Bamboo Massage Buyers' Guide

What is bamboo massage?

Bamboo massage is an eco-friendly way to deliver a relaxing massage while taking pressure off therapists’ joints.   The bamboo tools are used as an extension of therapists’ fingers, thumbs, palms and forearms while the therapists’ joints remain safe from overuse and injury. Bamboo tools can be used while administering many massage techniques including Swedish massage, deep tissue and trigger point therapy.

Why bamboo?

Bamboo has been a staple in many Asian cultures for several centuries.  It is both functional-- being used in furniture, cooking utensils, and clothing; and spiritual-- symbolizing strength, youth and even fertility.  Bamboo grows quickly and it is easily renewable making it both friendly for the earth and affordable.  Bamboo retains heat well giving therapists the ability to apply heat to their clients’ muscles while administering massage with bamboo massage tools.

How are bamboo massage tools made?

Bamboo, which is actually a grass, is naturally hollow.  The solid bamboo massage tools we offer are created from compressed cross-sections of the solid part of the bamboo stick and then shaped and sanded into differing lengths and widths.  Our hollow bamboo sticks are simply cut pieces of bamboo that have been sanded to a smooth finish making them ideal for massage.

How do you give a bamboo massage?

There are several ways to administer a bamboo massage.  Typically therapists will apply oil, lotion or cream to their clients before starting the massage.  Therapists will then choose an appropriately sized bamboo tool to work a particular part of their clients’ body.  Large bamboo sticks are used to work larger muscle groups while smaller ones can be used on smaller parts of the body or for trigger point therapy.  Therapists will roll, knead, stroke, tap, and apply pressure to the clients’ body using the bamboo sticks.

Can the bamboo tools be heated?

Yes.  To heat the tools, simply lay them atop a heating pad and cover them will a towel.  You may even purchase a heating element specifically designed for warming up bamboo massage tools. 

Why heat bamboo massage tools?

Heat is known to relax muscles and increase circulation when it is applied to the body.  Using heated bamboo massage tools gives therapists the ability to penetrate the clients’ muscles more deeply making the massage more effective and relaxing. 

How are the various massage tools used?

The bamboo massage tools are meant to keep therapists’ joints free from stress while the therapists administer massage.  The tools are meant to be an extension of the therapists’ fingers, thumbs, palms, and forearms.  Here are the bamboo tools that are included in our Standard and Professional Bamboo Massage Tool Sets and the functions they serve:

Bamboo Stick #1:  (Round, Solid, 160mm x 14mm)

These sticks come in pairs and are available in both the Standard and Professional Bamboo Massage Tool Kits.  They can be used for smaller parts of the body like the face, hands and feet.  Because of their short, thin size, they can be used for trigger point therapy as well.

Bamboo Stick #2:  (Round, Solid, 250mm x 14mm)

This stick is available in the Professional Bamboo Massage Tool Kit.  This medium length, thin stick can be gripped on either end and used to knead and roll smaller muscle groups.  It can also be used in trigger point therapy. 

Bamboo Stick #3:  (Semi-Circular, Solid, 160mm x 32mm)

These sticks come in pairs and are available in both the Standard and Professional Bamboo Massage Tool Kits.  The flat side of these sticks fit easily against the palms of the hands and they act as an extension of therapists’ palms.  These short, thick sticks can be used to perform effleurage across the body.  Having both flat and rounded sides make these sticks very versatile; fitted together they can be rolled across sore muscle groups, like the neck muscles.

Bamboo Stick #4:  (Round, Solid, 160mm x 32mm)

This stick is available in both the Standard and Professional Bamboo Massage Tool Kits.  This short, thick stick fits into the palm of the hand and can be rolled across sore muscle groups, like the neck muscles.

Bamboo Stick #5:  (Round, Solid, 400mm x 32mm)

This stick is available in both the Standard and Professional Bamboo Massage Tool Kits.  It can be used as an extension of the therapist’s forearm as it sweeps across large muscle groups.  This long, thick stick can also be gripped with both hands on either end and used to knead sore, large muscle groups.

Bamboo Stick #6:  (Round, Solid, Towel Covered, 400mm x 14mm)

These sticks come in a pair in the Professional Bamboo Massage Tool Kit.  They are used for tapotement: a stimulating, rhythmic tapping designed to wake-up tired muscles and promote circulation.

Bamboo Stick #7:  (Round, Hollow, 200mm x 12-14mm)

These sticks come in a pair in the Professional Bamboo Massage Tool Kit.  They are naturally occurring pieces of cut bamboo that have been smoothed and sanded and can range slightly in thickness.  These medium-length, thin sticks can be gripped on either end and used to knead smaller muscle groups.  They can also be used for trigger point therapy.

Bamboo Stick #8:  (Round, Hollow, 200mm x 20-24mm)

These sticks come in a pair in the Professional Bamboo Massage Tool Kit.  They are naturally occurring pieces of cut bamboo that have been smoothed and sanded and can range slightly in thickness.  These medium-length, medium thickness sticks can be used to manipulate medium-sized muscle groups.

Bamboo Stick #10:  (450-480mm x 20-24mm)

These sticks come in a pair in the Professional Bamboo Massage Tool Kit.  They are naturally occurring pieces of cut bamboo that have been smoothed and sanded and can range slightly in thickness.  These extra-long, medium thickness sticks can be gripped on either end and used to manipulate larger muscle groups. 

How do you clean the bamboo tools?

You can wash the bamboo tools with a little soap and water.  After washing them, it is also advisable to quickly rub them down with an antibacterial wipe.  After cleaning the tools, use a little carrier oil to keep them conditioned.

How do I store the bamboo tools?

Both our Standard and Professional Bamboo Massage Kits come with a handsome bamboo sewn carrying case that conveniently fits all the tools and keeps them protected when not in use.