How to Use Bamboo Balls
TIPS & TECHNIQUES
Getting the most out of your Bamboo Massage
Although Bamboo Balls can be used straight out of the box, they can also be used with oil and lotion. It’s recommend you use a non-fractionated coconut oil or unscented massage carrier oil.
As for lotion…a hypo-allergenic massage lotion is best.
Once finished using simply clean thoroughly with a non-scented disinfectant wipe.
TECHNIQUES
ROLL IT!
ROLL IT!
BACK AND FORTH
This motion is great for breaking down scar tissue, adhesions, and muscle knots.
Place ball on a non-slip surface, or use your hands to roll back and forth over the area of tension. Use small motions over targeted muscles. Start with a gentle motion, and slowly apply more pressure to your desired tolerance.
CIRCULAR MOTION
Helps to improve blood flow and soften stiff and sore muscles.
Using an open palm use circular motions over areas of concern. You can also place the Bamboo Ball between yourself and another surface. By using gravity or applying more pressure you can work deeper into the muscle tissue. For back and forth and circular motions, focus on one area at a time. Concentrate on the area anywhere between 30 – 90 seconds, or until tightness or pain subsides. Release pressure, rest and repeat if necessary being cautious not to overwork one specific area.
GLIDING STROKES
Using long gliding strokes with the Bamboo Ball is best for lymphatic drainage, improving circulation, and relaxation massage.
Use long strides with the ball over the entire length of muscle. Always place the Bamboo Ball on soft tissue. Avoid direct pressure over bones – especially the spine!
For a more therapeutic experience use firmer pressure, and lighter pressure for a relaxation massage.
HOLD IT!
HOLD IT!
Holding a Bamboo Ball on a targeted muscle is beneficial for isolating trigger points. Trigger points are knots in the muscle that cause referred pain to another area of the body. For example, a tight piriformis muscle in the buttocks can create nerve pain down the leg and into the foot. The holding method is also great for releasing muscle strain, and for reflexology. The ball can also be used between yourself and a non-slip surface.
Press the Bamboo ball on the area of concern using a comfortable firm pressure. You should never feel pain while using the Ball. Hold position for betweeen 30-90 seconds. This motion can be repeated until tension subsides. Repeat 2 to 3 times, and then move on to another area. Use Caution whenever using pressure to avoid bruising.
The following techniques include only a brief overview.
These are complex therapy methods best practiced by trained professionals.
To achieve best results, do not use oil or lotion with the following methods:
ACTIVE RELEASE
Active release is a movement based therapy that may involve the ligaments, tendons, and nerves. The main goal of this therapy, which covers hundreds of different movements, is to reestablish proper motion by diminishing fibrous adhesions in the body. It can help prevent injuries, promote flexibility, and decrease pain.
Using the Bamboo Ball the therapist can apply pressure on the restricted knotted muscle or adhesion, and then have the patient move the intended joint through its comfortable range of motion. As the knot loosens, the range of motion should improve.
MYOFASCIAL RELEASE
Fascia is the connective tissue in the body that connects and covers the bones, muscles, nerves, and organs in the body. When fascia becomes constricted, it congeals and creates inflammation. This can lead to things like poor posture and cause pain. Releasing restriction to connective tissue has many health benefits from headache prevention to improving digestion.
The therapist can apply gentle sustained pressure using a Bamboo Ball to provide myofascial release. The intention is to eliminate pain and restore motion to a specific area. The therapist should sink the ball into the muscle tissue slowly and gently. Once sunk into the muscle tissue, they will use the ball to pull the tissue gently, and work the restricted tissue. The therapist will hold the tension on the surface of the body until the tissue softens and releases. Movement should never be forced.
ZONE THERAPY
Zone therapy more commonly known as Reflexology is the application of pressure to specific points on the hands and feet that will elicit a response to other areas and organs in the body. Reflexologists believe addressing these mapped areas will have a direct impact on their targeted system to achieve many different health benefits.
The Reflexologist will press and release the Bamboo Ball for 2-3 seconds on the corresponding reflexology area that you are hoping to stimulate. Repeat 4-5 times in a row on that same spot. For an overall reflexology treatment – this technique can be used on each segment of the hands and feet.
HEAT IT!
The warmth of a Bamboo Ball can help increase blood flow and soothe aching muscles giving a more effective therapeutic massage.
We recommend heating the Bamboo Ball in one of the following three ways:
Test temperature of the ball before massaging on sensitive skin areas.
COOL IT!
The cooling relief of a Bamboo Ball can be used to help decrease inflammation and swelling.
It is also effective for relief of headaches and migraines. The cool ball can be placed at the base of the skull, lightly on the temple region, and sinus areas on the face. Massage lightly in small concentrated circles.
Some therapists recommend a cool source for ailments such as tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and arthritis. Work the cool ball into problem areas with some of the techniques described below.
Cool the Bamboo Ball by placing directly in freezer for at least 20 minutes just before use.
You may also place the ball in a cold pack, and cool the ball to desired temperature.
Test temperature of the ball before massaging on sensitive skin areas.
Warning!
Fire Hazard!
Bamboo Balls can heat rapidly, and can cause burns if not heated properly. Do not place Bamboo Balls directly into a microwave, oven, or any other heating device not recommended. Follow the proper guidelines provided by the manufacturer for any and all products you use. Avoid placing Bamboo Balls in/on any direct heat source. Always use caution while warming your Bamboo Ball, and never leave ball unattended while heating. Check frequently, and limit time wisely when heating your ball. Whether using hot or cold therapy, always be careful to test the ball’s temperature before massaging on the skin.
Also…
Do not leave the Bamboo Ball in water or get it soaking wet. It may warp with too much moisture. Store in a cool dry place. Bamboo Balls are not a toy. Keep away from children and pets.
Warning!
Fire Hazard!
Bamboo Balls can heat rapidly, and can cause burns if not heated properly. Do not place Bamboo Balls directly into a microwave, oven, or any other heating device not recommended. Follow the proper guidelines provided by the manufacturer for any and all products you use. Avoid placing Bamboo Balls in/on any direct heat source. Always use caution while warming your Bamboo Ball, and never leave ball unattended while heating. Check frequently, and limit time wisely when heating your ball. Whether using hot or cold therapy, always be careful to test the ball’s temperature before massaging on the skin.
Also...
Do not leave the Bamboo Ball in water or get it soaking wet. It may warp with too much moisture. Store in a cool dry place. Bamboo Balls are not a toy. Keep away from children and pets.
CLICK HERE for Caution and Disclaimer
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