What are carved massage tools?

The use of carved massage tools – other than one’s hands, feet, or other body parts – applied to the human body in conjunction with or to supplement massage is an ancient practice. The oldest carved massage tool yet to be discovered is supposedly a Neolithic jade ritual blade from the Longshan culture of China, dating back to the Shang dynasty (circa 2000-1500 B.C.E.). The stone is believed to have been used either hot or cold for placing on tired and sore muscles. But the ancient stave or strigil was used more than 1,000 years before this time by the people of Mesopotamia and Egypt. Later, the strigil was used extensively by the Greeks and Romans to scrape oils from the body and produce friction as part of the process of massage, cold or hot baths, exercise or competitive games.

The use of heated or chilled stones is not unique to any particular part of the world, but the Chinese seem to have used this method extensively.

In the World of Massage Museum (WOMM) we have a 1,000-year-old jade massage knuckle that was used to rub the body. It may have been heated or cooled, just as river rock and other stones were used. Jade, marble, basalt and many kinds of exotic stones that are dense and malleable were the most commonly used.

Nowadays, the most commonly used ‘carved tools' during deep tissue massage may include, 3 and 6 fingers, reinforced fingers, a flat elbow, opposing thumbs, the heel of the hand or foot, and the forearm. A prostate massager is an instrument used anally, designed to massage the prostate gland.

The shape of a prostate massager is similar to a finger, since prostate massages are traditionally given digitally. They usually have a slightly curved head to effectively massage the prostate. Lubricant is usually inserted into the anus. A prostate massager should be used with care because of the sensitivity of the prostate and rectal region. Correct use involves a medium to light repetitive massage, or circular motion – the carved tool is not intended for use in a thrusting manner.

Why carved massage tools are beneficial?

Carved massage tools are found quite naturally and in very different shapes and forms. Whilst all carved massage tools conform to an identifiable structure or system, they do have individual and varying characteristics. No two carved massage tools are exactly alike, but certain formations can be used for specific metaphysical healing or massage purposes. Some are good at channeling energy whilst others are particularly useful when working with the chakras of the body.

Whether massage tools are of natural formation or they have been carved into specific configurations like wands, eggs or hearts, they all have a part to play in holistic healing therapy and crystal massages.

What are carved massage tools made from?

Carved massage tools used by ancient peoples were usually made of natural products indigenous to their particular environment. For example, the guava tree that grows in the Pacific islands lent itself to the shape of a device called a Laau lomi-lomi stick, as well as rounded lava rocks called lomi-balls. Polynesians also utilized walking sticks to support and balance themselves so they could do a walking massage on their subjects.

Wooden Hawaiian Laau lomi-lomi sticks are used for self-massage of the back, and applied to specific pressure points. Originally the balls were lava rock used to clean or scrape the skin after a lomi-lomi session. (Image courtesy of San Anselmo, from Lomi-Lomi Hawaiian Massage.)

In the 19th century, the development of carved massage tools increased - and so the next installment will begin at this prolific era for tools of the trade. One of the earliest devices, sold around the turn of the 20th century, and still sold today in a myriad of revised versions, is the original massage vibrator.

Stringed beads made of rubber, Bakelite or metal were configured on a chain of brass or other heavy metal. Vibration was achieved by rolling the beaded device over the body in long pressure strokes. Some were even made on elastic material so they could be stretched between a doorway. Another hand-held device, bongers, sold today in retail stores nearly everywhere, was originally introduced in 1885. Bongers deliver vibration by pounding the body in rhythmical beats.

The vast array of hand tools used to rub the body found in stores today are made of common and exotic stone, molded plastics and polymers, copper, glass, crystal and even porcelain. All of these devices are merely copies of the 1,000-year-old Chinese jade massage knuckle we have in the World of Massage Museum (WOMM) collection. Some of these modern devices are shaped as turtles, dolphins and branches--there are as many shapes and colors as one can imagine.

Precautions while using carved massage tools:

Discontinue use if you experience an increase in pain or any other symptoms and consult your physician immediately.

Avoid direct pressure on spinal column vertebrae or any other bones.
Ease into the frequency and duration of your Healthy Body Ball massages. Don't overdo it.

Read the instructions and precautions thoroughly and completely and use only as directed.

As a rule, manufacturers will not be liable for use not strictly in adherence to the instructions. Do not throw, heat, incinerate, cool or freeze massage tools for any reason. Moreover, they are not designed for children, and are for adult use only.

Taking care & maintaining carved massage tools:

Generally carved massage tools are either made of sticks and stones and are therefore breakable.

Hence, some essential precautions to their use and maintenance are:

1. Never drop them
2. Always  keep them clean
3. Either dry them with a special towel or dry in the sun
4. Always keep out of the reach of others, especially children
5. Never keep them exposed, to avoid catching any infection