Thai Herbal massage
Herbal compress is another Thai traditional physical treatment. Fresh herbs are mixed and wrapped in a small piece of cloth as a round chunk. The chunk is steamed so that the herbs produce an ointment. By making hot compresses at the certain parts of the body, the herb ointment from the chunk slowly permeates through the skin.
Steamed fresh local herbal ingredients are applied to help sooth and relax muscle tension and other aches and pains. Aromatic camphor in the compress eases respiration. Traditional Thai medicine uses herbal heat compression for the treatment of sprains, muscle pain, bruises and swelling.
The herbal ingredients may be mixed for specific needs, but there are base ingredients such as:
- Zingiber cassumunar (Plai): boosts circulation, relieving the strained muscle or inflammation.
- Blumea balsamifera, Camphor (Pim Sane): Good for curing some skin disease. Promotes a calming influence, eases respiration, reduces tension
- Lemongrass (Ta-krai): Good for deodorizing. Stimulates digestion, antiseptic, treats skin infections
- Kiffir-Lime (Ma-kroot): (Leaf) Relieve the giddiness, soothing, deodorizing.
- Curcuma longa (Khamin Chan): Good for curing some skin disease,rash and healing the wound.
- Tamarindus indica (Ma Kham): (Leaf) Skin nourishment, easing rash.
- Acacia rugata Merr. (Som Poi): Relieve strained or soar muscles.