The Lore Of Herbs

In a little-known massage centre in Chiang Mai, Thailand, visitors are introduced to the healing power of herbs.

- Kiran Mehta

The cheerful jingle-jangle of a delicate wind-chime, placed just above the entrance, signals my arrival at Porwa Massage Parlour in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Even as the music wafts through the air, I am enveloped in a haze of soothing aromas. The earthy scent of turmeric, the energising notes of lemongrass, and more. Just then, a woman emerges from behind a bead curtain. She is wearing a canary yellow sinh (traditional long skirt) and a bright silk blouse to match, and greets me with a slight bow, folded palms, and Swadeekha (Thai greeting). Meet Kanokwan, also known as ‘Typhoon’ to those who cannot pronounce her Thai name.

Kanokwan and Porwa were once a well kept secret, whispered only among those who lived here, until Airbnb discovered this local fave, tucked away in a quiet neighbourhood in Chiang Mai. What makes Porwa stand out from the many other massage centres and spas that dot Chiang Mai is that here, the owner shares her trade secrets. All I had to do to get Kanokwan to spill the beans is to pick her as my ‘local host’ for the Airbnb Experience of ‘Make your own Thai herbal ball’!