Introduction
Maderotherapy, also known as wood therapy, is a revolutionary, non-invasive 100% natural technique that blends the art of ancient massage with the benefits of natural wood.
This unique therapy utilizes specially crafted wooden tools to deeply massage and contour the body, offering guaranteed results in both health and beauty.
Renowned for its effectiveness in cellulite reduction, body sculpting, and improving lymphatic drainage, Maderotherapy not only promises a more toned and sculpted body silhouette but also enhances overall well-being.
Its gentle, yet powerful approach provides a holistic alternative to traditional beauty treatments, making it an ideal choice for those seeking natural, yet visible improvements in their appearance and health.
1. What is Maderotherapy?
Maderotherapy, or wood therapy, has its roots in ancient South American healing traditions, where it emerged as a significant cultural practice for physical and spiritual well-being.
Historically, this technique was developed as a holistic approach to health, utilizing the natural energy and shapes of wood to heal and rejuvenate the body.
The basic principle of Maderotherapy revolves around using specially crafted wooden tools to apply pressure to different parts of the body, enhancing lymphatic drainage, reducing cellulite, and improving blood circulation.
This form of massage not only reflects a deep cultural appreciation for natural elements in healing but also embodies a philosophy of balance and harmony between the body and nature.
Over time, Maderotherapy has evolved, integrating modern massage techniques while retaining its traditional roots, making it a unique blend of cultural heritage and contemporary wellness practice.
2. The Tools of the Trade
a. Contouring Board
Th contouring board is used with oil to contour the body while assisting in the removal of excess fat through the lymphatic system.
b. Engraved Roller
This tool will help get rid of localised fat pockets (dimples) and reduce cellulite while reaffirming and toning the skin layers. It is used interchangeably with the Cubed Roller in different motions: up and down, sideways and circular.
c. Cubed Roller
The cubes roller is used like the engraved roller. It fits perfectly to the hips, waist, stomach, legs and buttocks. The treatment is performed with oil like the 2 previous wooden tools.
d. Indented Spiral Roller
The indented spiral roller is used on curvy areas. This tool is used in a vertical motion like a rolling pin. It is used on love handles, gluteal folds, side breasts, hips and legs with great results in terms of firming and toning the skin as well as reducing cellulite.
e. Vacuum Cups
Vacuum Swiss cups are used to suction already broken down fat and transferring it to the closest lymph glands. They reduce localised adipose tissue, drawing out toxins whilst stimulating healthy blood flow. Usually used after the rollers.
f. Mushroom Shaper
The Mushroom Shaper assists in the reduction of cellulite and tightening areas where the skin is a bit lose, for instance legs, flanks and lower abdomen.
g. Soft-Bristle Brush
A soft-bristled brush is used at the very beginning of the treatment, without oil, for gentle strokes on the skin's surface. It's designed to stimulate the lymphatic system and aid in the removal of toxins.
3. The Science Behind Maderotherapy
a. How Maderotherapy aids in lymphatic drainage?
This unique therapy utilizes specialized wooden tools to apply targeted pressure and movements on the skin, stimulating the lymphatic system.
The gentle yet firm strokes and rolling actions encourage the natural flow of lymph fluid, which helps in the removal of toxins and excess fluids from the body.
By boosting lymphatic circulation, Maderotherapy not only aids in reducing water retention and swelling but also supports the immune system, leading to improved health and vitality.
b. The role of the wooden instruments in breaking down cellulite.
The mechanical action of the wooden instruments on the skin and underlying tissues helps to improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
This enhanced circulation facilitates the breakdown of the fat cells and the fibrous bands that cause the dimpled appearance of cellulite.
Additionally, the repeated rolling and pressing motions of the tools help to smooth out the skin's surface, leading to a reduction in the visibility of cellulite and an improvement in skin texture and firmness.
c. Benefits for circulation and overall skin health.
By utilizing specialized wooden tools to massage the body, this technique stimulates blood flow and enhances lymphatic drainage, effectively oxygenating the skin and aiding in the removal of toxins.
This improved circulation not only helps in reducing the appearance of cellulite, giving the skin a smoother, more toned look, but also promotes cell renewal and collagen production.
As a result, Maderotherapy not only revitalizes the skin's appearance, making it look healthier and more vibrant, but also contributes to its long-term health and resilience against aging and environmental stressors.
4. The Maderotherapy Procedure
a. A step-by-step guide to a typical maderotherapy session.
Lymph nodes activation.
Dry brushing.
Apply oil.
Warming up the treatment area with fast and vigorous hand massage techniques.
Engraved Roller: used left to right horizontally and up and down vertically. Gradual increase of speed and pressure.
Cubed Roller: used clockwise and counter clockwise on the area treated.
Indented Spiral Roller: used like a rolling pin on areas that have curves. Also used for a fast slapping-type motion with the bend facing down towards the skin.
Contouring Board: it can be used at any time in-between rollers to move the lymph drainage in a specific direction towards the closest nodes. Also can contribute to lift the buttock area when used towards the gluteal fold.
Mushroom Shaper: used in a circular motion. Assists in tightening and toning areas of loose skin.
Vacuum (or Suction) Cup: used to direct the toxins and fat from the treatment area to the closest lymph nodes. Used in a fast short or long sliding motion with or without a "pop" at the end of the motion.
Hand massage towards closest lymph nodes to finish the treatment.
b. Pre-session preparations and post-session care.
Pre-session prep:
Wear comfortable clothes if possible.
Always come to the session well hydrated.
Avoid heavy meal within 1 hour of the treatment.
Post-session care:
Drink plenty of water over the next 24 hours following the treatment.
Be careful driving just after the treatment as light-headedness can occur right after the treatment
Avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot spicy foods for at lest 12 hours
Allow plenty of time to rest to fully enjoy the benefits of the massage treatment.
Post-treatment healing reactions (headache, nausea, fatigue...) may take place an are completely normal.
5. Health and Beauty Benefits
a. Which areas of the body respond best to Maderotherapy body sculpting and contouring?
Muffin Top around the upper hips
Saddlebag on the thighs
Waist
Legs (and arms)
Back and belly
b. Proven results (but remember we are all different and results may vary between individuals).
Those who experienced Maderotherapy reported noticeable improvements in both their physical appearance and their general health.
The technique's ability to stimulate the lymph flow, break down fat, reduce cellulite, and promote smoother skin is complemented by its stress-relieving and relaxation benefits.
Maderotherapy can also be applied to scar tissue treatment post-plastic surgery, once the re-modelling stage has started (minimum 90 days from surgery or up to 6 months if incision has not closed or got infected).
6. Comparing Maderotherapy to Other Massage Techniques
7. Who Can Benefit from Maderotherapy?
a. Ideal candidates for the therapy.
Primarily women struggling with cellulite. Between 80 to 90% of women will probably experience cellulite with various levels of severity (Grade 1: mild, Grade 2: moderate, Grade 3: severe) during their lifetime. Women are more prone to develop cellulite than men because they have weaker connective tissue and larger fat cells, due to the effect of female hormones. Cellulite occurs when fat deposits push through the connective tissue beneath the skin. In women , the bands of connective tissue are arranged in parallel lines and not crisscrossed like for men. This makes it weaker and harder the keep the fat under wraps.
There are other reasons why women develop cellulite such as poor diet, pregnancy, genetics, stress, lack of exercise, age, hormonal changes and illnesses (diabetes).
Other ideal candidates who would benefit from Maderotherapy include individuals seeking natural, non-invasive solutions for body sculpting, lymphatic drainage, muscle fatigue recovery, stress and tension relief, post-op recovery and overall health and holistic health.
b. Precautions and considerations for certain individuals.
Maderotherapy contraindications are similar to many other massage treatments. For example people suffering from serious conditions such as cancer, severe varicose veins, recent operation, fever, skin allergies and cardiovascular and kidney diseases. And also and for obvious reasons pregnant women.
Maderotherapy can be painful as pressure is applied to break down fat deposits. The bruises are not inherent to this treatment but can occur for hyper sensitive people in the first few sessions people taking blood thinners are also more inclined to bruising easily).
Maderotherapy does NOT need to be aggressive. It is a gradual progression hence it is highly recommended to take a package of 6 or 10 sessions to fully benefit from the treatment and get the wanted results.
8. Recap
Maderotherapy, an innovative and natural treatment, offers a plethora of health and beauty benefits that cater to both physical wellness and aesthetic desires.
This unique therapy, utilizing specially crafted wooden tools, excels in reducing the appearance of cellulite, thereby enhancing skin texture and tone for a smoother, more youthful look.
It's highly effective in body contouring and sculpting, offering a non-invasive alternative to traditional cosmetic procedures.
Beyond its beauty advantages, Maderotherapy significantly boosts lymphatic drainage and circulation, aiding in detoxification and promoting overall bodily health.
The treatment also serves as a powerful tool for stress relief, providing deep relaxation and a sense of rejuvenation.
Maderotherapy stands out as a holistic approach, harmonizing the body's natural rhythms while delivering visible and tangible results in both health and beauty realms.