t0813spaholics_feat5_2 — THE BAMBOO cane replaces the hands of the therapist. The cane is held by the therapist and rolled over the muscle with the same strokes they would use with their hands.

The spa world never runs out of creative yet effective ways to ease a tired body and soothe a weary soul. The art of massage has seen several modifications over the years—from applying balmy concoctions to employing various natural materials—in order to provide an hour or two of blissful relaxation. And one of these massage tools from nature is slowly yet surely finding its way into the must-try list among spaholics.

As its name suggests, Bamboosage makes use of hollow bamboo canes in all modalities of massage. These bamboo canes are organically treated and come in various lengths and diameters. They may be warmed or used in room temperature.

Basically, the bamboo cane replaces the hands of the therapist. The cane is held by the therapist and rolled over the muscle with the same strokes they would use with their hands. This technique provides deep-tissue work as the therapist can focus on loosening the knots on muscles more effectively with the use of the bamboo cane.

Some practitioners even combine elements of shiatsu, traditional Chinese medicine (together with bamboo cupping jars), Thai massage, and even Ayurveda into the technique. It promotes circulation, sensory nerve perception, and lymphatic drainage. And with the bamboo cane aiding the therapist to give firmer muscle contact, bamboo massage provides a deep sense of relaxation.

t0813spaholics_feat5_1 — THE BAMBOO canes are organically treated and come in various lengths and diameters.

Interestingly enough, bamboo massage does not only benefit spa-goers who wish to experience this latest exotic massage technique. Therapists, too, are somewhat relieved of the stress on their hands, wrists, arms and shoulders while kneading the muscles. Using bamboo canes instead of bare hands lessens the strain on the fingers while still allowing for deeply penetrating maneuvers.

Using bamboo canes in giving a massage is far more than just a fad. In ancient China, where the material was used in a multitude of ways, bamboo was also used as a form of creative and spiritual expression, and took on ritual and healing connotations. It symbolizes eternal youth, strength, prosperity and peace. So what may seem as simply a new technique in massage has actually ancient roots and perhaps even deeper associations than simply bodywork.