Bamboo Massage at Nature's Spa in Connecticut

I'd never heard of a Bamboo Massage, but in March 2010 during SpaFinder Wellness Week--when participating spas in New England and nationwide offer 50-minute spa treatments for $50 or 50% off--I decided to browse the options available within a 30-mile radius of home and treat myself to the most intriguing treatment. The Bamboo Massage at Nature's Spa in Plainville, Connecticut, immediately piqued my curiosity.

I've had Swedish, deep tissue, aromatherapy and hot stone massages, but being kneaded with bamboo would definitely be something new. An Internet search yielded limited information about this treatment, but I did learn the bamboo sticks employed enable massage therapists to apply deep tissue pressure without the level of physical exertion this usually demands.

My massage therapist, Kristin, shed a bit more light on what to expect before I undressed for my 9 a.m. appointment. The massage would begin with me face-down. The rigid bamboo sticks of varying lengths would be warmed and oiled, and the massage's primary focus would be on soothing, full-body relaxation, rather than addressing specific areas of muscle tension.

Three things struck me as my Bamboo Massage got underway:

• The temperature of the bamboo sticks was just right: not too hot, but warm enough to penetrate and sooth.
• The therapist's motions were remarkably fluid and controlled considering that she was manipulating slippery cylinders.
• As Kristin skillfully rolled the largest of the bamboo sticks along my back and shoulders, I couldn't help feeling like cookie dough being flattened by a rolling pin. It was a tension-relieving and entirely enjoyable sensation.

My two complaints:

• The treatment room was too cold, so my arms and legs felt uncomfortably chilly when they were exposed. I didn't notice a thermostat in the room, but still: I should have spoken up.
• In order to keep the bamboo massage sticks warm, the therapist had to repeatedly return them to the microwave, and the distracting sound of the microwave door opening and closing disturbed the otherwise tranquil environment.

Although I'd always opt for a manual, deep-tissue massage with an experienced therapist when I have specific aches and complaints, I found the Bamboo Massage an interesting experience and enjoyed feeling calmed and pampered at the start of my day. I'd definitely choose Bamboo Massage over a Hot Stone Massage: The bamboo seemed to hold heat at a more consistent temperature, and the rolling motion and greater surface area of the sticks allowed for a more diverse and pleasurable massage.

Nature's Spa, located at 282A Farmington Avenue in Plainville, Connecticut, is a small, storefront business on busy Route 10 that shares an entrance with Dunkin Donuts, yet it has thrived thanks to the uniqueness of the treatments it offers (I think I'll try the Champagne Caviar Facial next!). As of 2012, a Bamboo Massage is regularly priced at $45 for 25 minutes or $75 for 50 minutes.

Call Nature's Spa at 860-747-0044 for an appointment or to purchase a gift certificate.