RAKxa, Thailand’s integrative wellness and medical retreat in Bangkok, has launched a new package designed for Long-Covid sufferers which blends Traditional Thai Medicine (TTM) and Western medicine.

Available for three nights, the programme includes TTM’s established Ya-Pao ritual where a herbal paste is placed on guests’ stomachs and then lit on fire by an experienced practitioner to help detoxify respiratory systems. The mound of herbs is also gently wrapped with a cooling towel to protect the rest of the body.

The 110-minute practice follows TTM’s philosophy which is underpinned by a belief that the body is based on the four elements.

The heat from the treatment is hence intended to help remove excess water elements such as phlegm and mucus. After the Ya-Pao treatment, the doctor will prepare a herbal steamroom for the guest to make it even easier to remove phlegm, mucus and encourage total body detoxification.

Other holistic rituals featured in the schedule include acupuncture, Abhyanga, chakra balancing, personalised corrective exercises and Pranayama yoga.

As part of RAKxa’s philosophy which blends medicine and holistic wellness, two IV treatments and hyperbaric chamber therapy session round out the package.

The goal of the Long-Covid package is to reduce inflammation and rejuvenate the body by paying particular attention to the lungs, blood and overall respiratory health.

The package costs 150,000THB (€3,821, £3,261, US$4,542) per person and is kicked off with a Doctor’s consultation, health and wellness consultation and a functional fitness assessment, to help customise guests’ schedules.

In addition, participants will receive daily wellness cuisine and have free access to the spa’s thermal and hydrotherapy facilities, as well as its daily offering of fitness and leisure activities.