seeking the good oil for massages

[Jimbob]

After flying long distance, 12-14 hours confined to an airline seat, I try to follow up the flight by having a good long walk or foot massage to avoid DVT and to get rid of the bad humours in the mind and body.
This post flight massage tale is true, semi-serious and not necessarily with a happy ending.

A couple of trips ago after flying into Thailand, then travelling onto a city on the west side of the gulf, I needed go for a massage as it was too bloody hot to go walking. Now I am not one who wants to sit in a massage common room with a dozen other people and watch them being pummelled. I prefer quiet surroundings, as a good massage is a little like meditating. The masseuse does not have to be young: just experienced. This particular morning I walked past a small massage place on a narrow Soi while cutting through between two roads. Three women were sitting round in this small empty shop having breakfast. I darkened the doorway asking ‘Could I have a body massage’?
A woman of a certain age, wearing regulation white tee shirt and blue denim shorts, leapt up and happily guided me to a back room equipped with A/C. I lay down on the massage bed but was asked; ‘did the gentleman want a relaxing Thai oil massage’? Oh, Ok. (I thought of EPL footballers laid on tables being pounded into well oiled machines, that was me wasn’t it?). I forgot to look for Wat Po certificates on the wall or ISO this and that accreditation. She looked like she had experience in life and was probably somebody’s mother. So down to the underdaks, back onto the table and proceeded to play my part as a slab of white meat to be stretched, pounded and elbowed. She complimented me on not being a big fat falang. Now I do not mind a chat at these times as long as I can speak without pain. Her English was reasonable as she began a discourse on how hard life was for a single Issan woman with a child. It was just light conversation, not down to the level of discussing the family buffalo’s health. This slab of white buffalo meat sighed at the right times as she oiled my back and legs as required for more Greco-Roman wrestling positions she had invented. I asked ‘did she own the shop’? .
‘Oh no, a falang sends money from Europe to the owner who was his Thai wife when he visit’ was the smiling reply. ‘Oh really'? (I had not heard of part-time wives before: silly me)
By now, I had been flipped over. My nether regions were covered but she did express some anatomical comments that I ignored. I closed my eyes expecting more serious professional manipulation. Unexpectedly she said: ‘Did I want a Thai wife’? Helloo?
‘I haven’t even kissed a Thai girl, sez I’.
My eyes were still closed and suddenly bang, I was given a quick snog. ‘You have now’, she said. I thought silence was needed after this quick marriage proposal. I opened an eye occasionally to a beaming smile above and said ‘I am not in town for long, my three wives would be jealous and I was a Brum City supporter so I was a born loser’. All of these issues were small hurdles to her.
The oil massage carried on and by the end, I was slippery as a politician. She towelled off the oil and suggested that I use the shower.
‘Oh no, I am staying around the corner and I’ll have one there (in private)’.
Politely as possible, I paid my dues and promised to come back again.
I showered at the apartment, feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy my holiday. However, here’s the rub, so to speak. Two days later, the skin on the inside of my once well oiled thighs broke into a rash and blistered. I spent the next few days walking like a cowboy. My Celtic skin is probably more sensitive than other races’ skins or old Thai leather.
I have no idea what oil the friendly woman used on me. Was it an old Issan home brew receipe or old recycled cooking oil?
I have since occassionally carried my own lotion for foot or what ever massage in BKK etc. The masseuses are usually surprised at this and want to check the lotion’s smell before agreeing to use it. After all, their hands are their tools and livelihood.

Does anybody know what should be used for massages and where to buy it?

On the happy ending side, I didn’t have any other rashes to take home

[PeteC]

Good story. I don't know what oil is best for a massage. Maybe we should take a reader poll? My instincts tell me:

Mr. Plum: Extract of crushed tamarind rinds with aloe.
Rider: Penzoil 10W-30.
HHF: Peanut or 100% corn oil only.
Nereus: Mobile synthetic exclusively.

Any others? Pete

[Homer]

100% virgin coconut oil. It's advantages are: 1) Good for the skin, 2) It's a solid at room temperature so it doesn't spill, yet it melts almost on contact with your hands. One stores it in a shallow, large mouth container that is big enough to put a hand in. In the states it is sold in such containers at health food stores. 3) Doesn't stain fabric.

[MorSage]

Cold pressed sweet almond or apricot kernel oils are excellent but expensive, virgin coconut (as recommended above) and olive oil (add scent - i.e. essential flower oils) are also good and more reasonable cost wise.

Always avoid baby oil (liquid parrifin) and rancid cooking oils (aged; soy, safflower, etc.)

[MrPlum]

My instincts tell me:

Mr. Plum: Extract of crushed tamarind rinds with aloe.

Spot on with those instincts.

In the absence of the above, I like organic Sesame Oil, which is widely used in Ayurvedic massage.

[expat71NL]

One of the sponsors of this Forum is Thai Orchid massage. I have been there often. They have there own oils and will gladly advise you.

[charlesh]

IMO oil massage not as good as the Neut pan boran ie. traditional Thai massage for aching muscles but each to their own.
Pinkaew in Pranburi - 2hr for 250 Bht or 1 hr oily for same price and the ladies know their stuff (never been snogged yet but I'm sure extras could be arranged ha, ha).

[toolie57]

i’ve been there also,Pinkaew, no snogged as of yet.

[m_right]

I use a blend of Grapeseed and coconut oil. Sometimes I open a vitamin E capsule and add that in. Sometimes a drop or two of scent. It washes off faster than the cheap mineral oil used in most shops.