Wood therapy emerged from the oriental culture for thousands of years, but today it is still valid. In fact, it is quite requested and there are those who consider it effective. What does it consist of? What are its benefits? How it is performed? Read on to find out!
Over time, humans have been forced to find procedures to alleviate many of their ailments. Due to this, and in one of those medicinal searches, the Orientals created wood therapy. This intervention uses wooden elements to massage the skin and promote the recovery of the body.
However, it was not always as it is now known. At first, the wood that was used retained its traditional shape and was little molded, since at that time there were no tools to change its shape and adjust it to the body. Of course, it was something that changed as the technique improved. We will tell you more below.
What is Wood Therapy?
Wood therapy is a technique in which a rigorous and complete massage is performed with the help of various utensils made of wood. Each of these instruments has a specific shape and size, since they adapt to different areas of the body to fulfill a function.
According to a review published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, this type of therapy has positive effects to relax the body and reduce various types of ailments. It is even an aid to calm stress, muscle and joint pain, circulatory difficulties, among other diseases.
In turn, cosmetic benefits are attributed to it, since it is believed that its regular application reduces the appearance of cellulite, scars and varicose veins. And although there is a lack of evidence about its effectiveness, today it has a very important place in the field of aesthetics.
According to oriental culture, other positive aspects of wood therapy are the following:
- It has the ability to firm and tone the body.
- Improves breathing.
- Increase physical performance.
- Helps control anxiety.
Wood therapy instruments
Wood therapy is a healthy technique that aims to promote the well-being of people. Therefore, one of its main characteristics is that the massage is carried out locally on the parts of the body that the patient needs it.
In accordance with the above, there are different instruments to work on recovering from ailments. Next, we detail the most relevant ones.
Smooth roller – The smooth roller is a beneficial element in terms of health and aesthetics because it helps the proper functioning of the circulatory system. Apparently, it stimulates the nervous system, relaxes the body, and helps reduce fat cells.
Shaping table – The molding table is used so that the path of the blood is adequate. Thus, the person is prevented from suffering edema, since it favors the circulation of fluids. It is also the instrument used to massage the most delicate layers of the skin.
Swedish cup – The Swedish cup is a tool used to shape or shape areas such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks, back and waist. It is believed to decrease fat accumulation and cellulite.
Roller with cubes – A cube roller is used to massage the abdomen and waist. Like the previous instrument, its objective is to work on the reduction of body fat and cellulite.
Types of wood therapy and their benefits
With the evolution of the instruments to apply wood therapy, it was determined that it causes various benefits depending on the part of the body where it is applied. Therefore, it is currently a technique that is classified into several types. Let’s look at each one in detail.
Body wood therapy
Body wood therapy is a comprehensive treatment with several benefits for the person. First, it aims to drain localized fat to reduce and shape the figure. In turn, it helps to reduce stress and muscle tension caused by poor posture or excessive physical activity.
Physio-aesthetic wood therapy
This type of wood therapy aims to reduce physical pain caused by injuries or joint and muscle problems. It is essential that it is applied by a professional, as bad practice can be counterproductive.
Anti-cellulite wood therapy
One of the main objectives of wood therapy is to reduce the presence of cellulite, both in the abdomen, as well as in the buttocks and thighs. Through this technique, it is intended to improve blood and fluid circulation so that nodules do not form in these areas.
Facial wood therapy
In beauty or spa centers, the facial wood technique is used with the aim of firming the facial skin and improving its appearance. It is a gentle massage that improves circulation and leaves a smooth and toned appearance.
Breast wood therapy
It is a technique widely used in aesthetic centers. With specific elements of wood therapy, the breasts are massaged to shape and tone. It is often accompanied with firming products.
Contraindications
It is important to note that, to date, there are not enough clinical studies on the efficacy and safety of wood therapy. While there are studies that speak of the positive effects of massage therapy, there is no evidence as such for wood therapy. Still, it is considered safe for most people.
Anyway, it is essential to go to professionals when performing this procedure. One misapplication can cause inconvenience rather than benefit. In addition, its practice must be avoided in some cases. In particular, these are its contraindications:
- Kidney diseases.
- Considerable burns or skin lesions.
- Skin infections or diseases.
- Patients diagnosed with edema.
- Hypertension.
Preparation for wood therapy
In wood therapy there are 2 phases prior to direct contact between the wooden utensils and the person’s skin.
- To begin with, the specialist performs a manual massage to have a first contact with the skin and obtain a relaxation effect.
- Then, apply reducing oils or creams on the skin, depending on the objective of the massage. They can also be relaxing or pain products. After massaging with your hands again to distribute the product, finish the procedure with the massage with the wooden instruments.
What to Remember about Wood Massage?
Despite its popularity for medicinal and cosmetic purposes, there is insufficient evidence on the efficacy of wood therapy. Despite this, anecdotal data suggest that it is a good complement to shape the figure and reduce some ailments.
It is essential to seek a professional for your practice, since a bad application of massage with wooden elements can lead to unwanted injuries. Finally, it should be noted that it should not be a first-line treatment for any ailment. Medical care should always come first.
