Warm Herbal Thai Style Massage

Written By Jean Mallard
Revive Natural Living Helston
Dated: May 15, 2007

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Due to its location, Thailand is a country that has been influenced by cultures and religions of both China and India.  Yoga and Ayurveda are originally part of different cultures, however their influence can be seen in Thai massage.

Massage and the use of herbal medicine in Thailand has been passed down the generations, with very little information recorded.  Buddhism is practised throughout temples (Wats) in Thailand and it is in the famous ‘Wat Po Temple’ (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) that information has been found dating back to the reign of King RamIII in 1832, regarding Thai massage techniques, together with Sen Channels.

According to Thai medical theory, the body’s life energy flows through Sen channels or Sen Lines, the Chinese call this ‘Qi’ and the Indians call if ‘Prana’.  The body’s life energy flows through the channels stimulating the physical, mental and emotional process of the body, which functions at its best when the energy is flowing freely and distributed evenly through the Sen channels.

For much of it’s history, Thai massage of any description has been regarded as a religious rite, and up until early this decade herbal compresses used together with Thai massage could only be found at Bangkok’s Wat Po Temple, the national centre for the teaching and preservation of traditional Thai medicine and only the Buddhist Monks were allowed to practice this technique.

The natural herbal and plant compresses called ‘Prakop’, were once the tools of ancient Thai healers.  Soldiers in the Thai-Burmese battle over 200 years ago were treated with these compresses to soothe aches, pains and heal their wounds.

Today these compresses, made from over 14 natural herbs, dried plants, roots, leaves, peel, grass stems and extracts are incorporated into many body treatments found in leading Thai-Spas.

A Thai-style massage with herbal compresses, is a fusion of massage techniques such as patting, pounding, pummelling, pressure point massage, drainage and stretching.  The compresses are heated in a steam generator before-hand and during the massage, creating a comforting, warm, relaxing and aromatic experience.

There are some contra-indications and treatment should be avoided if the following apply; during pregnancy, skin cancer present, osteoporosis, broken bones or recent operation, sunburn, severe bruising, or taking Homeopathic medicine.

This is a powerful and potent holistic therapy, which is re-energising, invigorating, purifying and stimulating to the body and mind, a truly enchanting experience.