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Herbal Compress Balls
What is Herbal Compress Ball Massage?
The Thai Herbal Compress Ball massage is a traditional practice of Thai medicine and is known in Thailand as Luk Pra Kob. The treatment uses heated Herbal Compress Balls, made of cotton fabric and filled with a blend of traditional Thai herbs. The compress balls are applied to the body using a combination of heat, pressure and rhythmic movements.
The origin of the Herbal Compress Ball lies in Thailand and other regions of Southeast Asia and dates back several centuries. Historically, they were mainly used in Buddhist temples, where monks preserved the knowledge of traditional Thai massage. Originally, herbal compress balls were used to support recovery after hard physical work, long journeys or injuries and to relieve muscular and joint discomfort.
By heating the Herbal Compress Balls, warmth was directed deep into the tissue while the herbal ingredients could be absorbed through the skin and airways. Over time, the Thai Herbal Compress Ball massage became a fixed complement to Thai massage and remains an essential element in Thai massage studios, therapy and the spa industry worldwide.
Buy authentic Thai Herbal Compress Balls for massage online
Experience the traditional practice of Herbal Compress Ball massage from Thailand. At My Thai Massage Shop you will find professional products to offer your clients authentic Thai massage experiences.
Kitama Thai Herbal Compress Balls are handmade and consist of a blend of aromatic herbs and spices wrapped in cotton fabric. We offer original Thai herbal compress balls for both body and facial treatments. Body compress balls contain a strong herbal formulation and are designed for larger body areas. They are available in 200g, 150g and 100g. Facial herbal compress balls contain a gentler herbal blend and are mainly used for relaxation and aromatherapy. We offer these Thai facial herbal compresses in the 50g size. We also offer herbal compress balls with typical Thai herbs, wrapped in colourful cotton fabrics and enriched with additional aromas such as jasmine, rose, lemongrass, lavender or orange. You can find these colourful herbal compress balls here. Our Kitama products are sourced from a government-certified manufacturer in Chiang Mai, ensuring consistent quality.
What are Kitama Herbal Compress Balls made of?
Lemongrass - ตะไคร้ - Cymbopogon citratus
Features: activates circulation | relieves muscle stiffness | refreshes body & mind
Kaffir Lime Leaves - ใบมะกรูด - Citrus hystrix
Features: aromatically clarifying | antibacterial | soothes the respiratory system
Kaffir Lime Peel - ผิวมะกรูด - Citrus hystrix
Features: stimulating & invigorating | purifying for the skin | enhances the traditional Thai aroma
Turmeric - ขมิ้น - Curcuma longa
Features: anti-inflammatory | reduces swelling | ideal for muscle & joint discomfort
Thai Plai - ไพล - Zingiber cassumunar
Features: one of Thailand’s strongest herbal pain relievers | releases deep tension | supports recovery after physical strain
Eucalyptus Leaves - ใบยูคาลิปตัส - Eucalyptus globulus
Features: opens the airways | clarifying & refreshing | supports respiratory well-being
Tamarind Leaves - ใบมะขาม - Tamarindus indica
Features: soothing for the skin | harmonising | reduces heat sensations and redness
Borneol Camphor - การบูรบอร์เนียว - Dryobalanops aromatica
Features: strongly circulation-boosting | cooling & energising | helps reduce swelling and muscle fatigue
Natural Camphor - การบูร - Cinnamomum camphora
Features: muscle-relaxing | anti-inflammatory | clears head and airways
Sea Salt - เกลือทะเล
Features: stores heat within the herbal compress ball | enhances absorption of the herbal actives | mineralising & purifying
Pandan Leaves - ใบเตย - Pandanus amaryllifolius
Features: soft, calming aroma | creates aromatic balance | promotes deep relaxation
Why Kitama Herbal Compress Balls?
✅ 100% natural herbs
✅ Traditional Thai recipe
✅ Intense heat & aroma release
✅ Ideal for tension & stress
✅ Perfect for spa, massage practice & home-spa
Benefits of Herbal Compress Ball Massage
✅ Deep muscular relaxation
✅ Stimulates circulation & metabolism
✅ Harmonises body & mind
✅ Aromatherapeutic relaxation
✅ Supports detoxification & skin care
How to use the Herbal Compress Balls
- Heating: Lightly moisten the herbal compress balls and steam them for approx. 10–15 minutes. A steamer is ideal for this. You can find our steamer with keep-warm function here.
- Check the temperature: The herbal compress ball should be hot but comfortable on the skin – let it cool briefly if necessary.
- First application: Gently tap the herbal compress ball onto the skin at first to accustom it to the heat.
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Massage: Work with the warm herbal compress ball in slow, gliding movements along the energy lines.
Circular movements over tense areas and gentle pressure on sore points intensify the effect. - Alternating technique: Ideally use two herbal compress balls alternately – one in use, one kept warm in the steamer.
- Aftercare: After the treatment, allow the warmth to continue working and do not wash the herbs off the skin immediately.
Recommended treatment time: approx. 30–60 minutes.
FAQ – Additional questions about herbal compress balls:
Are herbal compress balls suitable for professional use?
Yes, herbal compress balls are suitable for professional use in massage studios, spas, and wellness hotels, provided they are heated and applied correctly. Many businesses use single-use herbal compress balls to meet hygiene requirements more easily.
How are herbal compress balls heated correctly?
Herbal compress balls are usually heated in a steamer or, depending on the product, in a microwave. Before application, the temperature should always be tested on the therapist’s own skin.
Is there a risk of burns when using herbal compress balls?
If used improperly, herbal compress balls can cause burns. Regular temperature checks and continuous movement during the treatment help prevent overheating in one area.
Are herbal compress balls hygienic?
Single-use herbal compress balls are considered particularly hygienic for professional spa and studio use. Reusable herbal compress balls require thorough drying and proper storage to prevent moisture and bacterial growth.
Are herbal compress balls suitable for sensitive skin?
Generally yes, however herbal compress balls contain active plant ingredients that may cause reactions in sensitive individuals. Studios should ask about allergies in advance, communicate ingredients transparently, and test carefully with sensitive clients.
Can herbal compress balls be combined with massage oil?
Yes, herbal compress ball massage treatments are often combined with a preparatory oil massage or used as a combination of heat and massage oil.
How long do herbal compress balls last and how should they be stored?
Unopened herbal compress balls usually have a long shelf life when stored in a cool, dry place. Moisture and direct sunlight should be avoided.