One of the trending massage modalities in recent times is wood therapy or radiotherapy. This technique, which goes back to ancient Eastern teachings, utilizes wooden implements created for this method that provide deep tissue massages with finishing touches explicitly designed for the reduction of cellulite, body sculpting or contouring and muscular function relief. The surge in popularity leads many to wonder: does wood therapy work? In this post, we will explore what wood therapy is all about and whether any scientific evidence supports its claim.
What is Wood Therapy?
The practice of Wood Therapy is the utilisation of various wooden instruments to massage or manipulate specific areas, aiming to help facilitate targeted physical benefits. They are designed to fit your body’s concave and convex shapes, making it easy for you to apply firm pressure as intended by therapists only with theriter. Traditional massage uses hands, elbows and sometimes stones to apply pressure and work the skin. Wood therapy includes different wooden tools created for specific purposes such as cellulite reduction, sculpting the body or muscle relaxation unconventionally, unlike any other traditional massaging technique(1).
Categories of the Wood Therapy Block
The primary concept of wood therapy involves draining the lymphatic system, activating the circulation, and breaking down fat deposits. This, in turn, is thought to promote smoother skin and a firmer-looking silhouette. Both can be beneficial, and users say the natural characteristics of wood add to the effectiveness, directing more heat where it’s needed most.
Tools Used in Wood Therapy
Wood therapy can be performed with various wooden tools, as these are designed to serve a specific purpose. These include rollers, cubes, and a contouring board tailored to the way you massage. For starters, the rod roller usually helps to free blood movement and destroy fat, and a shaping board casually sets about chopping arms. Using all of these tools together in a session is what wood therapy says sets it apart from other types of massage and makes it more effective.
Read: Is Sleep Apnea a Disability? Impact, Rights of Tradark Contracts
Benefits of Wood Therapy
Wood therapy has been widely celebrated for many physical benefits, some based on anecdotal evidence more than scientifically supported research. Here are some of the benefits noted by practitioners and clients:
Cellulite Reduction
It is best known for its anti-cellulite capabilities, as this claim has gained the most popularity. After a few sessions, many users have reported that their cellulite has reduced significantly due to fat deposits being broken down and the skin becomes smooth. Wooden tools are used to massage the subcutaneous layer of skin where cellulite is found, causing fat cells to be broken down.
Body Contouring
Wood therapy reduces cellulite and complements body contouring, including muscle toning and sculpting. Wood tools give surgeons precise control, and they say the pressure points can accent body contours.
Lymphatic Drainage
One of the other great benefits of wood therapy is its effect on your lymphatic system. The treatment stimulates the natural process of lymphatic circulation and effectively helps to remove toxins and excess fluids from tissue, reducing swelling and feeling lighter. Such a practice is essential for keeping your immune system healthy and helping you eliminate toxins.
Muscle Tension Relief
Wood therapy is used for muscle tension and relaxation. Wooden tools perform deep tissue massage, releasing muscle knots, reducing stress, and enhancing overall relaxation. This is very advantageous for individuals who suffer from chronic muscle tightness or stress-based tension.
Is There Scientific Evidence?
Many people believe in wood therapy and its positive impact, but we must achieve a broad scientific consensus. Nevertheless, some small-scale studies and observations are intriguing.
Wood therapy was one of these studies.
A few studies have found that wood therapy may help with cellulite reduction and body contouring. For instance, studies have found that wood therapy-like massage techniques can help improve skin texture and tone. Nevertheless, little is known about the role played by wooden tools in these behaviours.
Criticisms and Skepticism
While the results are encouraging, there is a note of scepticism. However, much of the evidence backing wood therapy is anecdotal, and critics suggest there may be a substantial placebo effect regarding its benefits. The placebo effect is an experience in which people feel they have fewer symptoms because their medical treatment helped. When it comes to wood therapy, this possibility can only partially be crossed off the list.
What Happens in A Wood Therapy Session
If you’ve wondered about trying wood therapy, here is what to expect from a session. The first sessions of wood therapy (well, this applies to me) involve a consultation, during which you point out all the areas you want to be attacked. The clinician will discuss your objectives and tailor the session accordingly.
The Procedure
Throughout the session, you will most likely feel those wooden tools getting pushed and rolled on your own skin. Sensations range from relaxing to a tiny bit much, depending on how hard they press and where. Looking at it this way, one can immediately see the benefits of techniques involving rubbing with rolling strokes or pressing and sliding motions because they focus on particular stages, enhancing blood circulation while reducing fat mobilisation in target regions and supporting lymphatic drainage.
Aftercare Recommendations
Post-wood therapy, it is advised to drink lots of water so the toxins released during the session can be better disposed of. You may also be told not to exercise for the rest of that day because it can take a while (hours, even) before your body is fully recovered at such depths.
The tiny print on Spectrum PainterPotential Problems and Things to Consider
Although wood therapy is generally safe, there are some risks and precautions to consider. Some might experience slight side effects like skin irritation, bruising, or soreness following a session. Normally, these effects are temporal and will cease in a few days.
When is Wood Therapy Not Recommended?
Unfortunately, wood therapy is not for everyone. People with specific medical conditions, like varicose veins and severe skin conditions or if you are pregnant should avoid using wood therapy treatments — speak to a healthcare professional. Of course, they should consult their doctor to ensure the treatment is safe, given any underlying health issues.
Conclusion
So, does wood therapy work? Well, it’s not that pretty simple… Despite the word of mouth and fame, it is still a bit premature from science. At the very least, wood therapy has distinct benefits—especially for people who want to reduce cellulite and boost body contouring—but it might not work miracles on all bodies. However, like all wellness treatments, it is essential to consider the potential benefits against risks and speak with a professional if you are concerned.
