In Thailand, the round cotton bundles, containing herbal mixtures, were additional secret tools of ancient healers to massage therapy. Traditional Thai massage with herbal balls is made with herbs and spices wrapped in cotton and infused in hot water or steam. Generally the compress contains from ten to twenty ingredients, such as lemongrass, tamarind, turmeric, Kaffir lime leaves, peppermint, eucaliptus and etc. During massage treatment, herbal balls warm all the body and smell very nice – the herbal aroma pack is both inhaled and absorbed by the skin.
Traditionally the herbal ball is placed on the specific areas after strong, active Thai massage therapy, warming up joints, tightened muscles and other parts of body. Herbal aroma calms, relaxes and reduces the tension, while the heat helps to open pores, refresh the skin, enhance blood circulation and reduce muscle or joint aches.