The Benefits of Thai Herbal Poultice Massage

Many of you have been curious about these herbals balls you see in pictures i've posted when preparing them for treatments since my last trip from Thailand. Or perhaps you have entered my treatment space and can smell the wonderful aroma of the steamed herbs and couldn't quite point out what is it that you were smelling. In this blog, i'm going to take you behind the scenes on herbal compress massage and its benefits.

In Thailand, the herbal Poultice is called luk pra kob, translated as “herbal pressing sphere.” 

The healing practice of Thai herbal compress therapy dates back nearly 5,000 years to a time when the knowledge of plants was researched and passed down through generations.

This herbal treatment was originally  designed to relieve musculoskeletal pain and inflammation. 

Interesting fact: It was used by Thai royalty in ancient times in elaborate treatments and by soldiers for aches and pains after returning from battle.

I like to make the herbal compresses the same day of your appointment. I DO NOT buy commercially made compresses for many reasons and like to be able to customize fresh herbs for our clients benefits. The herbs I use possess properties that are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and antioxidant. Some of these we grow ourselves and include Tumeric, Ginger, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Kaffir lime, and more. An herbal ball is made up of several kinds of herbs as mentioned and wrapped in a muslin cloth. These balls are then steamed to release their therapeutic essence and then applied to the skin with an oil massage. It feels wonderful!

Add steam therapy to your treatment to alleviate: pain, stiff, sore or overworked muscles and ligaments - chronic back aches, arthritis and even skin conditions. Similarly, migraines, chronic stress, fatigue and anxiety also benefit from this treatment. 

The Herbalist we trained with in Thailand said: “If it smells good, then it’s good for the heart.” Not only do you benefit from this therapy physically, but also aromatically!

The blend of traditional Thai herbs used in these compresses provides a relaxing and invigorating effect on the mind and body! 

• Relieves pain and inflammation
• Soothes sore and overworked muscles
• Alleviates pain by softening tight fascia (connective tissue) 
• Induces deep relaxation and sleep
• Relieves stress and fatigue
• Restoratively gives the body’s energy reserves a huge boost!
• Assists alignment and postural integrity of the body
• Improves circulation of blood and lymph and stimulates the internal organs.
• Stimulates Detoxification
• Improves skin complexion- Quenches and nourishes the skin, leaving it soft and with a healthy glow

The steam from the compress allows the pores to open which helps the herbs to be more effective. The method of applying the compress and the aromas are very beneficial to the client's health. The compressing motion used when applying loosens stiff, sore or pulled muscles and fascia, relieves back pain, migraines, stress and anxiety almost instantly!