Thai Herbal Compress Massage

Thai Herbal (Luk Pra Ko) Compress Massage works on the whole body, enabling the body’s energy to flow through ‘channels’, these channels are called Sen. This energy stimulates the physical, mental and emotional processes of the body. When these channels are flowing freely then the body is working normally, and the energy is free to flow through the Sen channels.

The herbal compress (also known as Luk Pra Ko - translated as herbal pressing sphere) has been used for hundreds of years in Thailand as a remedy for sore aching muscles, stress relief, exhaustion and other ailments. This is truly a wonderful treatment that is still little known in Europe. Herbs are wrapped in balls of cotton muslin, steamed to release essential oils and aromas, and then applied along the sen sib or energy lines of the body.

The healing practice of Thai herbal compress therapy is believed to date back nearly 5,000 years, to an age when the knowledge of plants, including their effects through ingestion or application on the body, were painstakingly researched and then passed down from one generation to the next.

Herbal Thai massage incorporates the use of a heated compress containing a collection of medicinal aromatic herbs traditionally grown in Thailand. This compress is simply a pouch filled with ground Thai herbs wrapped tightly in a natural porous cloth, usually unbleached cotton or muslin.

The Treatment

Using a combination of deep tissue and strecthing techniques along with the heat and benefit of the herbs within the poultice, this treatment awakenings your senses and aids in rejuvenating the mind and body. Working along the sen lines, the herbal compresses are used in a variety of ways to help tone, soothe and relax. Either plain carrier oils or thai style oils can be used during this treatment - your therapist will offer you the choice after your consultation. Although a full body treatment is usually performed with the compresses, a session focusing on a particular area can also arranged. We do however say to get the most out of this treatment, a full body session is more beneficial.

Treatment Benefits

Improves muscle injuries, imbalances and pain
Improves blood and lymph circulation
Improves physical and mental energy by releasing energy blockages
Improves joint flexibility and range of motion
Helps boost the immune system
Lowers blood pressure
Encourages relaxation
Prevents and alleviates stress and anxiety
Calms the mind, improves concentration and positive thinking
Speeds up healing
Improves movement and function of fascia (body's connective tissue)
Decreases cold and flu symptoms
Eases menstrual cramps and associated pain
May help prevent migraines and tension headaches
Helps with insomnia and other sleep disorders

Before and After your Treatment

Here is some guidance on what to do to prepare for your treatment along with what you can expect after the treatment too

Try to avoid eating a large meal at least 1 hour before your treatment. Please also refrain from consuming alcohol or using other substances before any treatment or therapy.
Arrive on time. This insures that you don’t arrive flustered and stressed. It also means that you will get the most out of your treatment. We ask all clients to arrive 10-15 minutes before their treatment is due to begin.
Talk to your therapist. If you are concerned or anxious about anything to do with your treatment let us know. We want to make sure you are comfortable and relaxed.
We ask our clients to ensure they arrive clean and ready for their treatment. If you are coming straight from work or the gym, please let us know and we can arrange for the use of our shower facilities before the treatment. (A surcharge will apply).
All new clients will need to complete a full medical and lifestyle questionnaire before their treatment. All existing clients will need to complete a treatment record card before any subsequent treatments. This is to ensure we can provide you with the best possible care and to comply with our insurance policies.
Please wear loose comfortable clothing and appropriate underwear. For any spa treatments, a robe will be provided for your comfort.

Everyone client has to complete a medical and lifestyle questionaire on their first visit - we ask you to arrive early (approximately 20 minutes) to allow you time to complete this in our relaxation area. On every subsequent visit you will be asked to confirm that none of the details have changed. This is primarily for your protection and to ensure we are aware of any contra-indications before providing tretment. It is also a requirment of our insurers.

Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins; massage aids the removal of toxins from the body
Coffee, tea and cola should be avoided as they contain caffeine. Aim to drink two glasses of water after each drink of tea or coffee if not. Or try to drink herbal infusions in place of tea or coffee
Avoid any headache tablets as these too contain caffeine
Avoid eating a heavy meal. Eat a light and natural diet, as refined and processed foods add to the toxicity levels within the body and hinder the natural healing process
Do not smoke or drink alcohol for the next 24 hours. Alcohol and smoking are counter-productive as they increase the levels of toxins in the body.

Healing Crisis

Some people may experience the following after treatment: