History of Thai Herbal Compress Therapy
In Thailand the Herbal Compress is called ‘luk pra kob’ which translates as “herbal pressing sphere”. The healing practice of Thai Herbal Compress therapy dates back nearly 5,000 years, to an era when the knowledge of plants, including their effects through ingestion or application on the body, were painstakingly researched and then passed down from one generation to the next.
Herbal Compress therapy was designed to relieve pain and inflammation. To make the compress a selection of therapeutic herbs, which may include ginger, lemongrass and turmeric are wrapped in a muslin compress, steamed and then applied directly on the skin in gentle pressing, circular and rolling movements to soothe muscular aches and swelling.
Some scholars believe that Herbal Compress massage was first introduced to Thailand by monks from India, who established the first Buddhist monasteries in Thailand around 200 B.C. Others believe it originated from rural folk medicine and was passed on by word of mouth through an unbroken chain of masters, or through secret manuscripts that changed hands from teacher to student.
The popularity of Herbal Compresses is mainly due to their easy adaptability—the treatment is neither expensive nor complicated, yet it is extremely effective. For this reason, it has the power to transcend social barriers, for example in ancient times it was used by Thai royalty in elaborate treatments and by soldiers suffering from aches and pains after returning from battle.
Benefits of herbal compress Balls
The increase in popularity of Thai Herbal Compress therapy is generally credited to its perception by clients as a wholesome, complete treatment.
Thai Herbal Compress therapy offers several potential health benefits:
- Induces deep relaxation
- Relieves stress and fatigue
- Boosts emotional and physical wellbeing
- Helps assist the alignment and postural integrity of the body
- Improves circulation of blood and lymph
- Stimulates the internal organs
- Invigorating
Thai Herbal Compresses may also:
- Alleviate pain
- Soothe stiff, sore or pulled muscles and ligaments
- Ease chronic back ache and arthritis
- Soothe skin conditions, migraines and chronic stress or anxiety
- Cleanse and heal the skin
- Promote cell growth
- Soothe and clear upper respiratory ailments such as the common cold and bronchitis
- Invigorate and refresh the mind and body
Thai Herbal Compress Balls traditionally consist of a mixture of several herbs, generally containing lemongrass, prai (or plai), turmeric, kaffir lime, camphor and tamarind as a base, these herbs possess properties that are anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, astringent and antioxidant.