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Energy Boost Compress Chop equal parts of the fresh herbs into half-inch-long pieces, and mix them together in a large bowl. (Dried herbs may be substituted if fresh are unavailable.) Lay out sections of cheesecloth of about one square foot, and scoop a fist-sized amount of the herbal mixture onto each. Bundle the herbs into the cheesecloth, and secure with a string or rubber band. Place the bundles in an electric vegetable steamer. If you do not have a steamer, an acceptable substitute can be made by placing a metal colander inside a large saucepan or stockpot. Fill the pot with water up to, but not touching, the bottom of the colander, so that the herb bundles will not become soaked. Steam the bundles for 5-10 minutes. When ready, apply the compresses directly to the skin. To avoid burning the client, test each steamed bundle on your forearm before application. Use one compress per body area, exchanging it for a new, hot compress from the steamer every 5-7 minutes. Keep a rotation, and close the steamer lid in between so that there is always a hot compress ready. (You may have to experiment a bit when not using an electric steamer.) Compresses may be reused several times during the course of a massage, but should be replaced with fresh herbs for each client. The cheesecloth can be washed and reused. |
