Thai Herbal Compress

Thai Massage Article: - Thai Herbal Compress -

"Hot compresses provide the same type of stimulation as acupressure, and are used to treat tender or sensitive areas that can not be massage directly..." C.Pierce Salguero

Herbal Compress

The compresses contains a combination of traditional Thai Herbs and are heated in an herbal steamer. The warm bundles are then applied directly to the skin or through the client's clothing during a massage session. The compresses are used to relieve sprains, strains of muscles and tendons, stiffness in the joints, and inflammation and to stimulate the circulation of the blood. The Herbal Compresses can also be used with any other massage modality. A Thai herbal compress is a method of treatment employed in traditional Thai medicine. Herbs are an every day part of Thai life, and are used in traditional Thai healing for their rejuvenating and balancing effects on the body, mind, and energy.

Herbal Compress Massage

An herbal massage incorporates heated herbal compresses into the traditional Thai massage with which you are already familiar. Herbal compresses are heated in an herbal steamer, and the warm bundles are applied directly to the skin or through the client's clothing during a massage session.

It is no secret that hot compresses are excellent for stiff, sore or pulled muscles and ligaments, back pain, arthritis, chronic pain or injury, disorders of the internal organs, skin diseases, migraines, and chronic stress or anxiety. But a hot herbal compress adds to these benefits the healing effects of therapeutic herbs. The blend of traditional Thai herbs used in these compresses has simultaneously a relaxing and invigorating effect on the body and mind, soothing sore and over-worked muscles while giving a boost for the body's energy level.

Herbal Compress

Use of the compress during the course of the massage can also be relaxing and stimulating. Thai therapists can use herbal compresses on the joints in order to soften and loosen the connections between bones and increase mobility before major stretching. Also, use of the compresses on the abdomen can encourage digestion and stimulate the organs. Apply the hot compresses to the skin directly or through the client's massage clothes, and allow them to warm the client's body, penetrating and dissipating any tension before moving on to deep acupressure work.

The aroma therapeutic effects of the herbs used in the compresses should not be undervalued. Many of these herbs have a balancing effect on the mind and spirit, and provide clients with a soothing reduction of stress. All of the herbs also possess properties which clear out congestion of the lungs and sinuses, and application of hot compresses to the chest and throat can be a wonderful way to kick a cold.

Another use of herbal compresses that should be mentioned is the application of cold compresses. Cold compresses should be cooked for 10-15 minutes to release the beneficial alkaloids in the herbs, and then frozen or iced. The cold compresses should then be applied to clients with muscle strains, tendon or ligament sprains, contusions, hematomas, and more severe injuries requiring "cold therapy". Cold compresses help to reduce swelling and pain and can promote dissipation of pooled stagnant energy due to broken Sen lines. Cold compresses should be applied only to the site of the injury and should be monitored while the practitioner massages other areas of the body.

Herbal Sauna or Steam Bath

Every massage clinic worth its salt in Chiang Mai has a sauna or steam bath for clients to use after receiving Thai massage. The purpose of the sauna is to relax the muscles after the intensive massage, but also to release through the pores toxins broken up by the bodywork. Sweating is one of the body's natural purification methods, and the Thais have traditionally used herbs in the sauna to assist in this process. The classic recipe for a Thai sauna is the same as the recipe for the herbal compresses, although many different aromatic herbs may be added to achieve particular purposes or to address particular needs.

The Chiang Mai sauna can range from a tile-walled steam chamber to a simple box made with sheet metal. The steam can be pumped in through a complex system of pipes, or can be delivered simply by placing an herbal steamer with an open lid under the client's seat. Whatever method you use, the Thai herbal sauna is an experience your clients will never forget.

From our dear Thai Massage teacher C. Pierce Salguero

Note:

* Most of the information of this page was provided by TaoMountain.org

Thai Herbal Compress:- More than twenty wonderful healing herbs

Major Ingredients:
Aromatic Salisb, Derris Scandens Benth, Zingiber cassumunar, Cassumunar, Camphor, Borneo camphor, Cinnamon, Citronella, Cryptolepis buchannai roem, Curcuma aromatica salisb, Galangal, Lemon Grass, Kaffir lime, Leech lime, Wild Lime, Menthol, Patchouli, Prai Ginger, Tamarind leaves, Turmeric oil, and many more herbs