Hot and Spicy: Herbal Compresses Turns Humans to Putty!

I've been staring at them in catalogs for months. I finally broke down and bought the whole kit. I added them to the menu, but I really hadn't had a chance to promote them. I love them. They become a whole other layer of massage to add to your experience. The heat from them is like the hot stone massage, but the lung expanding scent of camphor and lime is dreamy.

What is an herbal compress?

It is a bundle of aromatic herbs that is wrapped in cheesecloth, sewn into a tight ball then steamed until super hot. When it's ready, your therapist warms your skin by holding the hot compress in their hand then transferring the heat to your skin. When you're ready, the compress is dabbed firmly along the energy lines of your arms in legs. The heat is applied to the large muscles of shoulders, back, and thighs.

The combination of herbs used is the same Thai recipe that has been used by healers for centuries.

• Ginger Phrai: anti-inflammatory, esp. for bronchial/lung issues, toning and antiseptic for skin, soothes sprains and inflamed joints.
• Lemongrass Ta Khrai: anti-inflammatory, helps sprains, bruises, and sore muscles
• Tumeric Khamin: cleansing effect that speeds healing of skin, antiseptic properties help heal bruises, joint pain, sprains, or muscle pain.
• Kaffir Lime Ma Kurt: the leaves are a common home treatment for colds and congestion. It's astringent, cleansing, and healing for skin.
• Camphor Ga Ra Boon: this is a gum from tree bark. It's the oil in cough drops that boosts the menthol to a nasal wasabi level. It stimulates and dilates the the respiratory system, and also soothes anxiety and insomnia. Heals bruises and promotes healthy skin growth.
• Tamarind Ma Khaam: antiseptic and astringent for the skin. 

I learned this treatment a decade ago, when I worked at Complexions Spa in Seal Beach. This training led me to take Thai table massage a few years later at California College of Physical Arts. I love the assisted stretching/yoga aspect of it. The gentle rocking, and measured pressure along designated energy lines really take the massage to an alpha/spiritual space. 

Until you experience it, you'll never know the floating feeling you get when you have relaxed past caring. It can't be described. You are there, you can hear me, feel me move around the room, but you're floating, lucid dreaming, snoring, and belly-breathing unconsciously. 

 When it's done right it is amazing. 

I know a lot of you are going to get more physical now that summer is here, and with that comes a lot of soreness. I highly recommend adding them to your massage. They are bone-meltingly relaxing.

Please let me know ahead of time to add them to your service. They need at least 30 minutes to get hot enough. 

Remember to Enjoy How You Feel Every Day

Eda