Thai hot compress massage

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 !4th 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