TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE · ISLINGTON
Thai Massage in Islington
Traditional Thai Massage at Asiatic Angel and Highbury on Upper Street. Performed fully clothed and usually without oil, using rhythmic pressure, acupressure, and assisted stretching adapted to you.
From £75
60–150 min
Walk-ins welcome
UPPER STREET
Since 2009
TWO STUDIOS
Angel and Highbury
SESSION LENGTH
60–150 Minutes
TRADITIONAL EXPERTISE
Wat Pho Graduates
PRESSURE · MOVEMENT · STRETCHING
Thai Massage in Islington. Your pressure. Your pace.
No fixed routine. No need to be flexible. Traditional Thai Massage, also called Nuad Thai, combines
pressure, movement, and stretching into a single treatment.
Pressure
Choose a comfortable level, from steady, rhythmic work to deeper, focused pressure.
Movement
Your therapist guides and supports your body through positions adapted to your mobility.
Stretch
Assisted and deeper stretching can be introduced gradually and never forced.
Focus
Focus on areas of muscle tension or allow more time for a full body Thai massage
Your therapist adapts the treatment as the session progresses. That means the person shapes the treatment, not the routine.
THE ASIATIC APPROACH
Traditional Thai expertise.
Rooted in the technique.
Our team includes Wat Pho graduates and qualified Thai bodywork practitioners, bringing traditional techniques into treatments adapted to each client.
Our practitioners hold recognised VTCT qualifications, with some also holding ITEC qualifications.
Technique matters. So does judgement.
Pressure, pace, stretch, and position are adjusted during your session instead of following a single standard routine.
Rhythmic compression
Steady pressure applied with a controlled rhythm.
Acupressure
Focused pressure using traditional hands-on techniques.
Sen line work
Pressure is guided by traditional Thai ideas of Sen, which are sometimes called energy lines.
Assisted stretching
From gentle supported movement to deeper stretching within your comfortable range.
THE ASIATIC STANDARD
How Traditional Thai Massage works
Pressure. Movement. Stretching.
Traditional Thai Massage is typically performed fully clothed on a
Thai massage table or padded surface, usually without oil.
1
PRESSURE
Your therapist may use hands, thumbs, forearms, elbows, knees, or feet, depending on the technique and position.
2
COMPRESSION
Rhythmic pressure is applied gradually instead of relying on long oil-based massage strokes.
3
MOVEMENT
The therapist supports and positions your body. You do not need to perform any movements yourself.
4
STRETCHING
Assisted and deeper stretches can be introduced based on your mobility and preferences.
5
ADAPTATION
Your therapist watches your body's response and adjusts pressure, pace, or movement as the session continues.
Thai Massage often feels deeper and more active than an oil massage.
It does not need to feel forceful.
You stay in control the whole time.
For more about Nuad Thai, its traditions and history, read our Traditional Thai Massage Guide.
What can Thai Massage feel like?
Traditional Thai Massage combines different sensations rather
than using a single, continuous pressure style.
You may experience:
FREER
Assisted stretching may help the body feel freer and move more easily.
EASED
Focused pressure can be directed towards areas where you experience everyday muscular tension or stiffness.
CALMER
Slower rhythmic compression and supported movement can create a calm, grounded treatment experience.
REFRESHED
Some guests say they feel lighter, more open, or refreshed after longer Thai Massage sessions. Traditional Sen or energy-line concepts may inform how a practitioner works but Asiatic does not present them as medical explanations for symptoms.
Your first Thai Massage?
No experience required
You do not need prior experience with Thai Massage. You do not need yoga experience. You also do not need to be especially flexible. Before starting, your therapist will ask about your:
your preferred pressure
where you generally feel tension
your mobility
positions or areas you want us to avoid
what you want from the session
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows movement. During the treatment, you can ask for:
Less pressure | More pressure | A gentler stretch
A different position | A pause
You are always in control.
How much time do you want
Choose the session that fits your schedule
60 minutes
Focused
A good introduction to Thai Massage, or more focused work on selected areas.
Book 60 Min90 minutes
More time to move
Allows broader pressure, movement, and assisted stretching across the body at a slower pace.
Book 90 Min120 minutes
Full-body
More time for comprehensive Thai bodywork, assisted movement and stretching.
Book 120 Min150 minutes
Unhurried
This is our longest session for guests who want a slower pace and more time for full-body Thai bodywork.
Book 150 MinThree ways to shape your session
1
Focused
More time around areas where you carry general muscular tension.
2
Movement-led
Rhythmic compression paired with supported movement and assisted stretching.
3
Full-body
Broader Thai bodywork with more time for pressure, movement and stretching across the body.
Not sure?
Just let your therapist know what you are looking for.
Thai Massage for desk stiffness and everyday tension
Sitting all day? Give your body a change.
Long periods at a desk, commuting, travelling or training can leave the back, shoulders, hips and legs feeling stiff or tight. Traditional Thai Massage uses a different approach from conventional oil massage by combining:
Focused pressure + rhythmic compression + assisted + movement + stretching
Some guests ask us to concentrate around the back and shoulders.
Others choose a longer full-body treatment after travelling, training, or spending much of the week sitting. Your therapist will adjust the session to fit your needs that day. For more guidance, read our guide to the best massage for desk tension and poor posture.
INSIDE ASIATIC
See the experience before you book
Watch real treatment moments from our Angel and Highbury
studios, including rhythmic pressure, acupressure, and assisted
Thai stretching.
Sooya was very attentive and able to easily identify where my body held tension —an excellent deep tissue massage.
Upper Street since 2009
Two studios. One Asiatic Standard.
Asiatic opened at 93 Upper Street in 2009.
Today, Traditional Thai Massage is available at both our Angel and Highbury studios, combining established Thai techniques with practitioner judgement and treatments tailored to the individual.
ANGEL · 93 UPPER STREET | HIGHBURY · 262 UPPER STREET
Thai Massage or something else?
Choose by how you want your treatment to feel
TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE
Pressure + movement + stretching
Choose this if you want fully clothed Thai bodywork combining rhythmic pressure, acupressure, and assisted stretching.
YOU'RE HERE
THAI YOGA MASSAGE
More movement + assisted stretching
Choose this if you want fullChoose Thai Yoga for a stronger emphasis on supported positions, assisted movement, and full-body stretching.y clothed Thai bodywork combining rhythmic pressure, acupressure, and assisted stretching.
Explore Thai YogaDEEP TISSUE MASSAGE
Oil + focused pressure
Choose Deep Tissue if you want slower, oil-based treatment focused on one or two areas of muscular tension.
Explore Deep TissueCOMMON QUESTIONS
Clear answers before you book
What should I expect from Traditional Thai Massage?
A fully clothed treatment using rhythmic pressure, compression, assisted movement, and stretching. Your therapist adapts the session to your pressure preference, mobility, and reason for visiting.
What does Thai Massage feel like?
Traditional Thai Massage combines rhythmic pressure, gentle rocking, assisted stretching and targeted movements to release muscle tension and improve flexibility. You may feel a firm stretch or pressure during certain techniques, followed by a sense of relaxation and ease. The experience can be adapted to your comfort level, so let your therapist know if you prefer lighter pressure or need any adjustments.
What should I wear for Thai Massage?
Traditional Thai massage is usually performed fully clothed. We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy movement, such as gym or yoga-style clothing.
Do I need to be flexible?
Yes. You need to be flexible to book a Thai massage at Asiatic. Your therapist will adapt the pressure, pace and assisted stretching to your comfort, mobility and reason for visiting.
Does Traditional Thai Massage use acupressure?
Yes, Traditional Thai Massage uses acupressure techniques, applying rhythmic pressure to specific points on the body. This is combined with assisted stretching and rhythmic movements to help ease muscle tension, improve flexibility and promote relaxation.
What are Sen or energy lines in Thai Massage?
Sen lines are energy pathways described in traditional Thai healing practices. Therapists apply pressure and movement along these pathways as part of the treatment to encourage relaxation, relieve tension and support a sense of balance and well-being.
Should I choose 60, 90, 120 or 150 minutes?
The best duration depends on your needs and how much time you would like to dedicate to your treatment.
60 minutes: Ideal for a shorter session focused on key areas of tension.
90 minutes: Allows more time for a full-body treatment and additional stretching.
120 minutes: Provides an extended session for more thorough work across the body.
150 minutes: Best for a longer, unhurried experience with time for comprehensive treatment.
What is the difference between Thai Massage and Thai Yoga Massage?
Traditional Thai massage uses pressure, compression and assisted movement. Thai yoga massage places a stronger emphasis on stretching and movement-based bodywork. You can read more on our Thai Yoga Massage page.
What is the difference between Thai Massage and Deep Tissue Massage?
Traditional Thai Massage combines acupressure, assisted stretching and rhythmic movements, often performed on a mat with the client wearing comfortable clothing. Deep Tissue Massage typically uses slower, firmer pressure and targeted techniques to address deeper muscle tension. Thai Massage focuses more on movement and flexibility, while Deep Tissue Massage focuses more on specific areas of muscular tightness.
Can I walk in for Thai Massage in Islington?
Walk-ins may be possible depending on therapist availability. However, booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred time and treatment duration.
Can I book Thai Massage today?
Yes, you can check the available appointment times and book a Thai Massage for today, subject to availability. We recommend checking the online booking system or contacting us directly for the latest availability.
Is Thai Massage suitable for everyone?
Thai Massage may not be suitable for everyone, particularly people with certain injuries, recent surgeries, fractures or specific medical conditions. The treatment can involve firm pressure and assisted stretching. Please inform your therapist about any health concerns before your session so they can advise whether the treatment is appropriate or needs to be adapted.
STUDIO CHOICE
Choose your Upper Street studio
Thai Massage
in Angel
Asiatic Angel · 93 Upper Street
Book Thai Massage near Angel Station, Islington Green and Camden Passage at our original Upper Street studio.
A convenient option if you travel from:
Angel · Clerkenwell · King’s Cross · City Road · Central London
Open daily · 10 am–9 pm
60 · 90 · 120 · 150 minutes
From £75
Walk-ins welcome, subject to therapist availability.
Thai Massage
in Highbury & Islington
Asiatic Highbury · 262 Upper Street
Choose our Highbury studio for Thai Massage near Highbury & Islington Station and the northern end of Upper Street.
A convenient option if you travel from:
Highbury · Canonbury · Holloway · Finsbury Park · Arsenal · North London
Open daily · 10 am–9 pm
60 · 90 · 120 · 150 minutes
From £75
Walk-ins welcome, subject to therapist availability.