Thai Herbal Ball Massage

by Slava Kolpakov, LMT
(Boston, MA)

Thai Herbal Ball Massage is ideally performed when heat is required to better soothe sore and achy muscles. Traditionally, the herbal ball application was done in conjunction with regular Thai Massage.

"Whenever my clients complain of stiff back and shoulder muscles, I suggest that herbal ball or herbal pack application to be added to their Thai Massage session," explains Slava Kolpakov, a Thai massage therapist at East West Massage Therapy (http://www.eastwestbodytherapy.com/thaimassage.html) in the Boston area. "Clients love the sensation of heat and the melting effect it has on the muscle tissue."

According to Slava, there is nothing complicated about the use of Thai herbal balls. A crock pot is used to steam the herbal balls. It's best to place the herbal balls right in the water in the pot and let them 'boil' for a few minutes to absorb the heat.

First, the sore muscles and joints are worked on through stretching and compression techniques of Thai massage. Then, the heated herbal balls (usually one or two at a time) are applied over most of the body. The herbal ball is rolled, pressed, and circled right on the skin and the herbs are worked right into the muscle tissue.

One must be careful not to use the herbal balls directly on clients' clothing as they will leave yellow stains. "At first, the herbal balls may be too hot to be placed on the skin," continues Slava, "so I wrap a small hand towel or two around the poultice. As the packs cool off, I unwrap the towels. The heat lasts for up to twenty minutes." If the therapist plans on using the herbal balls throughout the whole session, it will be necessary to reheat the packs or use another pair.

The heat and the herbs provide a wide array of benefits. In addition to soothing sore and achy muscles, the heat relieves stiffness in the joints, and enhances circulation of blood. The herbs contain anti-inflammatory properties and are great for soothing skin irritations and pore detoxification. The aroma of camphor and menthol promotes better breathing.

It is possible to make one's own herbal poultice. Most of the ingredients can be found at an Asian market. These days, though, it may be easier to order the Thai herbal balls from a supplier in Thailand or in the US.

The ingredients in the Thai herbal ball may vary from region to region and, according to a specific formula, are used to address specific ailments. Yet, the majority of the Thai herbal balls contain a few common ingredients: Plai (Thai ginger), Kafir Lime, Turmeric, Acacia leaves, Menthol, Camphor, and Myrtle Grass.

Once, the Thai herbal mixtures were the secret tools of ancient healers. Nowadays they are widely available throughout Thailand and the rest of the world.


www.eastwestmassagetherapy.com