge smile, so friendly and welcoming. It cost us 250 baht (around £6.50) each for an hour-long foot massage. We put our things into a locker and kept our phones in there too. This was reassuring as it meant that people couldn’t take photos of the prisoners without permission. We then had our feet scrubbed in warm water with lime and salt, which was really nice. Then it was massage time! The prisoners are given 300 hours of massage training in order to be able to do massages at the centre. We were asked if we wanted soft, medium or hard, and we both chose the medium option, which we found was perfect for us. They used many products and techniques, none of which I can name as a massage novice!! It was amazing. They focused on one foot at a time whilst the other one was wrapped up snugly in a towel. We sat on reclining chairs with towels as pillows, meaning we were both very comfortable and sleepy! The masseuses were so gentle, friendly and kind, which made us feel relaxed and comfortable. They seemed to all get on with each other, which was reassuring and nice to see. We were both asked if we were okay and how we were finding it throughout the massage. The room was almost silent with quiet, calming music playing in the background, and due to the products that were being used, it smelled amazing!!! It was an amazing experience and our masseuses were very grateful, as we were to them too!
When we left the massage, feeling like we were walking on fluffy clouds, we were led into the courtyard for complimentary tea, which was super warming and tasty. We are now enjoying some lunch, feeling very relaxed and happy.
This is such an incredible opportunity, and I feel so, so grateful to have experienced it and to have been able to contribute to the project and the rehabilitation of the Thai women. Knowing that when they leave prison, they will be able to find jobs and integrate themselves back into day-to-day working life is deeply relieving, and it feels fulfilling to be part of that journey.
I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience! See you next time when I go through our time in Chiang Mai!
