Health & Wellness – dixonthum

If you’re planning a wellness trip to Bangkok, Sindhorn Wellness Spa by Resense at Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel is easily one of the top places to visit. This spa goes beyond the usual massages and facials — it’s a full wellness sanctuary designed to help you reset both body and mind. Everything here blends traditional techniques with modern facilities, making it one of the most complete spa experiences in the city.

I experienced the Hammam and the Thermal Journey, and they turned out to be the highlights of my visit. Here’s my experience, as well as what else the spa offers.

My Hammam Experience
The Hammam at Sindhorn Wellness Spa is beautifully executed — warm, steamy, and deeply cleansing from start to finish. The session began with a Black Salt exfoliation, which gently polished the skin while the heat from the marble room melted away any lingering tension. After that came a purifying Mud Mask, applied in slow, therapeutic strokes that felt grounding and indulgent. Then came the signature foam ritual — thick, velvety bubbles gliding across the skin in soothing motions. The experience finished with a nourishing layer of Argan Oil, leaving the skin soft, radiant, and deeply hydrated. It’s deeply relaxing and almost meditative. When everything is rinsed off, your skin feels lighter, smoother, and more alive. If you want something luxurious, meaningful, and rooted in tradition, the Hammam is a must.

Thermal Journeys
Before or after any treatment, the Thermal Journey is where most guests drift into total relaxation. You move through different temperature zones: bio sauna, aroma steam room, salt sauna, cold room, cold bucket shower, experience showers, and warming tepidarium loungers. The hot-cold contrast boosts circulation, eases tension, and clears the mind.

It’s quiet, restorative, and honestly feels like a full treatment on its own. If you come here, make sure you allocate time for this.

Other Signature Services
Even though I only experienced the Hammam and Thermal Journeys this round, Sindhorn Wellness Spa offers a long list of treatments that blend ancient practices with modern wellness technology. Here’s a deeper look at some of their signature services:

Traditional Thai Massage & Thai Compress Massage
A refined, luxurious version of the traditional Thai massage. Therapists combine stretching, pressure-point work, and rhythmic movements to release muscle tension without overwhelming the body. It’s therapeutic, not just relaxing — great for posture, flexibility, and tight muscles.

The Detox Circuit
Designed for circulation and lymphatic drainage, this circuit uses water pressure, temperature variations, and targeted jets to stimulate the body. It helps reduce fluid retention, supports detoxification, and leaves you feeling lighter. Ideal for anyone needing a full-body refresh.

Floatation Therapy
You step into a private float chamber filled with warm, mineral-rich water. Because of the high salt content, your body floats effortlessly. The sensation of weightlessness is incredibly calming — it reduces noise, releases stress, and gives your mind space to reset. Perfect if you want deep mental rest or relief from fatigue.

Vichy Shower
This treatment involves multiple warm water streams cascading over you while the therapist performs a massage on a water bed. The combination of heat, pressure, and continuous water flow creates a soothing, almost dream-like experience. It’s great for muscle relaxation, skin hydration, and overall comfort.

Hydro Baths and Modern Wellness Treatments
Sindhorn Wellness Spa also offers hydro baths, pressotherapy, advanced facials, and high-tech wellness therapies designed to improve circulation, reduce swelling, tone the body, and rejuvenate the skin. These modern treatments make the spa appealing to guests who prefer targeted, results-driven wellness.

Why Sindhorn Wellness Spa Stands Out
What makes Sindhorn Wellness Spa special is how seamlessly they combine traditional rituals with advanced facilities. Every corner of the spa feels intentional — from the thermal rooms to the treatment suites. The ambience is calming, the design is elegant, and the therapists are exceptionally skilled.

For anyone visiting Bangkok and looking for a premium wellness experience, this place is absolutely worth putting on your itinerary. I would return again for the Hammam alone, and next time, I’m definitely exploring more of their modern treatments and the full hydro-thermal offerings.

📍Sindhorn Wellness Spa
Sindhorn Kempinski Hotel,
80 Soi Tonson, Lumphini, Pathumwan 10330 Bangkok, Thailand
Website: https://www.kempinski.com/en/sindhorn-hotel/luxury-spa
IG: https://www.instagram.com/sindhornkempinski/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/sindhornkempinski

Health & Wellness, Travel

A Premium Wellness Experience at PAÑPURI Wellness, Gaysorn Tower Bangkok

November 16, 2025 dixonthum

During our wellness trip in Bangkok, we made a stop at PAÑPURI Wellness — a luxury spa and onsen located in Gaysorn Tower, right opposite CentralWorld. If you’re looking for a premium place to unwind in the heart of the city, this spot definitely deserves a mention.

Prime Location in Bangkok’s Shopping District
PAÑPURI Wellness sits on the 12th floor of Gaysorn Tower, part of the Gaysorn Village complex. The location is perfect for travellers: easy to find, easy to access, and surrounded by major malls like CentralWorld, Big C, and Gaysorn Centre. After a full day of walking, sightseeing, or eating your way through Bangkok, this is the kind of place your body will thank you for.

Slightly Crowded but Well-Managed During Weekend
Since we visited on a weekend, there was a noticeable crowd and a short waiting time. But despite the traffic, the team handled the flow professionally. Their English-speaking staff were friendly, attentive, and made the check-in process smooth. They guided us through the facilities and made sure we knew what to expect, which I appreciated.

90-Minute Thai Massage
The highlight of my visit was the 90-minute Thai massage. It had the perfect balance — firm enough to release long-standing tension, but slow and calming enough to lull you into full relaxation. The therapist clearly knew what she was doing, and the entire session felt steady, rhythmic, and grounding. After days of walking around Bangkok, this massage felt like a reset button for the whole body.

Choosing the Onsen as an Add-On
After the massage, I added on the PAÑPURI gender-separated onsen experience. This is where things get a little interesting: the onsen is full birthday-suit style, just like in Japan. No swimsuits allowed — just you and the mineral pools. Since it’s a nude onsen, photography is strictly prohibited inside.

It can feel a bit unusual if you’re not used to it, but once you settle in, the experience becomes incredibly relaxing. The onsen includes:

Multiple mineral-rich hot pools
Sauna and steam rooms
Cold plunge
Quiet relaxation corners

It’s a nice way to slow down, detox, and let your muscles loosen up after the massage.

Calm, Warm, and Comforting Atmosphere
One thing PAÑPURI does really well is the environment. The design uses warm lighting, wood, stone, and soft colours — giving the entire place a serene, natural feel. Even though it was a busy weekend, the space still felt peaceful and private enough to relax properly.

If you’re planning a wellness trip to Bangkok or simply want a high-quality spa experience in a central location, PAÑPURI Wellness at Gaysorn Tower is absolutely worth visiting — though I’d recommend going on a weekday for a calmer, smoother experience.

Health & Wellness, Travel

Thailand Yoga Art & Dance 2025 at Montien Riverside Hotel Bangkok

November 11, 2025 dixonthum

My recent trip to Bangkok was all about balance, mindfulness, and a good dose of fun — I attended the Thailand Yoga Art & Dance 2025 (TYAD), held from 31 October to 2 November 2025 at Montien Riverside Hotel Bangkok.

For those who aren’t familiar, TYAD is an international wellness festival that combines yoga, dance, fitness, and culture in one vibrant space. This year marked its 9th edition, and it definitely lived up to its reputation. The event gathered 66 instructors from 13 countries, offering 133 classes across 12 classrooms — an impressive lineup that turned the entire hotel into a playground for wellness enthusiasts.

There were all kinds of sessions to explore — from Yoga, Dance, Pilates, Thai Massage, and Thai Cooking Class, to more adventurous ones like SUP Yoga, Fly Yoga, Detox Class, Ice Bath (Shock Cell), and this year’s highlight, the Stand Up Paddle Board on the River.

The festival kicked off with a lively Halloween Party on 31 October night — complete with a spooky photobooth, energetic performances, a fashion show, and a cocktail session that had everyone laughing and connecting before the workshops began. It was organized by Chayada Martcharoen, under TYAD by Make Friends For U Co., Ltd, and the whole weekend was filled with warmth, energy, and genuine passion.

During the three days, I joined two classes that stood out for me:

1. Aqua Yoga (1 November, 7am – 8am, 6th Floor Pool)
Taught by Kru Bub, this class was a refreshing way to start the day — literally. It was actually my first time trying Aqua Yoga, and practicing yoga in water gave a whole new dimension to balance and movement. The buoyancy made me feel lighter, and poses that are tricky on land suddenly became achievable. But it wasn’t all easy; maintaining balance against the gentle water current was its own challenge. It was fun, playful, and surprisingly calming at the same time — a perfect mix of exercise and mindfulness.

Attended the meditation session with Khun Sirin and Khun Mai

2. Vipassana & Walking Meditation by Kik Mayurin
Led by Kik Mayurin, a well-known Thai actress, this session was the complete opposite in energy — serene, grounding, and deeply reflective. She guided us through two forms of meditation: sitting and walking, rooted in Buddhist principles. During the walking meditation, we practiced awareness through breathing and slow, deliberate steps — lift, reach out, step — while focusing on the sensation of our feet touching the ground. It was a beautiful reminder to slow down and truly be present.

Overall, TYAD 2025 wasn’t just a fitness event — it was a soulful journey. It reminded me how movement, mindfulness, and community can nourish both body and spirit.

A huge thank you to Tourism Authority of Thailand Kuala Lumpur (TATKL) for giving me the opportunity to be part of this inspiring experience that truly brought health and wellbeing to my body and soul.

Health & Wellness

IJN Becomes First in Southeast Asia to Implant Dual-Chamber Leadless Pacemaker

June 5, 2025June 5, 2025 dixonthum

From left: Datuk Dr Azlan Husin, Clinical Director Interventional Electrophysiology and Implantable Devices, Senior Consultant Cardiologist; Datuk Dr Shaiful Azmi Yahya, Chief Clinical Officer, Senior Consultant Cardiologist; Prof Dato Sri Dr Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, Group Chief Executive Officer, IJN

I attended a press conference at Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) today and witnessed a groundbreaking moment in Malaysian healthcare. IJN has officially become the first medical centre in Southeast Asia to successfully implant a dual-chamber leadless pacemaker—the Abbott AVEIR™ DR. This next-generation cardiac device marks a major step forward in the treatment of patients with slow or irregular heart rhythms, also known as bradycardia.

What Is the AVEIR™ DR Dual-Chamber Leadless Pacemaker?
Unlike traditional pacemakers, which are placed under the skin with long wires (leads) running to the heart, the AVEIR™ DR system is completely leadless. It involves two small devices implanted directly inside the upper (atrium) and lower (ventricle) chambers of the heart. This configuration allows for natural, synchronized pacing—closely mimicking the heart’s own rhythm.

The system is powered by Abbott’s i2i™ communication technology, which enables the two devices to communicate wirelessly through blood signals. No physical wires are needed, reducing the risks of infections, lead dislodgement, or vein blockage—all common complications of traditional pacemakers.

What Heart Patients Need to Know About This Innovation
This advancement is especially important for people living with bradycardia or other heart rhythm disorders. The dual-chamber pacing allows more precise treatment and improves patient comfort and mobility. The AVEIR™ DR pacemaker is also minimally invasive, has long-term retrievability, and allows for future device upgrades, making it a safer, smarter solution for long-term heart care.

According to IJN’s CEO, Prof. Dato’ Sri Dr. Mohamed Ezani Md Taib, this achievement reinforces IJN’s role as a regional leader in cardiovascular treatment. With heart disease remaining a top health concern in Malaysia and beyond, innovations like this are essential for better outcomes and longer lives.

IJN’s Role in Advancing Cardiac Technology
IJN has long been a pioneer in heart care. In 2018, it was among the first hospitals outside the United States to implant the world’s smallest pacemaker, the Micra AV. Now, with the AVEIR™ DR, IJN is once again setting new standards—not just in Malaysia, but across Southeast Asia.

As of now, 18 patients have received the new device, with the first successful implantation taking place on 27 May 2025. This achievement builds upon IJN’s decade of expertise in leadless pacemaker technology, during which close to 900 patients have been treated with wireless pacing devices.

This milestone also aligns with IJN’s commitment to early intervention, patient education, and cutting-edge cardiac solutions that deliver real-world impact.

Better Quality of Life for Heart Patients in Malaysia and Southeast Asia
For patients who need dual-chamber pacing but want to avoid the complications of leads and surgical pockets, this leadless pacemaker offers a life-changing alternative. The AVEIR™ DR system provides effective rhythm management while improving patient safety, reducing hospital stays, and enhancing quality of life.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with heart rhythm disorders, I suggest you to speak to a cardiologist about this new option. Thanks to IJN’s continued innovation, world-class heart care is now available right here in Malaysia.

IJN’s website: www.ijn.com.my

Health & Wellness, Lifestyle

Walk-A-Payung 2025 Unites Malaysians in Support of Lupus Warriors

May 28, 2025May 28, 2025 dixonthum

The spirit of solidarity was palpable on 25 May 2025 (Sunday) morning as more than 500 participants gathered at Laman Astaka, Taman Tasik Titiwangsa for Walk-A-Payung 2025, a symbolic 3KM walkathon organised by Persatuan SLE Malaysia (PSLEM), in partnership with Faculty of Medicine & HCTM, UKM in conjunction with World Lupus Day.

Walking under umbrellas – a visual metaphor for protection against sun exposure, a major concern for lupus patients – participants showed their support for Malaysians living with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).

Since its debut in 2007, Walk-A-Payung has become a flagship awareness event for PSLEM, reflecting its long-standing commitment to empowering lupus warriors and advocating for their needs. It is estimated that 43 out of 100,000 autoimmune cases are affected by SLE.

“Lupus has no cure and can cause debilitating symptoms such as joint pain, organ damage, and extreme fatigue,” said Prof. Dr. Syahrul. “These challenges often affect not just health, but also job security, financial stability, and mental wellbeing. Walk-A-Payung is one way we can create public awareness and foster a sense of community for those impacted by this disease.”

The event was officiated by Dato’ Dr Norsiah Binti Ali, Pengarah, Gred Jusa B (M), Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia, and Prof. Dr. Syahrul Sazliyana Binti Shaharir, President of PSLEM and Consultant Rheumatologist at HCTM UKM. The morning began with an energising group Zumba session led by the Royal Fitness Squad from Universiti Malaya, followed by a ceremonial flag-off that marked the start of the 3KM walk.

The key highlight of the event was the official launch of iLawan Lupus: A Patient Dialogue Book on SLE, developed by AstraZeneca. The book captures real patient voices and narratives, offering a vital platform for advocacy, empathy, and greater understanding of the lupus journey. This initiative serves as a vital resource to bridge communication gaps between patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers.

Throughout the morning, attendees enjoyed a range of activities, including family-friendly entertainment, lucky draws, creative contests, and meet-and-greets with the 501st Legion Malaysia Garrison.