the Price of an Hour Massage

There are several Korean and Thai spas in Los Angeles which offer massage services, but the one which I go to is probably one of the best in terms of ambience. They offer a variety of spa services, but their most popular is the 1-hour Thai massage for $40. I got this massage and tipped $10.

They also offer 30 and 90 minutes massages, as well as foot-only massages in a different area with reclining seats. The Thai massage is done on a mat on the floor, in a very large hall where each "room" is essentially separated from the others by curtain. Despite the lack of walls upstairs in the hall where massages take place, and despite the large volume of business, it is very quiet up there. You are given something that looks like very baggy capri pants to wear, and that is all. You remove all clothing and put on those pants, and then lay down covered with a sheet. When the massage therapist comes back in, they bring with them a basket full of supplies including some good oils. The massage is done entirely on the mat on the floor, and at one point the massage therapist will crawl on your back on their hands and knees. At the end of the massage, you are permitted to lay on the mat and relax for a while. Gratuity is appreciated by them, and generally for the hour massage I tip at least $10.

The service here is excellent. It rivals any of the big chain or expensive spa places, and the cost can't be beat. It is clean and well decorated, and the ambiance is very nice. I've never received a bad massage there.

First, let the massage therapist know how much pressure to apply, and if it's too much or too little during the massage, convey that to them so your entire massage is not spoiled. If you have an aversion to one of the scents in the oil, let them know. Also, after the massage, it is important to drink plenty of water. You might feel crummy as stored garbage is being released from the tissue in your body, but you'll feel great within a day or so as long as you drink plenty of water after the massage to flush it out.