The Ancient Yakusugi Forests of Japan
“Yaku” refers to the island of Yakushima, located in south-west Japan. “Sugi” means Japanese cedar, although it actually belongs to the cypress family.
Indigenous to Japan, sugi grows in abundance throughout the country including on Yakushima island where due to the island’s geographical position the high rainfall and low soil nutrition have forced the trees to grow incredibly slowly. As a result, they build up high amounts of resin. Yakushima island also has many waterfalls, and with giant tree trunks and a forest floor covered entirely in green moss, Yakusugi forest is ethereal, mystical and fairy-tale like.
Yakusugi grows slowly and these unique trees can live for up to 2,000 years. Yakusugi wood is considered precious and sacred in Japanese culture and the wood is said to be synonymous with longevity. Logging has been prohibited since 2001 and only wood from fallen trees, for example as a result of typhoons, can be taken from the forest, and only pre-2001 wood blocks cut over the preceding several hundred years are available for purchase. This rareness makes it very collectible and highly priced. Yakusugi wood is known for its fragrance, lustrous colour and soft, pliable texture. Its aroma is grounding, soothing, calming and dreamy and will transport you to an ancient cedar forest.
How to Use:
Press around pressure points, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and shoulders,. Slowly press a few times where it feels 'nice' or where gentle pressure is felt.
Using long flowing strokes, gently massage the entire body along the pathways (blood vessels and nerves).
By rubbing along the meridians and pressure points of the body, the body's accumulated waste is expelled and the flow of air and blood is regulated.
How to Care:
- Do not use Yakusugi massage tool with carrier or essential oils to massage.
- Never clean with detergent or water. If cleaning required, lightly wipe with a damp soft cloth.
- Please store away from direct sunlight preferably in a paper box so the wood can breathe and retain its aroma.
- As a natural material, the colour and fragrance will naturally change over time.