Heated Bamboo Massage Therapy
Insights from the Field
We wanted to learn more about Amy’s experiences with heated bamboo massage, so we asked her! Follow along as she answers some questions related to her interests in heated bamboo massage therapy.
Tell us about your first experiences with heated bamboo in massage therapy.
When I found Heated Bamboo Massage, I was seeking relief for my body. I was close to burning out and my body was just tired. I saw people commenting on a few social media posts about it, and I was inspired to order a tool heater and bamboo tools from Amazon. I fell in love. It was wonderful to find something that helped my body as well as improved my results for my clients. I love a win-win! Before I decided to get certified in using heated bamboo, I wanted to feel what bamboo massage felt like but I couldn’t find anyone in my area doing it.
Instead, I brought all my tools and heater to my next massage appointment and asked my massage therapist if they would be willing to play a little so I could feel it. She was hesitant at first but then once she put her hands on the tools, she was curious herself. After a 90minute of playing around, she agreed to come with me to go get certified. That’s how powerful these tools are!!
Bamboo Tools
This is a beatiful picture of some of Amy’s tools she and her husband make in their home studio. These tools, heater bags, and more are available in their online shop. Visit her website to learn more! Of course, we recommend taking her classes before buying the tools. It’s critical that you understand the safety and sanitization best practices before using new tools.
Why do you encourage others to use heated bamboo?
I encourage people to use heated bamboo within their sessions to benefit themselves and their clients. Using these tools as a therapist-you’re going to do half the work. Sometimes my students even say, “I feel like I’m not doing anything.” The person on the table (client) is like, “Oh yeah, you’re definitely doing something.” Don’t forget, these tools are made of wood and are not as forgiving as the tissue of our hands or forearms.
When I first started using bamboo, I was not confident because I had not yet received training. I was still using my hands a lot and would just do a few passes with bamboo to see if the client liked it. One of the moments I really knew bamboo was definitely for me was with a particular client and everything finally clicked.
I had thoroughly massaged this woman’s quad and felt as though I was ready to move on to the next part of the body. I decided to challenge myself and use bamboo before leaving the area. I felt like I was barely pressing down and went over what felt like a golf ball. My hands stopped, the client and I locked eyes and we both just kind of went-WOW! Did you feel that!? I have always prided myself on being able to ‘feel’ so profoundly. So, I was slightly shocked and honestly, kind of sad that my hands didn’t pick it up. I immediately went back over it with my hands-no bump. I used my forearm for a deeper glide with pretty good pressure and still, no golf ball. I guided the bamboo tool back on her quad and it was like running over a speed bump. These tools will find knots that you did not know were hiding out. To this day, that client says she’s on top of her marathon game and her minor knee issue is gone.
How has using heated bamboo tools impacted your massage therapy practice?
Doing bamboo massage reinvigorated my passion for healing! When I was searching for something to help my body I didn’t understand I also was in a bit of a rut technique wise. Now I have so many different bodies to work with, and I get to treat a variety of tissue issues without sacrificing my own body to help others. *Plus, using these wooden tools is a great way to bring more nature into a healing journey. Find more ways to infuse nature into your practice HERE.
Lifelong Learning
Stay tuned for more Q&A style articles from industry leaders and other massage therapists. It is our mission to radically shift the way people view massage therapy and to inspire massage therapists and wellness practitioners to expand your minds and your practices to include an integrated appoach to healing.