Ballotin massage: since the 14th century!

Thai herbal massage has been practiced in Thailand since the 14th century. In its early days, it was reserved for kings as well as important figures from the court of Ayutthaya which was the capital of ancient Thailand.

The inventor of this technique, Shivago Komarpaj, believed in his technique so much that he professed it to injured servicemen. Thai ballotin massage then became established because of its effectiveness in relieving and accelerating the healing of soldiers' wounds.

This is how Thai herbal massage gained popularity until it became the star of Western spas and massage therapy clinics in recent years. But what makes it so attractive?

Hummmm.the smell of herb boxess

The first answer to this question is undoubtedly the smell. Remaining intact since the 14th century, the mixture of herbs that makes up the ballotin mainly contains camphor, Indian verbena, turmeric, prai, kaffir lime and tamarind.

Once heated with steam, the ballotin releases scents of Thai herbs which fill the treatment room. That’s when the magic happens! What an olfactory journey! Which automatically plunges customers into a state of relaxation. I speak from experience!

But when the hot boxes are passed over the entire body and the active ingredients of the essential oils of the plants are released, we feel the real benefits resulting from an ancestral tradition dating back several centuries.

Therapeutic virtues

The ballotin massage is a well-being experience with therapeutic virtues thanks to the different properties of plants whose assimilation is favored by the heat and pressure of the ballotins. Not to mention that the fabric with which they are made acts as an exfoliant for the skin.

Moreover. When used on the face and neck, the ballotin massage provides lifting treatment and natural anti-wrinkle treatment. While for those who suffer from back, leg and foot pain, the heat and effect of the herbs provide quick relief!

For those who remain skeptical, see for yourself the virtues for which these plants have been selected by Thai masters!

• camphor for its antimicrobial properties
• Indian verbena to reduce inflammation
• turmeric because it is anti-bacterial and softens the skin
• Prai, a Thai herb that reduces muscle and joint pain
• kaffir lime which promotes blood circulation
• tamarind which encourages the regeneration of skin cells

Thai ballotin massage undoubtedly improves blood circulation. It is also anti-sceptical, anti-inflammatory and detoxifying. It is also easy to learn since it is practiced using only four techniques: stamping, rocking, pressing and rolling.

Boxes of herbs for the body and facee

Also note that there are two types of ballotins: large and small. The small ones are used primarily for facial care and are formulated differently to maximize benefits for the skin.

So here's a little history of Thai herb boxes. And you, what do you think of this technique??

To learn more about the herb boxes