The History of Bamboo Massage As the name suggests, Bamboo Massage consists of massaging the body using Bamboo sticks of varying lengths and in a specific way. The sticks are usually warmed and work as a remedial treatment to promote deep relaxation as well as to stretch and elongate the muscle fascia (covering of the muscle) the treatment is fairly new to the UK, but is rapidly growing due to its positive effects. It is thought to have originated in South East Asia, when a Spa Therapist observed monkeys massaging each other with Bamboo whilst on her way to work. One theory of its development was by Nathalie Cecilia, originally from France, who developed a massage technique for her North American clients using Bamboo, mainly to be able to provide a deeper massage and to save her hands. She called this treatment Bamboo Fusion. Another theory is the development of Tian Di Bamboo Massage by Massage Therapist Ernesto Ortiz, who incorporated the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine into massage, using Bamboo sticks cut in different sizes to work as an extension of his hands to allow him to work deeper. Bamboo itself has a long history and the earliest record of its use dates back over 5000 years ago in China, where the Chinese used to record their history on thin slivers of bamboo as paper had not been invented. It is also used as a resource in daily life, such as within construction, creating musical instruments, utensils and floors, but can also be finely crushed and used in clothing and towels. Bamboo is highly renewable and sustainable, and in the correct conditions, can grow one foot in 24 hours. It has been thought of by many to symbolise gentleness, luck and serenity. Bamboo’s outer cell walls are covered with silica, which creates a crystalline –like matrix, which exhibits two specific properties relevant to massaging with bamboo. The first is piezoelectricity which is activated with pressure to generate an electric potential. The second property is pyroelectricity which is activated with heat and is also present in bones and tendons.

Benefits of Warm Bamboo Massage

Apart from the fact that it feels divine, Bamboo Massage allows the therapist to work deeper and more consistently throughout the massage without tiring. As well as the usual benefits of massage, it is thought to:

• Provide a more effective massage than manual massage in a shorter space of time

• Improve blood flow to the muscles due to stretching and elongating the fascia of the muscle

• Provide a deeper sense of relaxation than manual massage

• Relieve muscular tensions

There are also benefits to the therapist:

• The equipment is easily maintained

• Less pressure on the hands and wrists

• Quick and easy to set up

• Less tiring than manual massage

How Often Should We Have A Warm Bamboo Massage?

This will depend on the client and the reason for treating. The treatment is very remedial and many clients find that it quickly relieves any acute muscle pain that they may be experiencing. It is also very effective if used as a preventative treatment and may create a powerful effect.