"Killer" massage illegal

13 ตุลาคม 2559

Thai massage experts say the "brain massage" technique which is believed to open up the mind is illegal and can cause sudden death.

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'Risky' neck massages spur ban

Prangthong Jitcharoenkul

Thai massage experts say the "brain massage" technique which is believed to open up the mind is illegal and can cause sudden death.

Yongsak Tantipidok, a specialist in Thai massage for over 30 years, said the technique, in which the masseur presses two carotid arteries in the neck, is prohibited.

Mr Yongsak made the comments after a one-minute clip of a masseur displaying the technique went viral last week. In the clip, an elderly man fainted after his neck was pressed.

On Monday, the police arrested Wisutthichai Wandee, 39, the owner of a Pathum Thani massage shop who posted the clip. The shop has since been closed.

Mr Yongsak said that despite the arrest, he was worried customers would still seek out the technique.

"All Thai massage textbooks clearly state the practitioner must avoid pressing the carotid sinus and carotid arteries which supply blood to the brain," Mr Youngsak said recently at the Ministry of Health's Department for Development of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine.

The carotid arteries, one on the right and another on the left of the neck are major blood vessels which supply blood from the heart to the neck, face and brain.

A sudden lack of blood running to the brain can kill someone, he said. "These two blood vessels are crucial and sensitive to pressure," he added.

Arkhom Pradirsuwan, the Department of Health Service Support's acting director, said the masseur was arrested by police faces a maximum jail term of up to three years and/or a fine of up to 6,000 baht under the Sanatorium Act.

The suspect would be charged with operating an illegal clinic and providing healthcare without permission.

"The owners of massage shops must be accredited and licenced to provide the service. If the owner fails to comply with the regulation, they must face punishment,'' he said. A massage practitioner is required to complete training of at least 800 hours and must be equipped with knowledge about the human anatomy, he said.

After the clip went viral, Mr Yongsak said he hoped the news would not affect Thailand's proposal to list its traditional massage as a cultural treasure with Unesco.

"We are have been with the Ministry of Culture for some time now and do not want the news to set back progress," he said. The department says 913 traditional clinics have registered nationwide.