Thai Herbal Massage
The treatment is performed on a cotton covered memory foam mat on the floor. As an alternative, I can use shiatsu cushions which allow your head to face downwards like on a massage couch. Less mobile people often find this method more comfortable. You will wear underwear and you will be covered by a cotton sarong.
A herbal compress allows you to provide aromatherapy, thermal therapy and herbal therapy all at once. As the pores open and allow the herbs to take effect, ailments such as stiff, sore or pulled muscles and ligaments, back pain, migraines, stress and anxiety are almost instantly relieved.
The use of herbs pervades every part of Thai culture from the conscious use of herbs in their cooking to their herbal remedies. Incorporated into a massage, the Luk Prakhop (herbal compress) will deeply relax the muscles and begin to detoxify the body and digestive system. The dried herbs are wrapped in a muslin and then soaked and steamed to release their healing properties. The hot compress is then used to massage the body, following the flow of energy, working deep into muscles as well as nourishing the joints.
These herbs possess properties that are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and antioxidant. The most common herbs in a Thai herbal ball are ginger, turmeric, tamarind, lemongrass, kaffir lime, shikakai, basil leaves, sweet sage, myrtle grass, orange peel and patchouli. Mostly these are fragrant herbs used to calm and soothe the senses. Some Thai herbal balls include camphor or menthol which are used to relieve muscle pain.
