Thai Herbal Ball Massage

The Herbal Massage Ball is one of Thailand’s traditional massage tools which have been widely used since ancient times. They are known for their anti-inflammatory and relaxing properties, as well as their ability to treat a variety of ailments including chronic muscle pain, joint pain and various skin conditions.

The Herbal Ball is a cotton bag filled with more than ten varieties of herbs. The ball is steamed to temperatures of around 80 - 100 degrees Celsius or dampened and then heated in a Microwave. This allows the essential oils to evaporate into the cotton cloth that the herbs are wrapped in, and when the ball is applied to the skin, the essential oils and heat are transferred to the recipient’s body.

How to use the Herbal Ball

• Spray just enough water over the herbal ball to completely dampen the cloth and then steam it for about 15 minutes, or microwave as per the directions for the size of the ball.
• Test the temperature of the steamed ball by touching it to a skin sensitive area like the inner side of the arm or on the back of the hand before applying it on the area to be treated.
• Arrange yourself in a comfortable position, either sitting or lying.
• For maximum effective, the steamed ball should be gently rolled over the sprained area while it is still hot, applying and removing, to control the heat being transferred to the skin. Once the ball becomes warm it can be left on the aching spot for longer periods.
• For the best results, the ball should be replaced with another heated ball once it becomes cool.

Precautions:

• Do not use an excessively hot ball on sensitive skin or on a new scar. If this is necessary, the steamed ball should be applied through a piece of cloth so that the soft skin will be protected or you can wait until the ball gets to a cooler temperature.
• Precautions should be taken with people with diabetes, people that are paralysed, small children or with elderly people since their skins reaction to the heat is slower than normal and this can cause the skin to burn. A warm massage ball should be used instead.
• The massage ball should not be used with newly sprained muscle since this will make the symptoms become worse.
• After the massage is completely done, the massaged area should be left for a while to get dry.

Taking a bath immediately is not recommended as the body temperature might not have adjusted and the healing properties will be rinsed off.