By Rachel Sokol

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I'm a sucker for spa treatments, and recently, I read about wood therapy, a body sculpting treatment. While it's not yet offered at many spas worldwide, it's gaining momentum as a niche massage with a plethora of health benefits.
   "This treatment uses specially designed wooden tools to massage the body, targeting areas of cellulite and fat deposits," explains Dr. Maria Knobel, a UK-based general practitioner with a special interest in lifestyle medicine. "While the concept may sound simplistic, it's rooted in the idea that these tools can help break down fat cells, stimulate lymphatic drainage, and improve blood circulation."
   According to Dr. Knobel, the recent surge in wood therapy's popularity can be attributed to the growing interest in non-invasive, holistic treatments "that deliver visible results without the need for surgery or extensive recovery periods. Wood therapy, also known as maderotherapy, fits this bill."

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Treatment Tools
The specially designed wooden tools (which may even resemble a rolling pin!) target areas with cellulite and fat deposits. "The tools themselves are carefully crafted to fit the contours of the body, allowing for precise pressure application and movement," explains Dr. Knobel.

 

Instruments at Work
Smaller and more intricately designed wooden tools come into play for the arms, waist, or even the face. "For example, curved or ridged tools are used to target and sculpt specific areas, helping to contour the body by applying pressure more precisely," she says.

In facial treatments, "gentler tools" with smaller, refined shapes are used to lift and tone the delicate skin, promote lymphatic drainage, and reduce puffiness without being too harsh.
   Each tool used in wood therapy serves a specific purpose, allowing the practitioner to tailor the treatment to the client's needs, "whether they're focusing on reducing cellulite, contouring the body, or enhancing circulation and lymphatic flow."

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Other Body Benefits
Shanna Bynes Bradford, LME, MA, CR, a licensed aesthetician and founder of Florida-based Grow Out Oils Clinical Aromatherapy, agrees that the massage techniques used in wood therapy sculpting help stimulate blood flow and improve circulation. She also suggests that it can be combined with dry brushing. "This can help reduce inflammation and promote healing in the tissues."

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The lymphatic drainage techniques in wood therapy sculpting can reduce water retention and bloating by moving lymph throughout the body. The lymphatic drainage techniques in wood therapy sculpting can reduce water retention and bloating by moving lymph throughout the body.

"This can improve the overall tone and appearance of the skin," says Bradford. "The deep massage techniques can enhance skin elasticity and firmness, reducing sagging and improving the overall appearance of the skin."

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The process is also detoxifying.

"Wood therapy sculpting helps eliminate toxins and waste products from the tissues, leading to improved overall health and well-being."

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Why More Doctors Should Promote It
From a medical standpoint, this treatment can have widespread positive effects on overall health, says Dr. Knobel.
  "Enhanced circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues more efficiently, while better lymphatic drainage reduces the buildup of toxins and supports immune function."

Helps with Muscle Soreness
Moreover, wood therapy can help relieve muscle tension, making it beneficial for people who suffer from chronic muscle tightness or stress.
  "Wood therapy incorporates some similar techniques to other massages, particularly in terms of addressing muscle tension and promoting relaxation," she says. "However, its unique tools and focus on body contouring make it a distinct and specialized treatment."

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Is it a Quick Fix for Cellulite?
Well—not quite. "Regarding its effectiveness, it's essential to manage expectations. Wood therapy can indeed yield visible results, but it's not a quick fix," says Dr. Knobel. "Most individuals begin to see changes after about 5 to 10 sessions, but this can vary based on factors such as body type, lifestyle habits, and the areas being treated."
   Dr. Knobel stresses that combining wood therapy with a healthy diet and regular exercise can enhance the results, "as these lifestyle choices help support the body's natural processes of fat breakdown and detoxification."
   Overall—it's best to stay consistent with the treatment for it to really work. Next time you treat yourself to a spa day, try it! You may love it. (And besides, it's less expensive than liposuction!)

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