Wood therapy is a vigorous massage technique known as Maderoterapia, Maderotherapy, or wooden massage. It is a holistic technique using wooden implements to massage and manipulate the body.
The tools help break down fat and cellulite, improve circulation, and reduce stress. This therapy is believed to have originated in Asia centuries ago.
It became popular in South America in the early 2000s and is now gaining popularity in other parts of the world.
The method of wood therapy has seen a surge in fame, primarily in South America, where people call it Maderoterapia.
Madera is Spanish for wood. It draws inspiration from ancient healing practices and is often used in spa and wellness settings.
There is some scientific evidence to support the benefits of wood therapy. For example, one study found that wood therapy can help reduce cellulite’s appearance.
The treatment utilizes various wooden tools specifically designed to target different areas of the body, applying other pressures and techniques to achieve desired effects.
This method uses hand-held devices like vacuum-suction cups & rolling pins. As rumor has it, wood therapy is centuries old and originated in Asia.
Wood therapy lacks scientific research. Information about it comes mainly from the spas and clinics that provide it rather than from established institutions.
Table of Contents
Types of Tools
Wood therapy employs a range of wooden instruments crafted from different wood types, such as oak, beech, or bamboo.
These tools are carefully designed to have different shapes, sizes, and textures, allowing for a versatile and effective treatment.
Standard instruments include wooden rollers, cups, spheres, spatulas, and sculpting boards.
Scrapers:
These are used to remove dead skin cells and stimulate circulation.
Cups:
These create skin suction, which helps break up cellulite and improve circulation.
Rolling pins:
These cylindrical wooden tools massage large body areas like the buttocks, back, legs, arms, and abdomen.
Depending on the client’s needs, they can apply gentle, more profound, more intense pressure.
These are used to massage large body areas, such as the legs, buttocks, and
Mallets:
These are used to massage deeper tissues, such as the muscles.
Sculpting:
These are specially shaped wooden tools used to sculpt and contour the body. They can target specific body areas, such as the thighs, buttocks, and abdomen.
Gua Sha
Flat, smooth wooden tools scrape the skin in a specific pattern to promote circulation and lymphatic drainage. They are often used on the face, neck, and shoulders.
Benefits
Wood therapy offers several potential uses for the body and overall well-being.
Improved blood circulation:
The massage techniques and pressure applied during wood therapy can help stimulate blood flow, enhancing oxygenation and nutrient delivery to the tissues.
Reduction of cellulite:
Wood therapy is believed to help break down fat and cellulite, which can improve the appearance of the skin.
Targeted Areas:
Wood therapy can be applied to various body areas, including the back, abdomen, arms, legs, buttocks, and face.
Different wooden instruments are used to target specific areas and address particular concerns.
Relaxation: Wood therapy can be a deeply relaxing experience, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
Reduced stress:
Wood therapy is a relaxing massage that can help reduce stress and improve overall well-being.
Increased muscle tone:
Wood therapy can help increase muscle tone, improve posture, and reduce pain.
Improved skin tone and texture:
The scraping motions used in guasha can help to arouse collagen production, improving the appearance of the skin.
Reduced muscle tension:
Wood therapy can help release muscle tension, reducing pain and stiffness.
Techniques & Movements
The therapist uses a combination of styles and movements to manipulate the body using wooden instruments.
The exercises vary from gentle strokes and circular motions to more intense kneading and deep tissue work.
Depending on the desired outcome and the area being treated, the therapist may also use tapping, scraping, and vibrating motions.
Muscle relaxation:
Manipulating wooden tools on the body helps release muscle tension and knots, promoting peace and alleviating muscle aches and pains.
Lymphatic drainage:
Wood therapy can aid in promoting lymphatic drainage, assisting the body in eliminating toxins and reducing fluid retention.
Skin rejuvenation:
Wood therapy can improve skin texture and appearance by stimulating collagen production and enhancing the effectiveness of skincare products.
Body contouring and cellulite reduction:
Some wood therapy techniques, such as sculpting and rolling, aim to break down fatty deposits, improve skin tone, and contour the body’s shape.
Expectation
People have reported that wooden tools can be unbearable, especially if the massage therapist is inexperienced. If you wish to try wood therapy, use an experienced practitioner.
- During a wood therapy session, specialized wooden tools are used repetitively on specific body areas, such as the face, torso, arms, and legs. Deep, continuous, direct pressure is placed on “problem areas.” The tools are sanitized between uses.
- The first few sessions may cause discomfort as you work with your practitioner to determine the right amount of pressure. Sessions may become more comfortable over time. These therapy sessions typically last for about 60 minutes. Depending on your tolerance level, the therapist will use the wooden tools to massage the body rhythmically and vigorously. The massage can be pretty intense, but it is also very relaxing.
- Wood therapy may cause bruising for some people. For this reason, avoiding wood therapy on your face or susceptible body areas may make sense. The specialist will use a variety of wooden instruments. Some of these look like highly grooved or textured rolling pins. Others have a contoured figures or look like bells.
- A specialist will use the bells as pressure devices. To achieve the results, you may be required to have treatments done quite a few times a week over 3 to 4 months. Some specialists indicate that at least 10 to 12 sessions will be obligatory before you can see any results.
Side Effects
Always discuss new treatments with your doctor first to ensure they are safe and suitable. Wood therapy is usually safe if performed by a trained professional.
It should not be painful, but it may feel uncomfortable. Some side effects include:
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Swelling
You may notice some temporary swelling. It should go down within 24 hours.
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Bruising
It’s sometimes possible to see bruising after wood therapy.
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Pain
Usually associated with an inexperienced massage therapist using too much force on tender areas of the body;
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Redness
As more blood rushes to the surface of the skin, you may notice redness—which will be temporary.
Precautions
Wood therapy is a unique and effective massage technique providing various physical and mental health benefits.
While wood therapy can be beneficial, it is essential to consider certain precautions and contraindications.
It is important to note that wood therapy should only be performed by a licensed & trained therapist to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Individuals with certain medical conditions, such as open wounds, skin infections, varicose veins, or thrombosis, may need to avoid or modify the treatment.
It is advisable to consult with a qualified therapist or healthcare professional to determine if wood therapy is suitable for your specific needs.
Contraindications
- Contagious diseases like any flu or cold, no matter how mild it may seem
- Acute injuries or Recent operations
- Fever
- Skin diseases
- Neuritis
- Varicose veins
- Pregnancy
- Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
- Bruising
- Influence of drugs or alcohol-including prescription pain medication
- Abrasions
- Cuts
- Sunburn
- Inflammation, including arthritis
- Undiagnosed pain
- Cardio-vascular conditions (thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, heart conditions)
- Psoriasis or eczema
- Oedema
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Cancer
- Osteoporosis
- Nervous or psychotic conditions
- Epilepsy
- Heart problems, angina, those with pacemakers
- Diabetes
- Gynecological infections
- Bells palsy, trapped or pinched nerves
Tips
Here are some suggestions for finding a qualified wood therapy therapist:
- Check with your massage therapist or local spa association.
- Ask your doctor for a referral.
- Look for a therapist who is certified in wood therapy.
- Calendar a consultation with the therapist to discuss your needs and expectations.
Overall Conclusion
Further research is needed to understand wood therapy’s benefits fully. If you are bearing in mind trying wood therapy, it is essential to find a qualified therapist.
The therapist should be trained in the use of wooden tools and should be able to customize the massage to your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do the results of wood therapy last?
Many report results lasting up to a few months after their last treatment.
However, maintenance treatments are necessary to keep the good results you have achieved.
Wood therapy only gives temporary results. The more consistent you are with it, the better your results will be and the longer they will last.
How long does it take to see results from wood therapy?
Minimal results will be visible after the first treatment. Usually, treatments are performed several times a week for many weeks to see the full benefits.
Results can vary from person to person because everyone responds differently to different treatments.
Because the results are temporary, periodic maintenance treatments are required to keep the skin looking good.
Who should not have wood therapy?
It is always best to check with your doctor before starting wood therapy to ensure it will not harm you.
Wood therapy is not recommended for those with rashes, cuts, open wounds, or undiagnosed lumps in the massage area.
Patients with a fever, infection, pregnancy, recent surgery, certain cardiovascular conditions, and diabetes must check with their doctor first. Patients on blood thinners may bruise more easily.
