Spa and wellness have gone global.
Eager and travel-savvy spa-goers are more likely than ever to seek out new
experiences in their quest for relaxation and rejuvenation, and there is a
dazzling wealth of options for them to choose from. But where to start with? This
will be the first of a series of blog posts shedding a bit more light on the
wonderful varieties found in the world of massage and spa treatments.
Ranging from authentic herbal traditions
to new spins on time-honored spa rituals from all corners of the world, each
country has their own fascinating ode to total well-being. Thailand is one of
the key countries for spa and massage, with Thai massage’s blend of dry
stretching, full body movements and reflexology one of the world’s most well
known and beloved massage techniques.
Now, the humble herbal compress
(also commonly known as herbal “ball”), a staple of traditional Thai massage
and herbal folk remedies, has been experiencing its time in the spa spotlight.
 |
In short: its versatility.
Available in different sizes for the
face and body, each herbal compress is brimming with their own signature blend
of traditional and restorative herbs. When applied to the body after a quick
jaunt in a steamer or prepared in a microwave, the heat released by the
compress relaxes tense muscles, eases soreness, revitalizes sluggish
circulation and even offers brightening and clarifying skincare benefits as the
herbs are absorbed by the body's pores.
Important things to consider before
your herbal compress massage are:
- Test the heat before applying
to your body or face. For body compresses, you may place a piece of cloth
as a barrier before continuing with your massage.
- Do not apply herbal compresses
to open wounds, or if you have sensitive skin.
- Consult with your physician
before using a herbal compress if pregnant.
The two most common ways to use a
herbal compress are for the face and for the body. How to apply the herbal
compress to your face is simple.
Facial herbal compress massage,
step-by-step:
1)
After
testing the heat of the facial compress, gently apply along three areas of the
face, using an upwards “touch and lift” motion: Along the chin, along
the smile lines and across the forehead. Be sure to avoid the sensitive eye
area!
This
step transfuses the soothing heat of the compress to the face, relaxing tense
muscles, opening your pores and allowing you to inhale the herbal aroma of the
compress.
2)
Now
lightly roll the facial compress along the chin, smile lines and across the
forehead in a “press and roll” circular motion.
This
step is the lifting and firming part of the facial massage; with the continuous
upwards movements aiding in drainage and helping your complexion feel youthful
and refreshed again.
Using herbal compresses for body
massages are equally popular as a precursor to Thai massage, as the heat from
the compresses stretches the joints, making the client’s body warmed up and
pliable.
Body herbal compress massage (shoulders and legs), step-by-step:
Shoulders
1)
After
testing the heat of the body compress, apply along your shoulders and against
your neck in the same upwards “touch and lift” motion.
This
step transfuses the soothing heat of the compress to the neck and shoulders, releasing
soreness and allowing you to relax with the herbal aroma of the compress.
2)
Now
roll the body compress along the lines of the neck and shoulders in a steady “press
and roll” circular motion. If the heat starts to fade from the center of
the compress, use the sides instead to prolong the massage.
This
step is the lifting and firming part of the body massage; with the continuous
upwards movements aiding in drainage and helping your complexion feel more
active and refreshed.
Legs
1)
After
testing the heat of the body compress, start at the bottom of the feet and
apply the herbal compress moving up along your legs in a series of upwards “touch
and lift” motions.
This
step transfuses the soothing heat of the compress to the legs, relaxing
soreness and allowing you to relax with the herbal aroma of the compress.
2)
Repeat
the initial path and roll the body compress along the lines of the feet and
legs in a steady “press and roll” circular motion. If the heat starts to
fade from the center of the compress, use the sides instead to prolong the
massage.
This
step is the lifting and firming part of the body massage; with the continuous
upwards movements aiding in drainage and helping your body feel lighter and refreshed.
After cooling-down, the herbal compress can be stored in an airtight container or bag and kept in the refrigerator, ready for at least another 3-5 usages or until the scent of the herbs fades.
Do you have any favorite ways to use
herbal compresses? Share in the comments below, or let us know which massages
you’d like to see featured!
