A woman with the smallest hands I’ve ever seen is inflicting great pain upon my thighs via a series of very tiny but intense slaps that would make even the most avowed masochist feel slightly out of their depth. I try not to wince, hoping for all the drainage possible for my puffy legs after a 12-hour-flight and four-hour car transfer to Chiva-Som, one of the world’s most famous wellness retreats, situated in Hua Hin, Thailand.
But after the blows come the thwacks with balled fists, and my face furrows. The therapist spots this and asks if I want her to dial it down, to which I say a categorical “No!” — telling her that this is what I’m here for, before fighting the urge to shimmy my thighs, my back, and arms out of her reach.
