Frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most often – about the procedure, the effects, hygiene and vouchers. If you cannot find your question, write to us via the contact form.
General questions
Is there a shower at Tida Thai Massage ?
No we don't have a shower available. To make yourself fresh a toilet with a small washbowl is there for you. Additionally you get a warm towel to refresh your face and clean your hands after the massage.
Note hygiene: The masseuse will be thankful, if you're not sweaty and bad smelling when you turn up for massage. If you are in doubt of your "odor", just ask us for a refreshment towel for cleaning.
Hinweis zur Öl-Massage: Nach der Behandlung wird überschüssiges Öl mit warmen Tüchern entfernt. Ein feiner Ölfilm bleibt auf der Haut zurück und sorgt für ein geschmeidiges Gefühl. Wenn du das nicht möchtest, kannst du zuhause duschen.
Does my health insurance pay for a massage ?
Yes, it is possible to get money back from the health insurance company. However, we are not registered as recognized complementary medical therapists with ASCA / EMR. What does that really mean now? The simple answer is that it depends on your insurance solution, which unfortunately requires a little more clarification. Here is our experience of when you have a chance of getting your money back:
good chance…
if you have a (modern) supplementary insurance that supports health-promoting / preventive services. For example, the list of the supplementary insurance “COMPLETA PRAEVENTA” at Swica contains over 100 entries with various services. Although the Thai Massage is not included, we have received feedback from customers that they get refunds.
(small) chance…
if you have an additional insurance for complementary medicine. As a rule, an ASCA / EMR registered therapist is required here (we are not registered). However, some health insurances are generous, a request can never hurt. You may also be able to find out whether there are inexpensive supplementary insurances that support preventive services.
no chance…
if you do not have any (private) supplementary insurance, i.e. only so-called basic coverage according to KVG (Health Insurance Act).
Conclusion: In any case, it is a good idea to ask the health insurance company whether and under what conditions a (partial) reimbursement of the treatment costs will take place. Supplementary insurance can be taken out from various providers independently of the basic insurance. We will be happy to provide you with a receipt for the reimbursement request.
We'll be happy to send you a PDF receipt that you can forward to your insurance company. Please make a note of this when making your reservation, or simply ask your masseuse.
When should you avoid to have a massage ?
- severe mental and neurologial disease
- rheumatic illness with inflamation of important joint and/or muscles
- severe heart disease (e.g. coronal heart disease with Angina pectoris attack, or danger from previous heart attack)
- severe vascular disease (e.g. deep blood vessel inflammation of the legs with danger of thrombosis)
- recent surgery or bone fracture
- acute infection or high fever
- extensivley inflamed skin desease
- suffering in the late stages of cancer or Aids
- acute fever
What is a Traditional Thai Massage ?
The Traditional Thai massage, the more than 2000 year old healing method is based on the concept of the energy channels in the human body. The technique consists of passive stretching positions, stretching movements, pressure point massages and mobilization of joints.
The positions performed are very similar to yoga, but are performed passively by the masseuse. The traditional Thai massage is therefore often referred to as Thai yoga massage in the West. The therapist applies gentle but specific pressure to certain parts of the body with her hands, knees, elbows and feet.
The massage eliminates disorders in the muscle tissue and increases the activity of the metabolism. In contrast to the western understanding of massage, Traditional Thai Massage contains more than just mechanical processing of the muscles, so it is also taken into account that the body has an energetic network with ten energy lines according to Ajurvedic teachings.
The meaning of the Thai name for TTM "Nuad Phaen Boran" is translated as "ancient touch healing" according to the effect.
Which complaints can be treated ?
- sleep disorder, restlessness at night
- mental and emotional distress
- indispostion, moderate feeling of illness
- muscular tension and stiffness
- headache and neck pain
- back pain (many problems of the spine are diminished by Thai-Massage)
- lack of energy, lethargy
- digestive problems, loss of appetite
what about hygiene ?
we maintain our high hygiene standard: Desinfection of the massage tables, cleanliness and ventilation (and air filtering) of the rooms will continue to be carried out without obligation. Good to know: all our therapists are vacinated. They wear a mask (voluntarily).
Are the massages given in separate rooms?
Our premises are as follows:
Zurich HB (Main Station) @ Sumatrastrasse 25:
One room with three separate sections, each with blackout curtains.
Zurich Schaffhauserplatz (Rotbuchstrasse 8):
Two rooms, each with two separate sections, each with blackout curtains.
The dividing curtains can be opened as needed.
Traditional Thai massage
What is the difference compared to oil massage? Can I mix both?
Traditional Thai massage is performed without oil and focuses on pressure techniques, stretching and joint mobilization.
Specific areas may be treated with a herbal balm.
Combinations are possible:
We can mix both styles, but stretching motions are reduced because oil makes the skin too slippery.
Which issues can be relieved by traditional Thai massage?
Traditional Thai massage helps mainly with muscle tension, restricted mobility and stiffness.
It can relieve:
- tension in the back, neck and shoulders
- muscle tightness after sports
- limited hip or lower-back mobility
- general body stiffness
- stress and inner restlessness
It does not replace medical treatment but is an excellent support for mobility and muscle relaxation.
When should I avoid a Traditional Thai Massage?
A traditional Thai massage should be avoided or postponed in the following situations:
- acute inflammation or severe pain
- fever, infections or flu symptoms
- fresh injuries or recent surgeries
- thrombosis or severe circulatory issues
- advanced osteoporosis
Pregnancy:
- from the 3rd month, gentle massage (e.g. oil massage) is possible
- traditional Thai massage with stretching is not suitable during pregnancy
What should I wear? Do I need special clothing?
You do not need to bring your own clothes.
For traditional Thai massage we provide comfortable massage clothing (shirt & pants), so you can move freely and the stretching techniques work properly.
What duration is recommended for a traditional Thai massage?
For an effective traditional Thai massage we recommend:
- 60 minutes – minimum duration to treat all key areas
- 90 minutes – ideal for more detailed work on back, hips or legs
- 120 minutes – best choice for deep mobility work and full relaxation
Couples massage
can different massages be booked ?
Yes, for couples massages or massages for multiple people, each person can choose their own massage. The type of massage can (but doesn't have to) be specified in the comments field when booking, or decided on-site.
Foot reflexology
Is Foot Reflexology Effective ?
Our conclusion: yes – and here’s why.
Many clients experience noticeable relaxation and relief after foot reflexology. The Thai-style reflexology practiced at Tida Thai Massage follows a holistic, non-diagnostic approach – we do not provide medical assessments.
This traditional technique combines precise pressure points with flowing strokes along specific energy lines. The calves are also included in the treatment. In some cases, a small wooden stick is used to work on certain points more intensively and accurately.
- stimulates blood circulation
- activates nerve pathways that run throughout the entire body
- loosens tight or tense structures in the feet
- improves mobility of toes and foot mechanics
As with traditional Thai massage in general, foot reflexology is based on empirical healing knowledge – on observation, long-term client feedback and centuries of experience.
Scientific evidence?
Only a few small studies exist, for example on changes in intestinal or kidney blood flow or on the effect of foot reflexology in cases of knee osteoarthritis.
However, there are no large-scale scientific studies proving that pressing specific points on the sole of the foot produces targeted healing effects in the corresponding organs.
Yet “not scientifically proven” does not mean “ineffective.” Large clinical studies are mainly conducted for medications, where a specific illness and a lucrative market exist. Manual therapy, on the other hand, is always a personal, individualised treatment – and not part of the pharmaceutical business model.
Back and neck massage
Is a back neck and shoulder massage helpful for slipped discs ?
A slipped disc, also known as a herniated disc, is mainly caused by age-related wear and tear of the spine, but can also be caused by an injury.
To assess whether a back and neck massage or a traditional Thai massage (yoga style) can be of benefit, there are the following points of reference:
- If you are receiving medical treatment, ask your doctor whether a massage is recommended and what precautions should be taken.
- If you have had an accident, always go to your doctor first and have it checked to see if your spine has been damaged.
- Also seek medical attention if you have a serious incident. Indications for this are:
- very severe back pain, pulling, burning
- numbness, tingling in arms and hands
- reflex disorders
- dizziness, coordination disorders
- signs of paralysis
- loss of control over bowel or bladder function (emergency!) - However, up to 80% of cases are not acute and can be treated by us. Please let us know in which region your problem area is located and which movements cause pain. This allows us to adapt the massage therapy accordingly.
Important: we can release muscle tension and thus relieve pain. We cannot cure a slipped disc, but we can provide good support with a back and neck massage.
It makes sense to visit us 2-3 times at intervals of one week. Most incidents heal themselves over a few weeks. Make sure you avoid poor posture, heavy weights and awkward movements.
Vouchers
What if the massage price is higher or lower than the voucher value?
If the treatment costs more, you simply pay the difference.
If it costs less, the remaining voucher balance stays valid.
How long is the massage voucher valid?
Our Thai Massage Voucher Zurich is valid for 5 years.
The printed massage duration is price-protected for at least one year.
If prices change after two years, the original purchase value is fully credited.
What if I lose my massage voucher?
Digital vouchers are registered with name and email and can be recovered.
Paper vouchers can only be replaced if the buyer’s details were registered.
Unregistered paper vouchers cannot be refunded or reissued.
Who can redeem the voucher?
Our massage gift cards are fully transferable.
Anyone who has the voucher or voucher code can redeem it at either Zurich location.
Can massage vouchers be refunded?
No. Gift cards and vouchers are non-refundable and cannot be exchanged.
This follows standard Swiss voucher regulations.
Do I need to enter the voucher code when booking online?
It’s recommended to add the voucher code in the comment box during booking.
Bring the paper voucher to your appointment.
Digital vouchers can be shown on your phone or printed.
