Thai Herbal Ball Massage: (Luk Pra Kob)

WHAT IS IT?
Inspired by the ancient rituals of Thailand, Thai Herbal Massage incorporates heated herbal compresses with traditional Thai massage performed on the table or Thai mat. The herbal ball (compress) is also an excellent tool to use in conjunction with other modalities. This will allow you to add 15-30 minutes to your massage routine and leave your client glowing from head to toe!

HOW DOES IT WORK?
The Thai herbs used are anti-inflammatory, local analgesics and muscle relaxants. Applied prior to a treatment, the hot herbal compresses improve range of motion and increase local circulation.

By warming the tissues first with medicinal herbs, we ease residual tension in the muscles and give a boost to the body’s energy level. The herbs induce deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Working pressure points we stimulate free the flow of energy and balance the mind and spirit. As a result, therapeutic stretching or other forms of massage can be administered with added grace and ease.

THE HISTORY OF THAI HERBAL
Used for centuries in Thailand, the Thai herbal ball (compress) treatments are based on the central pillar of Oriental medicine. The therapist delivers a therapeutic treatment as they follow the Sen Sib lines (= a map of the nervous system) while moving their client into a state of deep relaxation. Reaching back through the centuries, the Thai herbal compress remains unchanged since Thailand’s Ayuthaya period (14th-18th century) when the medicinal packs of herbs was administered to soldiers, war-weary between battles.

Filled with a blend of select herbs and following the recipe used at Wat Po in Bangkok, the Thai herbal ball (compress) is heated to release the healing qualities of each herb.

HERBS USED

Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon citrates) Thai : Ta khrai 1772811
Used through the centuries for its antiseptic and anti bacterial properties, lemongrass is considered to sedate the nervous system, relieve stress and muscle aches, and stimulate the thyroid. Regarded as an excellent herb for circulation, refining pores and increasing skin elasticity.

Prai (Zingiber Cassumunar) Thai : Phrai 3191268
Obtained from stem-root of Zingiber Cassumunar by steam distillation. A relative of the ginger family, prai looks like a bigger and more bulbous version of ginger. Prai/Plai is used to relieve sore muscles and tired joints—traditionally used to beautify the skin. Declared as a wonder herb in Thailand, prai is hailed to ward off asthma, chronic colds, nausea. It is also used as an antiseptic, an analgesic, a digestive and helps to reduce fever.

It’s recognizable by its bitter, soil-like smell. Prai has long been used in traditional Thai body treatments as ingredient in hot compresses to relieve muscular aches and pains. As a beauty product, it’s been used by generations of Thai women as a natural moisturizer to tone and soften the skin. Prai oil is also used as a traditional scalp conditioner.

Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix, C. papedia Also C. amblycarpa ) Thai : Ma Kurt
Used in SE Asia to promote shiny hair. Invigorating. Great for toning the blood, beneficial properties to the digestive system. Believed to freshen one’s mental outlook. For toning mature skin and for boosting circulation

Camphor (Cinnamum Camphora) Thai : Ga ra boon
Both a stimulant and antiseptic, Camphor relieves muscular pains, arthritis, rheumatism, sprains and strains. It is also used to help with cold, coughs, bronchitis and chills—mostly used topically, camphor oil and crystals have strong antiseptic, antispasmodic and stimulating properties. Camphor is the main ingredient in many arthritis creams and lotions sold commercially for joint and muscle pain. Camphor also has an expectorant property and thusly can be used topically as a chest rub for the relief of congestion, cough, bronchitis and other chest infections. Distilled parts: bark. Stimulate the brain, heart circulation. Calmative effect on stress, insomnia, and anxiety. Camphor is both a calmative and stimulant. Anti inflammatory for arthritis, sprains, and muscle pains.

Tumeric (Curcuma longa ) Thai: Kha-min
Turmeric also has a long history of use for its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects. Used extensively in India as a skin tonic and internal cleanser. With such powerful healing properties, tumeric is the most sought after ingredient in cosmetics and drugs.

Tamarind (Tamarindus indica L) Thai: Ma Khaam
Tamarind provides a good source of vitamin C. The medicinal properties of its flesh are cleansing and reducing heat from the body. It is both cooling and antibilious.