Massage 101: Introduction to Thai Herbal Compress massage

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.

What makes a Thai herbal compress so special?

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!