Autumn has a unique talent: it makes us love plaids, steaming mugs... and massage that warm the soul. As the light fades and the city takes on an ochre hue, we dream of enveloping warmth. Two rituals stand out from the crowd: the hot stone massage, as gentle as a roaring fire, and the Thai herbal massage, as invigorating as an infusion of spices. Are you torn between the two? Let us be your guide.
Imagine a shower of gentle warmth, a mineral embrace that relaxes every muscle. Hot stone massage is much more than a simple moment of cocooning: it's a genuine natural therapy, inherited from ancestral traditions, that acts as much on the body as on the mind.
Born of ancient Native American and Hawaiian practices, hot stone massage uses pebbles of basalt, a volcanic rock capable of retaining and diffusing heat. Heated to between 50°C and 60°C, these stones are laid on and glided over the skin to transmit a comforting energy.
The result: a unique combination of thermotherapy (heat treatment) and deep massage techniques that relax, release and regenerate.
The first sensation is immediate relaxation.
It's the ideal treatment for people prone to neck pain, lower back pain or tense shoulders caused by hours of office work.
Diffused heat acts as a natural booster:
Beyond the muscles, this massage also addresses the mind. The warm contact of the stones reduces cortisol, the stress hormone, and promotes the production of endorphins. The result: a feeling of deep calm, akin to meditation. Ideal for those going through a period of emotional overload or suffering from insomnia.
The combined action of heat and massage oils opens the pores, allowing nutrients to be better absorbed. Skin regains its suppleness and radiance, while the heat gently awakens vital energy (the famous chi or prana, depending on tradition).
Close your eyes and imagine the warm steam of a tropical garden: lemongrass, ginger, turmeric, kaffir lime... Thai herbal massage is both aromatic and therapeutic. More than just a massage, it's an invitation to travel, with each plant playing a very specific part.
For centuries, healers in the Kingdom of Siam have used cotton pouches filled with medicinal herbs to soothe warriors' tired muscles and warm the body. This tradition, known as Luk Pra Kob, combines the warmth of steam with the properties of local plants.
The result: a slow release of active ingredients that penetrates the skin and stimulates the senses.
Each pouch is a living infusion, often prepared the very same day. Recipes vary, but certain plants are unrivalled:
Each of these herbs is chosen not only for its medicinal virtues, but also for its ability to create a unique olfactory atmosphere.
The magic happens right from the start:
This combination of moist heat and aromatherapy promotes rapid absorption of the active ingredients by the skin and respiratory tract.
Thai herbal massage doesn't just relax:
Unlike classic oil massage, here it's all movement and fragrance. The steam escaping from the pouch envelops the room in the scent of spices, while the moist heat penetrates deep into the tissues. It's a portable spa, an Asian bubble at your fingertips.
Tip: a Thai massage with herbal pouches is also a great gift idea. There's nothing like an olfactory journey into the heart of autumn.