In traditional Thai medicine, herbs are used to complement massages that treat illnesses. The herbal bolus (bags) treatment, also known as "herbal heat revival", is believed to calm nerves and redirect the energy that is vital to good health. The original Thai Herbal heat compress is known since the Thai-Burmese battles of the Ayutthaya period (over 200 years ago).
Typically, an herbal bag consists of herbs and spices that are wrapped tightly in muslin or cotton and then infused in hot water or steam. An herbal bag can be used in several ways, from using hands to apply soothing strokes to full massage. This type of massage is said to be particularly good for muscle aches and pains resulting from excessive physical exertion. As the steam vapours penetrate the skin's open pores and enter the lungs, the molecules from the herbs are absorbed into the body.
Alternatively, an herbal bag may be placed onto various parts of the body to relieve sore muscles, stimulate circulation and refresh the skin. The steam from the bag is absorbed by the skin and inhaled. It is believed that toxins are removed from the body via the perspiration caused by the heat. Pressing the steamed herbal bag to parts of the body helps to soothe the aching muscles and joints, removing pain and fatigue. Allow the heat to penetrate into your muscles, and feel stress and tension ease away beneath the healing kneading of a firm (but never painful) massage.
Steamed herbal massage also has cosmetic effects on the skin as it contains natural herbal ingredients. Thai women use it to help ease the tired, blocked feeling that follows childbirth. In rural areas they still swear by this treatment, which is especially popular after childbirth and dieting.
Many of the ingredients used in herbal massage have antibacterial and antifungal properties; the aroma is also a relaxant.
Herbal ball ingredients: Plai, Turmeric, Kaffire Lime, Acacia, Tamarind Leaf, Aloe, Camphor, Barleria Lupulina Lindl, Curcuma Amada, Salt, Criptolepis Buchanani Roem ets.
History of Thai herbal massage
The heated muslin parcel of aromatic, medicinal herbs and spices is a truly heavenly health treatment. It has remained unchaged since Thailands's (then Siam) Ayutthaya period of the 14th to 18th century. Fragrant hot herb packs were administered to weary soldiers upon their return home to relieve tired and weary bodies and minds.
What is a Thai herbal compress massage?
It is based on the holistic principles of Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, Thai herbalism is a vibrant ancient tradition that was preserved for over a thousand years in the monasteries and temples of Bangkok, and which continues to be practised in villages thoughout Thailand to this present day.
Hot compresses are frequently used to address chronic problems, such as back pain and tendonitis and shoulder strain, as well as to increase the flow of energy (chi), they are often used in conjuction with traditional Thai Yoga massage.
Hot compresses provide the same stimulation as acupressure. and are used to stimulate tender or sensitive areas that cannot be massaged directly; because for example a back may be too painful for direct acupressure. However hot herbal compresses on the same points will provide similar benefits.
The therapist will work the sen energy lines with the compresses and also work painful areas.
What is a Thai herbal compress?
The herbal compress is made up of a blend of many differnet medicinal herbs, each with their own unique properties. Typical blends include camphor, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, turmeric, tamarind among other herbs and spices. These herbs are wrapped in a muslin ball and heated with steam. The compress is then applied to the body using specialised and distinctive movements. The massage is finished off with lymphatic drainage using oils.
The massage takes around 70 minutes.
Benefits of a Thai herbal compress massage
- promotes relaxation and aids restful sleep
- promotes detoxification
- improves blood and lymphatic flow
- improves cellular activity and joint mobility
- stimulates metabolism
- encourages a renewed supply of oxygen and nutrients to the skin and muscles
- helps promote homeostasis
Thai Herbal Ball massage
Thai Herbal Massage Ball is one of the traditional massage tools which has been widely used since the ancient time. It helps to relieve muscular aches and strain. It also energizes tired muscle after strenuous activities. With essential relaxing properties from herbs, the steamed massage ball can stretch ligaments and reduce muscular soreness, bruises, and joint stiffness. It also promotes healthy blood circulation. Being comprised with more than twenty types of herbs, for example, Plai which can actively serve in reducing muscle sprain and bumps, Tumeric oil can solve skin problems as well as firming and soothing skin. Kaffir Lime will decrease dizziness, Cryptolepis Buchannai Roem can lessen the strained muscle and result in mind relaxation. Moreover, the bumps and bruises will be healed by Curcuma Aromatica Salisb. Patchouli and Camphor will relieve symptoms of the cold and re-vitalize the heart veins. Also, you will feel more relaxed with the soft scent of lemon grass. Thai Herbal Massage Ball has been put into 3 category.
Sizes: 200 g.
Ingredient: Plai, Tumeric oil, Kaffir Lime, Cryptolepis
Buchannai Roem, Curcuma Aromatica Salisb, Patchouli and Camphor.
Directions:
- Set the convenient position either sitting or lying.
- Spray some water over the herbal ball then get it steamed about 15 minutes. Test the temperature of the steamed ball by touching it at skin sensitive area like, inner side of the arm or on backhand before applying it on aching area.
- For maximum effective use, the steamed ball should be gently rolled over the sprained area when it is still hot. Once the ball becomes cool, you can leave it on the aching spot a little bit longer.
- When the ball gets cool, another steamed ball should be replaced for better treatment.
Precautions:
- Do not use excessively hot ball on sensitive skin or on new scar. If it is necessary, the steamed ball should be applied through a piece of cloth so that the soft skin will be protected or you can wait till the ball gets into proper temperature.
- Serious precaution should be well taken with people with diabetes, paralyzed, small children or senior people since their skin reaction to the heat is quite passive than normal and this can cause skin burnt. Warm massage ball can be used instead.
- The massage ball should not be used with newly sprained muscle since this will make the symptoms become worse.
- After the massage is completely done, the massaged area should be left for a while to get dry. Taking a bath suddenly is not recommended for the body temperature might not be adjusted and the healing properties will be rinsed off.
Preservation:
The herbal Massage ball can be used up to 3-5 days. It should be
kept in refrigerator or in a dry place for more effectiveness and longer
use.