Thai massage, also called Nuat Phaen Boran, is an ancient tradition of massage that combines elements of Asian medicine with Buddhist philosophy. AltMD.com notes that Thai massage was developed 2,500 years ago by the Buddha's personal physician. In a Thai herbal massage, various healing herbs are bundled into a compress called a a samunphrai. According to My Healing Partner, you should not have a Thai massage if you are pregnant or have high blood pressure, a skin infection, or a fever.
Ginger cassamunar
Ginger cassamunar, botanically known as Zingiber cassamunar and called phrai or prai in Thai, is a large, bulbous member of the ginger family. According to Massage Thailand, herbalists use ginger cassamunar as an antiseptic, analgesic, digestive and antipyretic, or fever reducer. If you have a Thai massage, your massage practitioner might use it in a hot compress to relieve muscular aches and pains. Ginger cassamunar, which is also used cosmetically as a moisturizer and scalp conditioner, has a distinctive pungent, earthy smell.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus, from the Australian eucalyptus or blue gum tree, was first used medicinally by Australian aborigines for fevers and infections. According to True Body Therapy, Thai massage practitioners use this refreshingly scented herb for its antiseptic and wound-healing properties. Herbs 2000 notes that eucalyptus has mildly anesthetic effects along with its antiviral and antiseptic properties, and that a compress prepared from eucalyptus may be applied to painful joints. Sa-wan suggests using eucalyptus in Thai massage to relax the mind and lessen mental disturbance and stress.
Lemon grass
Lemon grass, botanically known as Cymbopogon citrate and called ta khria in Thai, is a grass-like herb with a clean, sharp, lemony aroma. Thai massage practitioners use it in hot compresses for its soothing, invigorating and mood-lifting qualities, as well as for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Massage Thailand notes that lemon grass is believed to sedate the nervous system, relieve stress and muscle aches, and stimulate the thyroid, and also recommends it for boosting circulation, refining pores and increasing skin elasticity.
Turmeric
Turmeric, botanically known as Curcumin longa and called kha-min in Thai, is a major ingredient in most Thai healing preparations. Massage Thailand advises it for anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and antiseptic effects. There is some scientific evidence supporting the use of turmeric as an antimicrobial. In a study conducted at the Indian Institute of Chemical Biology in Kolkata, India and published in the April 2009 issue of Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy,
researchers found that curcumin, an ingredient in turmeric, had potent antibacterial effects against H. pylori bacteria.
Ginger
Ginger, botanically known as Zingiber officinale and called khing oun in Thai, is a popular ingredient in hot compresses used in Thai massages. Massage practitioners employ it to boost circulation and ease muscle stiffness, as well as to increase the potency of other herbs used with it. Sa-wan advises ginger root to stimulate energy, reduce congestion, relax muscles and improve circulation.
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