husband woke up with red stripes all over his back in a tourist spot – his wife immediately realized their big mistake
In some countries like Thailand, getting a massage or spa treatment at affordable prices is a common and popular activity. However, it’s important to always check what type of massage or treatment is being offered. Failing to do so could lead to unexpected and sometimes dangerous experiences, as one Australian couple learned during their holiday.
Bali, Indonesia, is a favorite destination for tourists worldwide due to its stunning beauty and budget-friendly offerings. South Australian couple Candice and Matthew Raison visited Bali for a six-day getaway and decided to indulge in a massage to relax. What they thought would be a relaxing experience turned out to be something entirely unexpected.
The morning after the massage, Matthew woke up to find his back covered in large, red streaks, leaving both him and Candice shocked.
The couple had booked the massage through an online app, which arranged for a masseur to visit their accommodation. Feeling too tired to venture out, they found this option convenient. When it was Matthew’s turn, the masseur asked if he would like to “get the red dragon out of him.”
The couple didn’t understand what the masseur meant. Assuming it might be a form of prayer or ritual, Candice gave her approval. “I didn’t know what she meant, but my husband was willing to try anything, so I said, ‘Go for it!’” Candice later told the *Daily Mail Australia.*
The masseur then began an unusual treatment called **gua sha**, a traditional therapy believed to release toxins and improve circulation by scraping the skin with a coin or stone. This technique often leaves noticeable red marks or streaks on the skin.
The next day, Matthew’s back was covered in red streaks from his neck to his lower back. Although the marks looked alarming, they were not painful or harmful. Candice recounted how they couldn’t stop laughing at the bizarre sight.
Despite the strange appearance, the treatment had a surprising effect on Matthew’s chronic back pain. For years, his job operating heavy machinery had caused him severe discomfort. However, after the gua sha session, Matthew experienced significant relief.
“Since then, he hasn’t complained about his back pain even once!” Candice shared.
The red marks faded within five days, and Matthew’s back returned to normal without any lasting damage.
This story highlights the importance of understanding the type of massage or treatment you’re getting, especially in unfamiliar places. While Matthew’s experience had a positive outcome, such treatments could lead to discomfort or harm if done improperly or without consent.
If a masseur offers to “release the red dragon,” it’s worth pausing to ask for clarification. Who knows? It might just be the remedy you didn’t know you needed – or an experience you’d rather avoid.
Share this story with others so they’re aware of the unique and sometimes surprising practices they might encounter while traveling!
