Tao Garden Chiang Mai Thaland

Tao Garden

Taoist Chi Kung Master Mantak Chia has a hidden gem in Chiang Mai.

Teachers at Tao Garden

Teachers at Tao Garden

It was a 40 minute drive from  my hotel to this alternative health resort through the coconut groves and fishing villages of the Thai countryside. How can I describe the work of Tao Garden?? 

Lets say, firstly it is not just a wellness destination resort but a more intergrative medical clinic. Yes it has all the facilities of a wellness resort but the element of medical facilities and examinations provided makes it more than a resort. Just as Soukya specialises in Ayurveda and The Farm specialises in Detoxification processes, and both are result-driven destinations, Tao Garden also is result driven but specialising in the movement and adjustment of Chi.

They work with the Chinese Five Elements ie Water, Fire, Wood, Metal and Earth. This kind of health farm appeals to me as the integration of alternative therapies with successful mainstream medical results is the key to the success of Integrative Medical Health.
Its the future of Health and Wellness.

Tai Chi Hall

 When you sign in for a programme the resident doctors do a full health check up including a live blood analysis, lipid profile etc. There are three main Integrative packages, The Weight Loss package, The Burnout and Detox package and the Raw Food and Fasting package and several wellness combination packages. Chi Kung, Tai Chi, Watsu, Water Aerobics and the practice of  all kinds of Massage therapies and trainings are available. 

Spa Reception 

The famous Chi Nei Tsang (the very deep and painful abdominal detox massage) is a creation of Master Chia. I was told that, in the Far East, only Chiva Som and Mandarin Oriental in Chiang Mai offer this treatment to the guests.

I chose a new therapy they have introduced call the Life Force Therapy which combines Chi Nei Tsang and "deep chi opening" in the heart and lung area. What can I say? 

IT WAS FABULOUS! 

Treatment rooms

My therapist called Porn (yes!) was very matter of fact and knew her meridians well. It was a hands on massage with oil and she worked on my chest area from every possible angle to every possible depth. The Life Force Massage works on clearing the blocks that constrict our breathing thus allowing us to breathe more fully and  more rhythmically. I understood that all of their massages are therapeutic and not the cosmetic type you get in hotel spas that merely aim to relax you. Really depends on what  you are looking for in a  massage. Some people do not want to go deep (metaphorically speaking!!) and prefer to only remain  on the surface. This massage will not suit them.

I came out fully satisfied.