Thailand. Part stretching, acupuncture (without the needles), reflexology, and deep compression. All of these are used during a Thai massage which helps you feel mentally alert and physically energized, unlike a Swedish massage. At least that has been my limited experience.
With origins dating back to the 5th Century BC, a confidant of Buddha is said to have originated the beginnings of Thai massage. The diagrams shown in the photo are in the same temple as the Reclining Buddha, Wat Pho. After Thailand was invaded by the Burmese in 1776 most of the manuscripts on massage were destroyed. King Rama III had the best surviving texts and diagrams inscribed in stone and installed in the temple.
A Thai massage, recognized by the Thai government as a medical discipline, is performed with loose clothes on and increases flexibility, detoxes, improves your immune system, reduces stress, helps arthritis, and boosts energy. A massage and a cup of tea with a slice of pineapple and coconut and I will be orbiting the moon.
And speaking of moons, when I went to book a Thai massage at a local yoga/massage center, the website said they were closed yesterday due to a full moon (which was absolutely gorgeous last night). They are also closed for new moons. Really? That is a new one for me and just shows how much I have to learn!