Herbal poultice massage is an ancient technique that originated in Thailand during the Ayutthaya period (14th to 18th centuries). Back then, poultices were used on wounded soldiers returning home with painful inflammation, typically to draw out toxins, treat abscess wounds and alleviate exhausted muscles. These warriors would seek out a “healing master” who would apply poultices filled with various herbs, spices, plant roots and essential oils, and use them on their bodies in a kneading, tapping and systematic manner.
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Herbal poultice massage is an ancient technique that originated in Thailand during the Ayutthaya period (14th to 18th centuries). Back then, poultices were used on wounded soldiers returning home with painful inflammation, typically to draw out toxins, treat abscess wounds and alleviate exhausted muscles. These warriors would seek out a “healing master” who would apply poultices filled with various herbs, spices, plant roots and essential oils, and use them on their bodies in a kneading, tapping and systematic manner.
Poultices are made using unbleached muslin, cotton or linen bags that are filled with specific herbs, tied into a tight pouch and steamed in a specific steamer or rice cooker. The heat allows the natural oils, aromas and beneficial plant matter to seep out; the poultice is then then rhythmically kneaded and massaged over the body or face.
An increasing number of spas around the world are now offering poultice massages on their menus, and plenty of skin and body care companies are teaching specific protocols to therapists as part of their product branding. Today, poultices can be incorporated into full body massages, body treatments, pedicures, manicures, facials and more.
Head-to-Toe Benefits
In Thailand, a typical poultice contains traditional herbs from local gardens. These herbs have both medicinal and aesthetic uses and can be taken into the body topically or via inhalation. The unique drawing properties of each handpicked herb causes an immediate decrease of inflammation and pain. These methods allow the medicinal properties of the herbs to have profound healing effects on the body.
The warm pressure of the herbal poultices also relieves muscle tension and soreness, as the steam and physical heat create a therapeutic warmth supported by the herbal oils. Once a poultice is in contact with the skin, the person experiences an increase in lymph and blood circulation, thereby relieving inflammation and promoting healing. It works on an even deeper level when used in a massage, as it effects the muscle groups for maximum benefits and assisting with hormonal imbalances, pain and illness recovery.
Therapeutically, an herbal poultice uses anti-inflammatory herbs that help with:
- Muscle aches
- Muscle and ligament relaxation
- Joint pain and inflammation
- Arthritis
- Headaches
- Upper respiratory issues
- Edema
- Stiffness
- Cramps
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Stress
- Digestive conditions
- Acne
- Fibromyalgia
- Soft tissue injuries
- Decreased energy levels
Facial poultices can include a variety of herb choices, each designed for a specific skin type; this is the same for the body, where different herbs can be used to address a variety of soft tissue conditions.
Working With Poultices
Once the steaming process softens the poultices and intensifies the herbs and essential oil content to be released, the poultice is then used to massage muscles with deep, rolling motions, helping to eliminate soreness while invigorating the body’s energy. The techniques also involve pressing the heated poultice along the muscles and joints to allow the heat and herbs to be absorbed into the tissue. The poultices can be used with a gentle touch, too, pressing and lifting up to a tapping and vigorous pounding on specific parts of the body depending on the guest’s needs.
Poultice massage should focus on specific pressure points that help rejuvenate, relax and nourish the skin and body, while providing nutrient-rich ingredients and deeper relaxation to the skin and muscles. Common therapeutic ingredients include:
- Prai: an herb from Thailand used to relieve sore and tired joints
- Coriander: anti-inflammatory
- Ashwagandha: alleviates tense muscles and relieves stress
- Mustard: skin and body detox
- Black peppercorn: high antioxidant activity
- Turmeric: a natural analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial and antioxidant
- Clove: improves skin health and cleanses infection
- Bay leaf: antifungal for the skin
- Rosemary: natural antibacterial
- Rose: improves circulation
- Sage: improves sleep
- Sandalwood: calming
- Lavender: anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, antibacterial, healing and soothing
- Ginger: warming, stimulating and anti-inflammatory
- Lemongrass: helps regenerate connective tissue, stimulate lymphatic detox and treat water retention
- Kaffir lime: tones the skin
- Camphor: stimulates the circulatory and nervous systems, and eases muscle spasms
In general, poultices should be pre-soaked (ideally 30 minutes to an hour) in hot water before being placed in the steamer. Remember to remove excess water—never use a poultice if it’s too wet—then heat in the steamer for approximately 15 minutes.
During the treatment, the poultice should always be moving. Continuous, rapid tapping movements in the beginning will better disperse the heat. Every poultice massage should end with a finishing pressure.
Keep in mind that there are contraindications for poultice massage. Guests who are pregnant or suffer from heart conditions, cancer or epilepsy should not receive this treatment. Clients who have a sunburn or other skin inflammation should also avoid poultice massages.
Poultice Protocol
These poultice massage techniques will give you an idea of what a typical service entails.
Stand to the right side of the guest and place your left hand on the solar plexus and right hand on the heart chakra. Slowly work clockwise and counterclockwise six times, which encourages the client’s breath to slow and deepen.
With the small face poultices, work on the clavicle and move across to the shoulders to take out heat. Then, work up onto the face, finishing at the crown chakra.
Using the body poultices, start by tapping across the shoulders to take out heat. Apply oil to the right arm and effleurage, and perform the poultice massage. Apply oil to the right leg and effleurage, then perform the poultice massage.
Next, begin compressions with poultices along the arches of the feet—right foot first, then left along the chakra points—using slow, circular movements up the meridian lines. This unblocks any stagnant energy flow for improved health.
Next, repeat the poultice massage protocol for the left leg, and then move on to the abdomen, following the direction of the colon with the poultice. Repeat the arm massage for the left arm.
Ask the guest to turn over so they are lying face down. Apply oil to the right leg and effleurage, perform the poultice massage to the back of the leg, then repeat for the left leg. Finally, apply oil to the back and effleurage, perform the massage, cover and have the guest turn face up.
Remove the oil from their feet with hot mitts or towels, and complete the massage with a slow, gentle rocking of the entire body. Allow a few moments for the client to re-emerge from the state of deep relaxation. Offer them water or herbal tea, and encourage them to enjoy the lounge area before leaving the spa.
If possible, the therapist can send the herbal poultices used in the service home with the client to be used as a therapeutic bath soak.
Goldie Bonnell, international training manager for ESPA in the Americas, has more than 25 years of experience in the skin care and wellness industries. She has designed programs and client treatments for numerous spas and is a featured speaker at industry trade shows.
