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
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOmNBTBmiXM 15-20
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