Bamboo massage

A bamboo massage is the use of hollow bamboo canes that are warmed^[1] or used at room temperature in general massage. They are used as a tool in all modalities of massage. The treatment is currently gaining popularity in spas and salons and with massage and beauty therapists.^[2] They can be used as a treatment in their own right or in conjunction with hot stones. Bamboo cupping jars were used in Traditional Chinese medicine.^[3]

Technique

The bamboo cane replaces the therapist's hands, and it is able to give a deeper, firmer massage. The cane is held by the therapist and rolled over the muscle with the same strokes they would use with their hands. The muscle is then kneaded, which assists in the release of tension and easing of knots.^[4] This technique uses the general principles of massage. Massage practitioners often use the whole arm from elbow to wrist, however the use of the bamboo cane replaces this technique.^[5]

Effect

This technique works in a very similar way to stone massage. Hands are used to work over the muscles and the cane is used to focus on knots. Muscles relax to a deeper level when the cane is warmed. The principles and benefits of general massage are found in this modality. As the cane is used instead of the hand, all techniques and modalities can incorporate the use of bamboo canes. As the therapist is not using their hands as much, this can have the added benefit of less stress to the practitioner's hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders.^[6]

References

External links

• httpsInternational Bamboo Therapy Association