Thai Herbal Hot Compress

Thai Herbal massage is a type of massage where the muscles are awakened with traditional Thai massage followed by an herbal compress, steam heated then applied on the body a rolling motion.

Sony and I enjoyed our hot compress massage at Peak Spa so much we were encouraged to take a class on how to make them and their proper use.






This is our instructor who helps us to understand the history of the hot compress and the various types. Today we are making both the dried and the fresh.





Flats are ready!



We started out making a quick body scrub from tamarind seed, honey and dried herbs.j










Then started on our own dried herbal compresses learning how to shape a tight ball and a strong wrapped handle.




Tying can be the toughest part!





Now the fresh compress...


A major component is Zingerer which is very much like ginger though not a substitute.


Young tamarind leaf and this special tamarind from this tree.


These tamarind leaves are larger with from another variety tree.


Then lemongrass, yellow turmeric, keffir lime rind, are all mashed together then assembled on square muslin.






Lemongrass, Zingerer and turmeric ginger before mashing


Mashing helps to soften it up



Our instructor jokes about eating it!


Camphor is placed on the muslin first, then salt which aids in opening the pores to receive the herbal remedies.


Then the fresh herbal mixture









All done and wrapped and ready for our practice session.