Thailand is famous for its various massage techniques, and the Thai herbal ball message is one of the most popular ones.
This is a special herbal massage in which a special blend of herbs are collected, put into a muslin cloth, and tied into a ball.
The muslin cloth is then steamed so that the healing and soothing properties of the herbs are intensified. This herbal ball is then used to rub hot oil on your body. As the masseur uses the ball to spread the oil on your body, the herbs mix with the oil and relax your body.
Typically, a Thai herbal ball (HB) contains specific Southeast Asian herbs such as tamarind, kaffir leaves, lemongrass, shikakai, mangosteen, ginger, and many other ingredients. However, the ingredients for this pressing herbal sphere may differ in different parts of the world. The herbal qualities are carefully selected so that they blend well together and form a therapeutic mix that will benefit the specific ailments and complaints of the person being massaged.
There aren’t many different techniques for Thai herbal ball massage. The massage is just like any other massage. The only difference is that this massage is performed with a heated ball of muslin that contains an herbal mix. Depending on your complaints, the massage can be performed with light or strong pressure. Your masseur may also use special or specific aromatic oils in addition to specific herbs that may be beneficial for your health condition.
Massages have a lot of benefits and that is why there are so many different types of them. While the general benefits of Thai herbal massage are much like those of any other massage, there are some specific benefits that can be attributed to the herbs used for making the herbal ball for the massage. As the herbal ball is heated before the massage, it helps radiate heat through the body of the person being massaged. Heat helps dilate the blood vessels in the body and that increases the amount of blood and oxygen circulating in the body. As more oxygen is made available to various organs, they become more efficient.
Ginger is commonly used in the herbal massage, and it is an extremely beneficial herb for treating various digestive disorders as well as allergies. Ginger also has antibacterial qualities and is used to improve the quality of the skin and treat skin ailments or bacterial infections. Using this herbal press on and around the abdominal area can also help relieve you of various digestive disorders.
Masseurs often also use lemongrass as well as kaffir lime in the herbal ball mix. Both these herbs are used largely because of their fragrant properties. Both lemongrass and kaffir lime are citrus-scented and are used for their immunity-boosting properties. For those who are suffering from common cold or flu, both lemongrass and kaffir lime can work wonders.
The leaves and bark of shikakai are also often used in this herbal mix. These herbs are great for improving the texture and firmness of the skin and are also extensively used in hair care. For improving the skin and treating any skin infections or lesions, the masseur may also add some turmeric to the herbal mix. Turmeric helps heal skin lesions or bacterial infections. It also helps keep the skin looking fairer and younger.
While the Thai herbal ball massage can be really beneficial to you on many levels, it is important to ascertain the quality and freshness of the ingredients used. If you are using a ready made herbal ball, look for those that are locally made. You may also choose to use locally grow fresh herbs to make your own Thai herbal balls.