Most Thai massages offered locally run 60, 90 or 120 minutes, with prices ranging from $75 to $185. A few places offer briefer and cheaper sessions. Pregnant women and anyone with serious back or knee problems should avoid this modality, said Steven Brown of D.C. Massage Therapies in Tenleytown.
Before engaging in a Thai massage, ask your practitioner three questions: Where did you train? How long did your training last? How long have you been in practice?
"Compare three or four therapists, ask these questions, then use your best judgment," said Pierce Salguero, who trains students at Tao Mountain in Charlottesville.
There's no nationally recognized certification for Thai massage, and practitioner backgrounds vary widely. Some trained in Western-style massage schools. Some studied extensively in Thailand. And some enrolled in a weekend course.
Thai Healing Alliance International, a nascent organization headquartered in Chapel Hill, N.C., is working to "standardize areas of accomplishment," according to Bob Haddad, a Thai therapy practitioner who heads the effort. Meanwhile, massage practitioners are covered by licensing and training regulations that vary considerably from state to state.
To be extra safe, it's best to ask the practitioner for a reference before undergoing any treatment, said Demara Stamler, executive director of Potomac Massage Training Institute in Friendship Heights, which offers a continuing education course in Thai massage.
Suggestions for locating a Thai massage therapist in your area include contacting massage schools and spas. Here are a few choices:
• Bang Salon and Spa, 1612 U Street NW. 202-299-0925. www.bangsalonspa.com. Bang describes its version of Thai massage as a cross between acupressure, yoga and zen shiatsu. Knong Adams is the practitioner. Cost: $35 for 30 minutes, $65 for an hour, $95 for 90 minutes.
• D.C. Massage Therapies, 4545 42nd St. NW, Suite 207. 202-253-9877. www.dcmassagetherapies.com. Steven Brown offers a 60-minute session for $80 and a 90-minute session for $105.
• Four Seasons Fitness Club and Spa, 2800 Pennsylvania Ave. NW. 202-944-2055. www.fourseasons.com. Spa guests can choose to have their Thai massage performed either on the floor or on a table. Cost for a 60-minute session is $135.
• Studio Infinity, 2200 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-333-0663. www.studioinfinitydc.com. Tony Jackson, whose philosophy is "movement is life," will help you work out the kinks with a 60-, 90-, or 120-minute massage. Prices are $110, $150 and $185, respectively.
• Sugar House Day Spa and Salon, 111 North Alfred St., Alexandria. 703-549-9940. www.sugarhousedayspa.com. David Morris will perform a 50-minute massage for $80 or an 80-minute massage for $110.
• Touch of Asia, 20 Pidgeon Hill Drive, Suite 103, Sterling. 703-430-8660. www.greatmassageva.com. Sixty-, 90- and 120-minute sessions are offered for $75, $109 and $139, respectively. Tukta and David Roylance also offer a Thai herbal massage, which involves applying hot herbal compresses directly to the body.
-- Dana Scarton
