The masseur's secret weapon

MUSCLES SO KNOTTED not even the toughest masseur could undo them? A Thai herbal compress is probably the way to go. At award-winning spa The Barai, the hot compress with nine herbs comes with an oil massage to unwind and relieve tensed and aching muscles.

The heated muslin parcel of aromatic, medicinal herbs, called look pra kob in Thai, was an innovation of the Ayutthaya period (14th to 18th centuries) and its soothing recipe has remained unchanged since then. Originally, fragrant heated balls of herbs were administered to soldiers on their return home to relieve their battle-weary bodies and minds. 

The idea is actually based on even older holistic principles of Indian Ayurvedic and traditional Thai medicine. Thai herbal therapy is a vibrant and ancient tradition that has been preserved for over a thousand years in monasteries and temples and is still practised in villages throughout Thailand to this day.

The hot compress has proven effective in reducing tendon and joint swelling as well as muscle pain. The radiating heat stimulates blood flow and at the same time relaxes your body. The hot cudgels are particularly good for treating sprains and circulation disorders and drawing the sting out of bruises. They can also work wonders for chronic problems such as back pain, tendonitis and shoulder strain, and therapists will tell you they increase the flow of bodily energy (chi). They are often used in conjunction with traditional Thai traditional massage. Hot compresses provide the same stimulation as acupressure and are used to stimulate tender or sensitive areas that cannot be massaged directly, like a back that may be too painful for heavy pressure. 

One of the reasons that hot compress is so effective is that the skin, the largest organ of the body and the first line of defence against disease, is also porous and will absorb essential oils. So applying a herbal poultice to the painful, inflamed or infected area of the skin transfers its medicinal benefits almost immediately.

The Barai Spa’s signature hot compress Thai traditional massage (Bt3,900) uses a bouquet garni of fresh ingredients in the compress ball. They include ginger and turmeric to disinfect and reduce congestion, lemongrass to stimulate lymph drainage, antipyretic tamarind leaves, energising kaffir lime rind, som poi (acacia concinna) to open up the pores, and camphor, which acts as relaxant for stress-related exhaustion and nerve pain. Sea salt is also added to absorb and evenly distribute the heat.

While most such treatments tend to begin with the hot compress then move on to the massage, The Barai therapists get to work on your body using both at the same time. The herbal poultice is pressed quickly down on joints and stressed muscles, then immediately followed by a special massage that uses long strokes and firm kneading to relax the tissues and release blocked toxins in the lymphatic system. The treatment begins with the thighs then moves on to the lower back, upper spine, neck and shoulders, before finishing with the arms. Body uncoiled by heat and pressure, your head then gets a mini massage to send your mind into heavenly bliss. 

The spa has four massages oils to complement your mood – choose from Water, Earth, Air and Fire. 

 

 

TRADITIONAL PAMPERING

>>The Barai Spa is located at Hyatt Regency Hua Hin. It is open daily from 10am till 10pm. 

>> Reservation is recommended at (032) 511 234; www.TheBarai.com.