Wood therapy is a vigorous massage technique that utilizes wooden, handheld tools, such as rolling pins and vacuum-suction cups. Purportedly, wood therapy is centuries old and originated in Asia.

The technique of wood therapy has seen a surge in popularity, primarily in South America, where people call it maderoterapia. Madera is Spanish for wood.

Practitioners of this technique claim that it can reduce or eliminate cellulite.

Other purported claims include:

increasing lymphatic circulation
reducing wrinkles
alleviating stress
providing a whole mixed bag of other benefits
Researchers have not studied or proven any of these claims about the benefits of wood therapy.

Purported benefit
Since wood therapy is a massage technique, it may be safe to assume that you will experience the benefits of a massage, such as relaxation and alleviation of tight muscles.

It may even reduce the appearance of cellulite. When done correctly, massage therapy can support lymphatic drainage, which may reduce cellulite’s appearance, at least temporarily.

Massage can also help stretch and elongate skin tissue, which may also make the skin appear smoother.

There is, however, no evidence that you can maintain these benefits long term or that utilizing wooden tools enhances them.

Wood therapy doesn’t typically combine agents, such as creams containing retinoids or caffeineTrusted Source, with massage. These topical agents might provide better results than wood therapy or massage alone.