Thai herbal compress massage in Narre Warren
Enquire about a Thai herbal compress massage in Narre Warren: warm steamed herbal bundles pressed along the body. A therapist confirms suitability first.
A Thai herbal compress massage uses warm, steamed cloth bundles of dried herbs, pressed and rolled along the back, shoulders, arms and legs. It is usually added to a 60 or 90 minute Thai massage. In Thai the compress is often called luk pra kob.
At a glance
- Base massage: traditional or oil
- Heat: warm, tested on your skin first
- Herbs: vary by therapist, ask if you have allergies
- Staining: turmeric can tint skin and fabric
- Suitability: heat is not right for everyone
Not every therapist offers a compress session, so name it in your enquiry. A therapist who does will get in touch to talk through heat, herbs, fees and timing. See about this service for how enquiries are handled.
What is in the compress
The mix varies between therapists. Common ingredients include lemongrass, turmeric, plai (a ginger relative), kaffir lime and camphor. The herbs give off a noticeable scent when warm. If you have allergies or are sensitive to strong smells, ask the therapist exactly what is in their compress before you book.
What happens in a session
The therapist asks about your health, your skin and the pressure you prefer. Most sessions start with Thai massage, either clothed on a mat or with oil on a table. The therapist then brings the warm compresses in, testing the temperature on their own skin and yours first, and presses them rhythmically along the muscles. The bundles are re-warmed as they cool.
Many therapists combine the compress with a traditional or oil massage, so this style usually takes longer than a standard session. Ask the therapist how they run it and which lengths they offer.
Heat and skin safety
The compress is warm, not hot. Tell the therapist immediately if it feels too hot at any point. Turmeric can leave a yellow tint on skin and fabric, so wear clothing you do not mind marking and allow time to wipe off afterwards.
Heat is not suitable for everyone. Tell the therapist before the session if you are pregnant, have diabetes or reduced feeling in your skin, a heart condition, high or low blood pressure, a blood clotting condition, varicose veins, a fever or infection, a recent injury with swelling, sunburn, broken skin, eczema or another skin condition, or if you take regular medication. When in doubt about heat, ask your doctor before booking. The therapist may skip the compress and suggest a different style.
Why people choose it
People commonly choose a herbal compress session for the warmth and the scent, and because they find it relaxing. Some ask for it in the cooler months. We do not claim that the herbs have any medical effect.
Health fund rebates
Compress sessions may or may not attract a fund rebate. Check with the therapist and your insurer, and read the rebate answer on our questions page.
How to enquire
Use the enquiry form to ask for a herbal compress massage. Say whether you would like it with a traditional or oil massage, list any allergies or skin sensitivities, and give your suburb and preferred times. A therapist contacts you to confirm the details. For the base styles, see traditional Thai massage and Thai oil massage.