FAQs
Product FAQs
Q: What is Lava Bambū™?
A: Lava Bambū™ is the world’s first naturally self-heating bamboo massage tool designed to allow a massage therapist, or anyone performing some type of bodywork, the ability to incorporate heat into their treatments. Lava Bambū™ massage is a technique that not only makes use of a renewable and sustainable resource, but also connects us to ancient approaches.
Q: What are Lava Bambū™ Zen Sticks?
A: Zen Sticks are self-heating tools for use in full body massage. Zen Sticks are available in two options: with or without knob.
Q: What is the difference between a Zen Stick with Knob and without Knob?
A: Both ends of the Zen Stick without Knob are flat, whereas the Zen Stick with Knob features a rounded wooden edge for use in targeted massage or on pressure points.
Q: What are Lava Bambū™ Batiki Sticks?
A: Batiki Sticks are used for pressure points or facial massage. Each end features rounded wooden tips for use on pressure points. Batiki Sticks are not self-heating.
Q: How do Zen Sticks work?
A: Lava Bambu™ Zen Sticks use the same self-heating technology used in our PerfectSense® Paraffin and Lava Shell® treatments. The Activator Solution reacts with the natural minerals in the Lava Gel™ Heat Sleeve and causes an exothermic reaction, creating a relaxing heat that is absorbed into the Heat Sleeve. As the Zen Stick is used, it will naturally transfer heat to the body and cool; when set aside and/or not moving on the skin, it will begin increasing in temperature. This is especially true during the first half hour after activation, when the Zen Stick is generating the most energy at the highest rate.
Q: How do I prepare my Zen Sticks?
A: Before each use, prepare the Zen Stick by rinsing the outside with warm water and a gentle microbial cleaner. Rub outside of Zen Stick with massage oil. Open the 12-pack Lava Gel® Heat Sleeve pouch and remove one Heat Sleeve. Immediately reseal the pouch to keep the other Heat Sleeves fresh. Be sure to press out an excess air in the pouch, as moisture will cause the Heat Sleeves to activate. Fold the Heat Sleeve in half lengthwise. Remove the cork from the Zen Stick and insert the folded Heat Sleeve into the hollow bamboo stalk. Next, open the Activator Solution. Hold the Zen Stick at a 45 degree angle and pinch the top edge of the Heat Sleeve against the Zen Stick. This will keep the Heat Sleeve from sliding down the bamboo stalk. Slowly pour entire contents into the open end of the Zen Stick. Replace the cork making sure it is secure. Set Zen Stick on its side and gently rock from side to side or roll back and forth on tabletop to evenly disperse Activator Solution, approximately 30 seconds – 1 minute. This will ensure that the heat will be equally distributed along the length of the bamboo stalk and will discourage hot spots.
Q: What do I do if the Lava Gel® Heat Sleeve is longer than the Zen Stick?
A: If the sleeve is too long, gently push the excess material into the stick.
Q: There is steam coming out of the cork vent hole. Is this normal?
A: Yes. Upon activation, you will notice a steady stream of steam escaping from the cork vent hole that will last up to one minute. When holding the Zen Stick, be careful not to place your hand over the vent hole, as it will be hot. Do not put the cork vent hole up to your ear to listen, as it will be hot.
Q: What if some of the Activator Solution dribbles out of the cork vent hole?
A: Do not be alarmed if some of the Activator Solution dribbles out of the cork. This is normal and is not harmful. The cork seal will continue to get tighter with use.
Q: Why do Zen Sticks smell musty when activated?
A: Being a product of nature, Zen Sticks may omit an earthy, musty aroma during the first few uses. This aroma will subside with each use.
Q: How long do Zen Sticks take to heat?
A: At approximately two minutes, a bloom of heat will be noticeable at the center of the bamboo stalk. The heat will then begin to span the entire length of the Zen Stick at approximately four minutes. At this point, the heat should be sufficient to begin the massage.
Q: How can I accelerate the heating process of Zen Sticks?
A: To accelerate the heating process, you can either fill the Zen Stick with hot water or submerge it under hot water. Empty contents prior to activating.
Q: How long will Zen Sticks stay warm?
A: Once fully activated, Zen Sticks will continue to generate heat for up to 30 minutes.
Q: How do I manage the heat of Lava Bambū™ Zen Sticks?
A: When Zen Sticks are in use, thermal energy sinks out of it and it cools; set it aside and it continues to generate heat. Because of this, Zen Sticks should never be set-aside for more than 2-3 minutes at a time after activation. Whenever Zen Sticks are set aside, you must always test its temperature before placing it against a client’s skin again. Because your hands will be accustomed to the heat from holding the Zen Stick often, you should always check the temperature against another part of your body (wrist, inner arm, or neck – somewhere where the skin is relatively thin) before use.
Q: How hot do Zen Sticks get? Can I burn a client?
A: Zen Sticks are engineered to produce consistent heat reactions every time. As with any heated product, all instructions must be followed carefully and should only be used by trained staff. As long as instructions for proper use are followed, Zen Sticks are very safe. Over the course of the massage, the Zen Stick will fluctuate normally in temperature as it is used (it will lose heat when used.) If the protocol included with the Lava Bambū™ is followed correctly, the Zen Sticks should never get too hot for a client.
Q: How do I cool the Zen Stick if it becomes too hot?
A: If a Zen Stick ever becomes too hot, simply wrap the bamboo stalk in a tepid, damp cloth until the desired temperature is achieved.
Q: How can I avoid “hot spots” from forming on my Zen Stick?
A: Once you have inserted the Lava Gel® Heat Sleeve and have poured the Activator Solution into the Zen Stick, set it on its side and gently rock from side to side or roll back and forth on tabletop to evenly disperse Activator Solution, approximately 30 seconds – 1 minute. This will ensure that the heat will be equally distributed along the length of the bamboo stalk and will discourage “hot spots.”
Q: How do I clean the Zen Stick after a massage?
A: To clean your Zen Stick, allow it to cool completely. Turn Zen Stick upside down and gently flick out and dispose of the non-toxic Lava Gel® Heat Sleeve. Rinse out any remaining gel residue and wash the cork. Treat outside of Zen Stick with a gentle microbial cleanser. Plain, abrasive soap and water may cause the bamboo stalk to dry out and eventually crack. Do NOT use cold water on a warm Zen Stick. Extreme variations in temperature may cause it to crack. A light spritz of alcohol may be used, followed by a heavy coat of massage oil.
Q: How do I care for my Zen Stick?
A: As part of good maintenance, rub outside of the Zen Stick with massage oil to assist in keeping the bamboo stalk tissue soft. A heavy coat of massage oil will keep the Zen Stick hydrated for next use. Store Zen Stick at room temperature and out of sunlight as extreme temperature variations can cause it to crack.
Q: Are there any massage oils that are not good to use with Zen Sticks?
A: We recommend avoiding oils that have a high concentration of essential oil, as essential oils can go rancid over time when exposed to heat. Safflower oil, the carrier oil in our Basic Elements™ massage oil line, has proven effective at keeping the Zen Sticks hydrated.
Q: Where should I store my Zen Stick?
A: Store your Zen Stick at room temperature and out of sunlight as extreme temperature variations can cause it to crack.
Q: How can I extend the life of my Zen Stick?
A: To extend the life of your Zen Stick, keep it hydrated with massage oil in between treatments. To wash, use a gentle, microbial cleanser. Plain, abrasive soap and water may cause the bamboo stalk to dry out and eventually crack. Store Zen Stick at room temperature and out of sunlight. Avoid extreme variations in temperature, which may cause it to crack.
Q: How does Spa Revolutions get the Lava Bambū™?
A: Made with 100% authentic Black Natural and Speckled Bamboo, each bamboo stalk is sustainably harvested in Zhejiang, South China for its unique combination of strength and flexibility. To preserve the natural beauty and inherit characters of Lava Bambū™, each bamboo stalk is kept in its natural state.
Q: Is Lava Bambū™ non-porous like Lava Shells® ?
A: Lava Bambū™ is porous as it is a completely natural product. For this reason, we recommend treating the Lava Bambū™ with a gentle microbrial cleanser after each use. A light spritz of alcohol can be used, followed by a heavy coat of massage oil.
Q: Are the Lava Gel® Heat Sleeves or Activator Solution toxic?
A: The Lava Gel® Heat Sleeves are composed of food-grade minerals, and neither the Lava Gel® nor the Activator Solution have any toxic substances in them. They also do not produce harmful byproducts when they are combined.
Q: If Lava Bambū™ does not like extreme changes in temperature, how does it cope with the heating process?
A: When we mention that extreme changes in temperature may cause the bamboo stalk to crack, we are referring to a change from very cold to very hot, or vice versa. For that reason, we recommend storing Lava Bambū™ at room temperature and out of sunlight. If Lava Bambū is at ambient temperature when activated, it can easily tolerate the self-heating process. It is important to avoid using cold water on a stick that has just been activated and/or used, as this could cause the bamboo to expand and contract quickly and may result in cracking.
Q: I noticed my Protocol Training Kit contains a drawstring bag for storing and transporting my Lava Bambū™. Is the bag washable?
A: Made with 100% preshrunk cotton, the Lava Bambū™ bag can be machine washed in warm water, with like colors, and tumble dried on medium.
Service FAQs
Q: Can I use massage oil with Lava Bambū™?
A: Yes, massage oil should be used to facilitate easy movement of the bamboo stalk on the skin. The Basic Elements™ massage oil is a great complement to the Lava Bambū™ treatment, or you can use your own if you prefer.
Q: How many Zen or Batiki Sticks do I need for a Lava Bambū™ massage?
A: The number of Zen or Batiki Sticks you use with any given massage depends on the length of the treatment. In regards to Zen Sticks, it will depend on the amount of time during the treatment that you want to apply heat. A 50-60 minute massage can use one Zen Stick. A 90-minute massage can use up to two Zen Sticks. You’ll want to determine which treatments require what amount of heat, and then decide how many Zen Sticks you want to use per treatment.
Q: I noticed my Protocol Training Kit includes a fan. How do I incorporate the use of the fan into my massage?
A: The Lava Bambū™ fan is perfect is the perfect tool for creating a calming breeze during the warming Lava Bambū™ massage. The gentle whispers of the Chinese silk fan will transport your client to a state of tranquility and relaxation.
Q: I already use Lava Shells®. How is Lava Bambū™ different?
A: Lava Bambū™ offers a different massage experience than Lava Shells®. With bamboo massage being very popular, it is a great addition to any treatment menu. Lava Bambū™ massage is an innovative way to provide Swedish and Deep Tissue massage techniques that roll and knead the tissue.
Q: What kind of training is required to use Lava Bambū™?
A: At Spa Revolutions, we are committed to the most rigorous standards of safety, education, and customer service. In accordance with these goals, we developed the Lava Bambū™ Protocol Training Kit (PTK) to make sure that adding Lava Bambū™ to your services is as easy as using them.
The PTK will give you the opportunity to experiment with Lava Bambū™, develop your own specific protocols, and train your staff prior to incorporating this service at your facility. After you have reviewed the PTK, we require that you complete the online Lava Bambū™ Protocol Training Review. After your answers are submitted, we will review your responses and send a confirmation email that will allow you to begin ordering Lava Bambū™ products a la carte.
Company policy prohibits shipment of additional Lava Bambū™ products until you have satisfied the following requirements:
1. Reviewed the PTK Guide
2. Completed the submitted the online Lava Bambū™ Protocol Training Review
Technical FAQs
Q: How strong is Lava Bambū™? Can I break it?
A: Lava Bambū™ is made with 100% authentic Black Natural and Speckled Bamboo and each stalk is sustainably harvested in South China for its unique combination of strength and flexibility. Lava Bambū™ is durable and can be used for deep pressure work. However, due to the organic nature of Lava Bambū™, differences in massage technique and handling of the bamboo stalk make it impossible to determine its shelf life. As part of good maintenance, and to extend the life of your Lava Bambū™, we recommend rubbing the outside with massage oil to assist in keeping the bamboo tissue soft and keep it from cracking. A heavy coat of massage oil will keep it hydrated for next use.