Massage

Massage is very popular in Cambodia. it is seen as relaxing and therapeutic. In the hospitals I work in relatives spend many hours massaging their ill loved ones. When my loved one fell off the pavement in Phnom Penh (and broke hs ankle as it turned out!) ladies rushed and massaged his ankle. Not ideal first aid treatment for a broken ankle(ouch!) but very well meant.I have had wonderful massages in Cambodia. and all costing next to nothing The masseuses are usually tiny but have really strong arms (and legs) A Khmer massage is my favourite. You put on loose fitting pyjamas and lie on a mattress on the floor. The masseuse gets down beside you and manipulates your limbs and joints rather than massaging muscle. A Khmer massage is not for the faint hearted. These girls are VERY strong and use their arms and legs to bend and stretch your body. It feels wonderful when it's finished! It's also popular to get a massage by blind people here I've never had this but apparently blind people have a great sense of touch.One of the weirdest forms of massage that I am always being persuaded to try is Fish massage usually advertised as Dr fish massage and claiming to be very good for your health. You take off your shoes and stick your bare feet into a tank of fish who then nibble away at all the dead skin. I have never been persuaded to do this but people who are speak very highly of it!This picture shows a massage menu and also the tank of fish waiting to cure you of all sorts of ills by chewing away at your feet! I'm sure that there is plenty of 'dodgy' massage to be had in Cambodia but there is also a lot of very high quality truly wonderful exceptionally good value for money massage out there as well to which I have become just a little bit addicted!