Today is January 4th 2025 and I have just experienced my first bamboo massage.

In the past I have tried Deep tissue and Thai massages, as well as Acupuncture. If it was anything as reminiscent as the Thai massage (which was invigoratingly satisfying), then I was excited to give it a try.

I booked an appointment. The day came and almost missed my appointment (mother of 2 chronicles). Thankfully, I drove mad enough within the speed limit to make it. I looked frazzled enough for both the receptionist and the massage therapist to look at me and wonder if I was the ‘Daisy’ being expected. It could be my frazzled appearance or the fact that when people hear the name ‘Daisy’ they expect to see a Caucasian looking female, with maybe blond hair? Sorry to disappoint you folks but this Efik-Asaba woman with a splash of Canadian is what you are going to get.

Back to my massage. A bamboo massage involves the use of bamboo sticks to knead out tensions and knots in your muscles, using a combination of rolls and glides. The therapist I saw today used the sticks, perfectly hot jade stones and her hands.

I have had this knot on my left side since the car accident I had in 2022 and they do not seem to be going anywhere. It is still a bit numb as we speak and I have been told the massage will cause some soreness the day after.

Bamboo massages are great for improving blood circulation; providing deep relaxation; release muscle tension; lymphatic drainage; pain reduction; mental calmness; improved sleep quality and stress relief using deep penetration. I knew I had made the right decision, the moment she mentioned ‘improving blood circulation’. She worked the knots and tenderness out of my muscles and rewarded the feeling with hot towels.

RMPQ.ca, however states that individuals with cardiovascular or blood circulation problems such as phlebitis or varicose veins; kidneys problems; hypertension or diabetes should not participate in bamboo massages without consulting their physicians first- as gentler massages are advised. It is also not recommended for pregnant women (for obvious reasons. Pregnancy complaint massages exist).

The sticks tickled my legs and offered some relief from the hips and hamstring workouts I had done weeks before.

Source: Canva designed and Generative AI information

With every good massage, you feel sleepy when it is just getting over as you get transported to a state of blissful tranquility. You begin to wonder why you chose the 60 minutes version over the 90.

With any self-care exercise, consistency is key and each one provides ample benefits. This 2025, I urge you to prioritize your self-care and take time to rejuvenate your body- you have only one. We also now live in a world that is predominantly sedentary and anything you can do to improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage is a win!

Yours in simple healthy living!