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Hot Herbal Compress/Thai Stem Massage
This treatment is designed to induce deep relaxation, relieve aches and pains of muscles and joints, all while helping your body to detoxify. Leaving you feeling rejuvenated and restored!
Thai Hot Herbal Compress Massage has been around since ancient times in Thailand and is still performed regularly by Herbalists and Thai Massage Practitioners. It is a combination of Traditional Thai Massage - passive yoga-like stretching, acupressure and reflex points, with the soothing moist heat of the warm herbal bundles. The Thai Stems (herbal bundles) are steamed to help release the natural essential oils from the dried herbs and provide a deep, moist heat to relieve tension in the muscular and skeletal systems. There are many recipes that can be used to form the Thai stems (herbal compresses). The one we use for our treatments is comprised of zingiber ( a "cousin" to ginger), turmeric, kaffir lime peel and leaves, lemongrass, patchouli, sweet flag, mountain ebony leaves and camphor, along with a few other lesser known herbs. |
You can choose to receive your Hot Herbal Compress Massage either on the Thai mat or on a massage table. When performed on the Thai mat the hot herbal compresses are used in combination with Traditional Thai Massage techniques over top of clothes. When done on a massage table the herbal bundles are used directly on the skin with oil and a combination of Swedish massage techniques with an influence from Thai Massage. In this method the client is properly draped at all times, only exposing the area being worked on.
The Hot Herbal Compress Massage that we offer is the Northern method, from the ITM (International Training Massage) school in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It is a part of their Spa Mantra Division. This method focuses on improving overall health and well being by:
1. Stimulating the Sen energy lines located throughout our bodies, similar to the concepts of Ayurvedic medicine or the meridians in acupuncture.
2. Deep muscular release through acupressure and passive stretching. Restoring mobility, increasing flexibility and relaxing tight muscles.
3. Stimulates organ function and calms the nervous system by working reflex points with gentle pressure and compression.
4. The moist heat helps to relieve aches and pain of the muscular and skeletal systems, and helps melt away stress.
5. The herbal bundles contain a blend of traditional Thai herbs that have a relaxing and invigorating effect on the body and mind. The properties of the herbs and natural essential oils released from the bundle are beneficial through physical contact with the skin, and the scent throughout the room.
Following your treatment, the Thai Stems are yours to keep. They can be kept in the freezer and brought back for future treatments, each herbal bundle set is good for up to 5 treatments. You can also choose to use the bundles in a warm bath, benefiting further from the natural essential oils from the herbs. Ask your RMT for further instruction on home care with your herbal compresses.
We provide a complimentary Turmeric and Ginger herbal tea to further your relaxation after this warm, soothing treatment. ENJOY!
Traditional Thai Massage Thai Massage is considered to be one of the worlds most ancient healing modalities. It originates from over 2500 years ago and has roots in India and Ayurvedic medicine. In the earlier years, it was preformed by Buddhist Monks in their temples as one of the elements of indigenous Thai medicine. In modern day, it is often referred to as Thai Yoga Massage, as it combines passive Yoga-like stretching, with reflexology and acupressure in rhythmical, fluid movements. The Northern Method of Thai Massage is referred to as Nuad Bo Rarn - "Nuad" meaning massage, and "Rarn" meaning something that is ancient, sacred and revered. Traditional Thai Massage is performed on a mat on the floor while fully clothed with no oil. For the Thai Tibetan Aroma Oil Massage, the elements of Traditional Thai Massage are performed overtop of the sheet, while the sequences using oil are practiced using the same draping techniques as with our Therapeutic and Relaxation Massage treatments. |
Benefits of Hot Herbal Compress Massage: - induces deep relaxation - relieves muscle tension and increases mobility - promotes circulation and boosts immune system - increases emotional balance and awareness - decreases stress - promotes correct posture - reduces joint pain - may have an invigorating effect on mind and body, boosting energy levels (secondary effect) - promotes general well-being and good health |
Cautions and Contraindications: - acute injury or inflammation: modifications may be required - fever: Massage is completely contraindicated - cold, flu, sore throat, any acute contagious illness - high blood-pressure/vascular conditions may be contraindicated - Cancer: depending on approval from Family MD or Oncologist - contagious skin conditions - Pregnancy is contraindicated |
Herbal Benefits:
Zingiber
- great for improving circulation - useful as a detoxifying agent - boosts immune system, can be beneficial when used at the tail end of a cold, or other mild respiratory issue - helpful with pain management - useful as an anti-inflammatory - helps combat nausea Turmeric - great for skin - helps with wound healing - works well as an anti-inflammatory and an antioxidant - has pain relieving qualities - turmeric contains curcumin which has been known to benefit those with depression Kaffir Lime - can be used as a deodorizer or to distinguish body odour - aids with bloating and flatulence and improves digestion - can be used for coughs, body aches, abdominal discomfort - known as an antiseptic, works great as a cleanser - can help boost immune Sweet Flag - antispasmodic, relieves muscle pain - relieves flatulence abdominal discomfort |
Lemongrass
- helps with cold and flu recovery - boosts immune system - prevents body odour - relieves gas and bloating, and helps with digestion - may be used as a mild astringent - can help with insomnia - beneficial for achy joints Patchouli - good for skin, has wound healing/scar reducing properties - known as an antidepressant, antiseptic, and fungicide - helps induce relaxation Mountain Ebony - tonic properties - beneficial for skin Camphor - this is used primarily in the compresses as a "carrier", it helps to bring out the properties of the herbs so they can permeate into the tissues - helps relax the mind and body, it has a very refreshing scent - improves circulation - relieves pain in muscles, nerves and joints - helps with swelling, and can aid in the removal of lymph while nourishing heart function |
How to prepare for your Hot Herbal Compress Massage (Thai Mat Method):
1. Wear comfortable clothing, choose dark colours ( light colours may stain from the turmeric and other colourful herbs). Something you can move freely in, like leggings, yoga pants, tights or shorts. Light weight tops like a tank top.
2. No jewellery. Please remove all jewellery before the treatment begins.
3. Please no lotion or oil based products, especially on the hands and feet.
4. Eat light. Do not eat a heavy meal before receiving any Thai Massage, however this does not mean that you should avoid eating prior to your appointment.
5. Please complete our Patient History and Consent forms, and make sure to ask any questions that you may have.
2. No jewellery. Please remove all jewellery before the treatment begins.
3. Please no lotion or oil based products, especially on the hands and feet.
4. Eat light. Do not eat a heavy meal before receiving any Thai Massage, however this does not mean that you should avoid eating prior to your appointment.
5. Please complete our Patient History and Consent forms, and make sure to ask any questions that you may have.
Treatments are payable by cash, cheque or e-transfer at the time of your appointment.