The Herbal Compress Ball

A new massage trend in the United States is the herbal compress ball.

In Thailand, it has been used to promote healing for almost 5,000 years.

What is it? A wonderful tool for easing aches, pains, and swelling filled with healing herbs. It is made of a piece of muslin cloth wrapping up the herbs of your choice. The ball is then steamed and applied, either hot or cold to the painful body area.

In the Thai language, the name for herbal compress ball means "herbal pressing sphere". It is shaped like a large softball with a handle for the therapist to hold while applying pressure to the ball.

In ancient Thailand, this ball was reserved for two sets of people--the royal family and soldiers returning from battle. It was a luxury fit for a king and for his brave warriors only.

An herbal compress cleans and promotes healing of the skin by stimulating new cell growth. It is great for relieving problems such as the common cold, bronchitis, allergies, asthma, and sinus problems, depending on the herbs you use. Some herbs can really clear up clogged sinus passages and promote easier breathing.

Sore, aching body parts, bruises, and strains and sprains are also helped by this herb-filled ball.

Usually, the ball is filled with a mixture of herbs. Some common herbs used are turmeric, peppermint, camphor, eucalyptus, ginger, lemongrass, and prai. These balls can be made by you or can be purchased already made and filled. You simply steam and apply to the areas in need.

The herbal compress ball, once steamed releases the healing powers of the herbs inside. The massage therapist should place it hot or cold, with gentle pressure in circular movements. The ball can also be rolled along the body.

The massage therapist will need two hot compresses for each client. While using one, the therapist is heating the other. When the first ball gets cool, it goes back into the steamer and the second one is used on the client. This way there is continuity in the massage treatment and the client does not have to wait while it heats back up.

To steam the herbal compress, a food appliance with a steaming rack, such as a wok or an electric rice cooker can be used. Just place the compress on the steaming rack with water in the bottom of the appliance.

Prior to placing the compress on the skin, test it on the back of the client's hand to see if it is too hot for the client. If it is too hot, set it down to cool for a few moments. Just massage the client with your hands while you wait.

This is also great for chair massage as it can be used over the client's clothes. The clothes actually act as a heat barrier so the client is not burned.

The ball can be used cold, by placing it in a freezer after it has been steamed for about 15 minutes. The steaming is what releases the aromas and the healing properties of the herbs.

If you would like to purchase supplies for making a ball or if you would like to buy them already made, there are many sites to go to on the net, such as sabaispa.com or alibaba.com.

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