Bollywood celebrity Malaika Arora has prioritised fitness and wellness since her younger days. Even at 50 years, she continues to defy stereotypes related to age and how women should be – unapologetically! Frank and fearless, Malaika has opened up about her wellness regime unabashedly in a fresh magazine interview, discussing everything from cellulite to stretch marks and yoga and other therapies that she trusts for her well-being. One of the South American techniques that she loves is Maderotherapy, a wood therapy, which involves massaging the body with wooden tools in different sizes and shapes. Curious, are you? Come, find out more about it!

Malaika Arora on Maderotherapy

Malaika Arora is used to people complimenting her for her youthful appearance. She believes in the power of yoga, gua sha massages, and cupping. She shared with Harper’s Bazaar that she is also into South American wood therapy called Maderotherapy.

“It involves a wooden stick (like the belan or rolling pin you find in Indian homes), which is used to break down cellulite and tension in your body,” she explains.

Cellulite is a common skin condition that leads to dimpled flesh on different parts of the body, especially the thighs, abdomen and buttocks. Cellulite occurs in 80 to 90 percent of women, mostly on the hips, thighs, and buttocks, according to a research published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal in 2023. It is harmless, but people may feel conscious about it. They may try to cover it up or use creams and lotions to get rid of cellulite.

Arora is one of them. “Like any other woman, I have cellulite, stretch marks, weight fluctuations, and hormonal issues. I indulge myself and on good days I prefer to focus on wellness and just keep doing my best,” she adds.

You may also like

What is Maderotherapy?

Maderotherapy refers to the systematic application of various wooden instruments to one’s body in the form of rollers and paddles. “It usually begins with applying a little bit of cream or oil to the body to allow smooth movement and to maximise the effect of the massage,” explains physiotherapist and fitness expert Dr Aijaz Ashai.

Wooden instruments are then applied, using directed strokes, in a rhythmic motion, changing the pressure according to one’s comfort and needs. You might need to spend 30 to 60 minutes for one session to enjoy its potential benefits. As for the frequency, once every week or two weeks might be enough.

What are the benefits of Maderotherapy?

Wood therapy, also called Maderoterapia, may help in the following ways:

• Improved lymphatic drainage: Might enable the system to expel excess fluids from the body, reduce water retention, and in turn reduce cellulite’s appearance.
• Improved circulation: Might increase blood flow for good nourishment and fat burning.
• Collagen production: Might increase collagen production to tighten skin and give it an even tone.
• Detoxifying: Might enable the body to be flushed of toxins.
• Stress reduction: Might calm down and relieve one from an overall stressed feeling.
• Relaxing the muscles: Relax tightened muscles and enhance flexibility.
• Skin texture: Might help bring even, youthful-looking skin.

There is no scientific evidence to prove the benefits of Maderotherapy, but massage in general, may be one of the ways to reduce cellulite. During a 2010 study, published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, researchers found that mechanical massage, using a machine, such as endermologie; lymphatic drainage massage, and connective tissue manipulation were effective in reducing fat and the circumference of the thigh where the massage was done.

What are the side effects of Maderotherapy?

“Maderotherapy is presumed to be safe, but there could be some possible side effects,” says Dr Ashai. Here are some side effects:

• Due to the pressure inflicted by the wooden tools, some people might find bruising or discomfort from the intensity of the massage.
• At times, the skin may become sensitive due to excessive pressure.

Can diet and exercise enhance the benefits of Maderotherapy?

Exercise is highly recommended by The American Academy of Dermatology. Exercising means having more muscle than fat, and that can make your skin look smoother and firmer. As per the AAD, replacing fat with muscle in your body can also make cellulite less noticeable.

Here’s how exercise and a healthy diet can help –

• A healthy diet and regular exercise help lower overall body fat, complementing Maderotherapy by further reducing the appearance of cellulite and enhancing results.
• A balanced diet and regular exercise support the lymphatic system, which can enhance the fluid elimination benefits of Maderotherapy, reducing puffiness and fluid retention.
• Both a healthy diet and exercise help flush out toxins from the body, complementing Maderotherapy’s detoxifying effects for clearer, healthier skin.

You can also go for topical creams and lotions, but make sure they have caffeine or retinol as ingredients. Skincare products with caffeine might help to dehydrate cells, which can make cellulite less visible, as per the AAD. It also noted that a product with 0.3 percent retinol might also help to thicken the skin. This might make cellulite less obvious.

You can also go for laser therapy, which focuses on fat cells and produces collagen.

Maderotherapy might look like a promising way to reduce cellulite. But don’t depend just on wooden tools and massage techniques. Eat well and exercise to complement the result.