EXFOLIATING-TONIFYING
Large herbal ball/bag/pinda:
5 tablespoons of ground coffee
60g of coffee beans
4 tablespoons of cocoa
1 vanilla stick cut into pieces
Small herbal ball/bag/pinda:
2 tablespoons of ground coffee
20g of coffee beans
1 tablespoons of cocoa
vanilla stick cut into pieces
Suggestions for essential oils: Orange essential oil: 25 drops for every 50ml of
carrier oil. Rejuvenates congested or flaccid skin and diminishes depression,
anxiety and emotional stress.
Preparation: Mix the ground coffee with the coffee beans and cocoa. Grind
the vanilla stick and mix it with it the rest. Put the mixture in the cloth and tie
it together with the cord, forming a bag (you will need two small and one
large bag). Then mix the carrier oil with the essence and heat it up in an
incense burner or bowl, in which the bag will be subsequently dipped or
soaked.
Herbal-ball-recipe-ingredients-herbal-ball-massage
Effects: The combination of these aromatic, exotic and at the same time close
elements makes this a simple treatment enriched with aromatherapeutic
effects that acts on the limbic system and produces a sensation of relaxation
and well-being. This treatment is higly antioxidant and detoxifying as well as
attacks the free radicals, allows the skin to oxygenate through exfoliation and
is rich in vitamins. It is warmly recommended for all skin types, although
exposure to the sun just after the treatment must be avoided as the essential
orange oil can be slightly phototoxic (sensitive skin might get irritated if
exposed to sunlight immediately after the treatment).
How to make totally indulgent herbal compresses (Time: 10 minutes)
Through 8 years of marriage, Mr. TBG has realised that when I twitch with
sore muscles or cry over a strained back its more conducive to call the spa
before summoning a doctor. But I am not alone in my belief of massage
before medicine: hot herbal pouches have travelled a long way since their
origins in Ayurveda more than 5,000 years ago. Today, besides being a staple
on luxe spa menus worldwide, they are also called upon by physicians,
physiotherapists, dermatologists and even psychiatrists for everything from
stress to muscular pains and the flu.
herbal massage pounchThats because the sensory experience of having
these gorgeous, steaming parcels of aromatic herbs and spices pressing
against your skin not only heals the body but also induces immense calm.
The heat and herbs are absorbed by the body to reduce aches and pains,
increase lymphatic drainage and condition the skin. Besides this, they also
harmonise the body, loosen energy blockages and recoup deficiencies.
And because I am blessed with going through life in the most accident-prone
manner, we have now learnt to stock up on a first aid kit of herbs and
spices to brew up our own heat therapies right at home. Fragrant pouches of
earthy goodness, soft muslin fabrics, dim lights, the comfort of my own home
and hubbys firm hands sweeping away the aches and pains sigh! Wonder if
he ever catches on that half the time I am only faking the pain to revel in the
sheer indulgence of it all
Hot herbal pouches: The basics
A hot herbal pouch is made by wrapping specific herbs, spices and flowers in
natural cloth like a dumpling and then heating it to your preferred
temperature (hot but bearable dont burn your skin!). Even though you can
simply pop them into a microwave for 90 seconds, prepping them the old
fashioned way with steam is more beneficial as it softens the compresses,
releases the essential oils and intensifies the aroma. Prep two pouches for a
session, keeping one heating on the steamer while using the other. Then
massage all over your body, paying special attention to problem areas.
hot-herbal-pouch-5All the way from Bangkok
I dont think there is a more perfect place to experience the indulgence of a
hot herbal pouch than Wat Pho the Temple of the Reclining Buddha in
Bangkok. In the past, only trained monks were allowed to practise treatments
and prescribe medicines, so this ancient legacy dates back to the 14th
century.
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons fresh ginger (grated), 5 tablespoons lime zest, 10
eucalyptus leaves (crushed), 1-2 stalks lemongrass (crushed), 1/2 tablespoon
tamarind powder, 1/2 tablespoon camphor granules, 1/2 tablespoon rock salt,
pure cotton or muslin square, cotton string
Method: Mix all ingredients together, wrap in the cloth and roll up into a tight
pouch; tie tightly with string.
Laotian herbal compress
In ancient Laos, local herbs and plants were fashioned into compresses made
from indigo-coloured fabric. Indigo is the spiritual color of Eastern medicine
and is believed to enhance the detoxification process. Today, the color is
optional but the treatment remains identical: steaming compresses
thoroughly pounded over the body to relieve pain and fatigue, especially after
playing a sport or doing hard physical work.
Ingredients: 3/4 cup cooked rice, 1/3 cup fresh lemongrass (crushed), 1/3 cup
fresh ginger (crushed), 1/3 cup fresh basil, 1/3 cup fresh pepper, 5 cinnamon
sticks, pure cotton or muslin square, cotton string
Method: Mix all ingredients together, wrap in the cloth and roll up into a tight
pouch; tie tightly with string.
Balinese Boreh herbal compress
Jamu the signature wellness therapy in Bali is centred around the Boreh
herbal compresses that are called upon to reduce muscular pains, improve
blood circulation, relieve rheumatic symptoms and leave you with a warm,
relaxed feeling.
Ingredients: 1 cup rice powder, 1/3 cup fresh ginger (grated), 1 tablespoon
turmeric powder, 3-4 cloves, 1-2 sticks cinnamon, 1 tablespoon coriander, 1/2
tablespoon nutmeg (grated)
Method: Mix all ingredients together, wrap in the cloth and roll up into a tight
pouch; tie tightly with string.
hot-herbal-pouch-4Indonesian herbal pouch
Inspired by the ancient rituals of Indonesia, these hot herbal pouches use
medicinal herbs to restore physical and emotional balance. They are
massaged over the body in circular strokes to stimulate circulation and
reduce fatigue, insomnia and hypertension. Added bonus: cooked rice softens
the skin.
Ingredients: 3/4 cup cooked rice, 1 tablespoon chamomile, 1 teaspoon dried
ginger, 2 teaspoons sandalwood powder, 1 tablespoon lemon peel (chopped),
1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon vetiver (optional), flannel or
cheesecloth square, string
Method: Cook the rice and leave to cool. Add all other ingredients to a cup of
water, bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, cool and
strain. Mix the rice with the strained mixture, heap onto the cloth and fashion
into a tight pouch.
Maldivian versatility
Maldivian therapists have their own interpretation of the hot herbal compress
and its probably the simplest: combine 2 cups of clean sand with 3/4 cup of
dried herbs, fashion it into a pouch, heat and use all over the body. However,
since its not easy to find sand everywhere, the The Ritz-Carlton Resort & Spa
suggests this recipe instead:
Ingredients: 4 cups uncooked rice, 1/2 cup dried herbs, 1 pair clean socks
Method: Combine ingredients and pour into a sock (though personally, I think
a fabric pouch is much more attractive). Knot the end, put into the other
sock, knot again.
Which herbs? Lavender is the most popular because of its relaxing scent and
anti-inflammatory properties. Other good options include the following.
Camphor: Has a strong antiseptic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. It
also stimulates the brain, heart and blood circulation. Besides this, it helps to
ease stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
Cardamom: Has a spicy, exotic floral aroma and is a terrific pain reliever.
Cloves: Also good for treating chronic pain.
Elderberry flowers: Help rid the body of toxins, increases circulation and
purifies the blood.
hot-herbal-pouch-6Ginger: Helps eliminate wastes and congestion, enhances
circulation and acts as a catalyst for other herbs to increase their
effectiveness.
Kaffir lime: A potent antioxidant, its called upon to banish colds and
congestion, boost digestion and regulate blood pressure.
Lemongrass: Works as an anti-inflammatory, while also boosting digestion,
releasing tension, curing colds and treating skin infections.
Mint: Calms the stomach, intestinal tract and the nervous system while
cleansing the skin.
Myrrh: Highly favoured for soothing muscles and wounds, while also
detoxifying the mucous membranes.
Tamarind: Has an antiseptic and blood purifying effect. It is used for
constipation, colds and fever, as well as skin cleansing and refining.
Turmeric: Has antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It is also
used for relieving pain and has an anti-inflammatory effect.
IMPORTANT!
Before putting a compress on the skin, test the temperature by pressing it
against your arm.
Dont rest the compress on one area of the skin for too long just touch,
press firmly, lift and move in a constant and rapid motion. Each session
should take 15-20 minutes.
Do not use essential oils. Most essential oils have a low flash point, so they
will burn away rapidly when you heat the pouch. Not only does this make the
pouch more flammable, it also means its scent will fade very quickly.
These hot herbal pouches can be used 3-4 times when dried completely.
Store in the refrigerator after every use. Discard when the ball becomes very
pale or almost white as this indicates that the herbs have lost their
potency.
Information and advice contained on this website should not be used for the
purposes of diagnosis or as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult
your doctor or healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment.
Yes, you read correctly; there are exciting techniques that use herbal balls
(also called herbal bags or pindas) for giving massage! The Herbal ball
massage originates in India but has spread to all parts of the world. The
massage receiver enjoys the beneficial properties of herbs, plants and fruits
while relaxing into the massage. Do not miss our next post where Ill share
recipes!
ORIGIN OF THE HERBAL BALL MASSAGEHerbal-balls-massage-course
The human being has used herbs and plants from the beginning of time to
heal wounds, cure diseases and stay healthy. Even modern medicine is
largely influenced by the herbalist tradition, as many of todays drugs derive
from herbs, tubers, etc. Traditional medicines such as Ayurveda from India or
Thai medicine continue to use herbal therapy for their treatments, and they
have done so almost without alterations for centuries. These treatment
methods are gaining popularity even in other parts of the world dominated by
conventional medicine, where they often are referred to as alternative or
complementary treatments. The Herbal ball massage makes use of the
multiple properties of herbs, plants and fruits that get massaged into the
receivers skin.
MULTIPURPOSE MASSAGE
This technique is unique in the sense that it stimulates multiple aspects of
the human body and mind as it uses herbal balls to apply the massage
strokes. The massage can be applied with different purposes such as:
relaxing, stimulating, exfoliating, slimming, detoxification, esthetic
treatments, etc. The desired effect is directly related to the composition of
the bag; its ingredients, properties, temperature, aroma, etc. The Herbal ball
massage is often preceded by a conventional oil massage in order to hydrate
and prepare the skin of the receiver, but it can also be applied individually.
Even if the massage strokes are fairly basic, this technique requires quite a
lot of practice as the use of the herbal bags considerably diminishes the
sensitivity of the therapist.
HERBAL BALL MASSAGE SESSION
The average duration of a Herbal ball massage session is thirty to fifty
minutes, but it varies depending on the rhythm, repetitions of the massage
strokes as well as the number of therapists performing it (one or two). Before
applying the treatment it is recommended to find out what type of bodily
constitution the receiver has (vata, pitta or kapha according to the Ayurvedic
tradition read more about it in our previous post Human health according
to Ayurveda), as this will help the therapist to determine which oils,
essences, pressure, number of repetitions and temperature to apply during
the session. However, the Herbal ball massage can also be applied
sporadically and one-time when it is carried out exclusively for relaxing or
esthetic purposes. In this case the general standards can be used: lukewarm
oil, medium pressure and three to five repetitions of each stroke.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCypVM3QS00
...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOmNBTBmiXM
15-20
... -
!!!!
