Why it works… Bamboo Massage

It might be in the middle of the Cotswolds, but Ellenborough Park’s treatments provide an experience of international standards. Their Bamboo Massage is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg…

What exactly is the Bamboo Massage?

This is a massage that can deliver stress relief, muscle strengthening, lymph-drainage and ir improves the circulation. Using the bamboo canes the muscles can be massaged to a deep level, stretches help increase overall flexibility, reflexology points help target specific problems and help improve wellbeing, and lymph drainage helps to detoxify and drain excess fluid from the body.

Where does it come from?

Chinese, Indonesian, and Japanese festivals, rituals, and myths abound with bamboo symbolizing life energy, prosperity, longevity, sexuality and fertility. In China stalks of bamboo still symbolize eternal youth, strength, prosperity, and peace. While bamboo massage is gaining popularity in spas all over the world the origins have ancient roots. In a time when we are looking to conserve our ecosystem as much as possible it is reassuring to know that bamboo itself is highly sustainable; in a favourable habitat bamboo can grow by one foot in 24 hours.

What is it supposed to do?

What do you want it to do? This treatment is great for relaxing, stretching, lymphatic drainage, and deep tissue work. As with all massage, let your therapist know exactly what you are looking for and if you need the pressure changing, just ask.

Is there anything you do to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment?

The massage oil uses a bamboo bio-extract which helps nourish and restore the skin, the oil is immediately absorbed and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. The oil is obtained from the pith of the bamboo cane and is rich in normalising and nourishing natural ingredients which help to balance the skin.

Is there anything you recommend clients to do pre or post-treatment to get the most out of it?

As with all massages getting into a sauna, steam room or spa pool beforehand is a great way to warm the muscles up and most importantly relax you, the client. Afterwards more relaxation is ideal, you do not want to be rushing around or exercising and I doubt you would have the energy for it. You will get more benefit from enjoying the aftereffects than pushing yourself and undoing all of your therapist’s good work.

Is there anyone you particularly recommend the treatment for?

The treatment benefits so many client types, from stressed, anxious people who need a massage that works on a deep muscular level whilst encouraging relaxation, to post workout, deep tissue fanatics. The main advantage to a therapist is the reduction of strains on the wrists leaving the therapist more energised and able to focus their energies on the client.

Is there anyone who shouldn’t have this treatment and why?

Obviously there are certain medical conditions that really aren’t compatible with this treatment such as arthritis, broken bones, pregnancy, recent operations, weak lumber back and chronic back pain. Always check with your spa beforehand just in case this treatment is not right for you, they will always be able to recommend an alternative.