Benefits

Hot compresses promote relaxation while soothing aching muscle and stiff joints. Since the motions are very gentle, it can be more appropriate for parts of the body that are too tender or sore for hand massage. it also represents a great alternative to accupressure, since it stimulates the same points of the body. Likewise, it will leave you intensively relaxed and energized. Herbal Massage is known for its healing properties: it improves blood circulation and stimulates the internal organs. While the heat dilates blood vessels, it increases the blood and oxygen circulation in the body and improves the efficiency of the different organs. Herbs used in the compress will also have different and specific benefits: ginger is used to treat digestive disorders and allergies, lemongrass and kaffir lime boost the immune system, jasmine has antispasmodic and anti-depressive effects, turmeric is an anti-bacterial that will heal skin infection or lesion...

Good to know

Although quite gentle, the therapy can include some Thai yoga postures. By manipulating your limbs, the therapist aims at improving the flexibility and ultimately, the relaxation of your body. Since compresses are steamed and applied directly on the skin, do not hesitate to ask the therapist to adapt the heat and /or the pressure level if you find them too hot. Some spas allow you to take the herbal compresses home with you after your massage, some can potentially charge an additionnal price for them. While enjoying the benefits of those compresses at home, keep in mind that the freshness of the herbs remains key, and that they are mostly active for a couple of weeks after the treatment at the spa.