By Kateryna Topol –
Set next to a hair salon and across from St. James Park is Bahn Thai Spa Traditional Thai Massage and Wellness Centre. Behind its purple door is a small reception room that feels like a portal into another place. Not literally of course, but the dimly lit room, separated by heavy curtains gently scented with lemongrass, certainly feels like elsewhere.
The owner and director of Bahn Thai Spa, Kate Armstrong, and senior practitioner and teacher Len Liang speak about Thai massage not just as a mode of relaxation but as a transformative experience. It requires trust and a state of meditation for both people involved. Thai massage can serve as therapy, both physical and mental, leading to a sense of release and emotional freedom. That, however, is not an everyday experience. The minimum expectation is pain relief achieved through a full-body massage treatment that includes elements of yogic stretching, fascial stretch therapy, acupressure, tai chi, breathwork, and meditation.
Armstrong, an east-end local herself, is a traveler with a past in investment banking. A chain of events starting with an unfortunate illness in the family led her to an epiphany: Thai massage is for everyone. “People who practice frequently live well into their 90s and do so in good physical health,” she commented while reflecting on her travels through Thailand.
Kate Armstrong, owner and director of Bahn Thai Spa. Photo: Kateryna Topol
It is a generational practice that the grandmothers teach grandchildren who then “walk all over” their tiered parents coming home from work. “It is beautiful and I wanted to take that practice and share it.”
The school, which reopened after the pandemic break, is meant to do just that. A few students will go on to pursue a career in Thai massage therapy, travel through Thailand, and likely return to teaching at 136 Adelaide Street East. The rest do it for themselves and for their loved ones, to reach a sense of peace and work towards health and longevity in their lives.
This year, the tenth anniversary of the opening of Bahn Thai Spa, has Kate both hopeful and excited. The massage menu at the centre ranges from 30-minute sessions up to full 300-minute sessions with a senior practitioner. In the coming weeks, Armstrong hopes to open up the studio space to yoga and relaxation classes with guest instructors.
Bahn Thai Spa School offers two levels of training. Students put their learning to work practising on one another and spa team members. Those who reach level two can become paid apprentices to a senior practitioner. Students and apprentices can take on clients charging a lower rate than senior practitioners – making Thai massage available to everyone.
