For seekers of spiritual enlightenment, there's the Tao Garden Health Spa, beautifully situated in a mountainous area 30 kilometres Ilorth of Chiang Mai.
Paths wind their way though more than 30 hectares of shrub lands shrouded by trees and lead to the Immortal and Lao Tzu's Meditation Halls, and the Ba Shen Memorial Hall for Tai Chi, Tao Yin and Chi Nei Tsang activities. A swimming pool and gym are nearby.
The body cleansing programmes here follow a Taoist or Chinese regimen supported by modern medicine and the spa is especially pleased with its Karsai Nei Tsang genital massage for both sexes. This manipulation of the sexual organs may help alleviate impotency, frequent and difficult urination, painful menstruation and intercourse, and low libido.
Chi Nei Tsang is a stomach massage, but one designed to soothe both body and mind. Stress and worry move from the brain to create physical obstructions in the tummy. This therapy not only clears out toxins and smoothes knotted intestines, but also provides spiritual well-being.
Sitting in the Dark Room is a departure from the physical. Totally devoid of light or sound, this method of detachment, meditation and discovery of one's inner self is endured by some for as long as three weeks, while others might start screaming shortly after the light goes out.
