During the test phase "Gema Stick meets Yoga Mat" at Tanja Gratzer www.tanjagratzer.com, the following question arose: A course participant wanted to know whether the sticks can also be disinfected?
Thank you for this valuable research question. We have got to the bottom of the issue. In the case of our GeMa sticks, it is exactly the same as with the popular children's wooden toys: " Never disinfect wood!"
The use of disinfectants on wooden surfaces is generally NOT recommended! Even if you are worried that possible germs will survive on the GeMa stick after periods of illness or that you could become infected by using the GeMa stick together, e.g. at seminars (yoga, igoku, fasting courses, shiatsu), aggressive disinfection with commercially available products or the use of alcohol can do more harm than good to the wood. The wood or the GeMa sticks are severely attacked by disinfectants. To reassure you: studies have also shown that wood has an antibacterial effect. The tannic acids, which have a natural antibacterial effect, make it difficult for the germs.
Our recommendation on how to clean your GeMa stick properly if necessary:
The best way to clean the wood is to use lukewarm water with a small splash of washing-up liquid. It is sufficient to wipe the wood or the GeMa pole with a slightly damp cloth. Please do not clean the GeMa poles in a water bath, this also applies to the painted Gema pole, whose surface is less sensitive. From a hygienic point of view, it is perfectly sufficient to wipe the surface with washing-up water, just as with untreated wood.
Recommendation & experience from Marion: In my seminars, the course participants always have the choice of whether they want to "walk with a stick" with or without socks. Both are fine, although it is a bit more intense without socks. It may feel a bit awkward and uncomfortable at first, sometimes it takes a lot of overcoming - but it is worth it. Enjoy these 10 minutes as much as you can and feel yourself. Take your time and walk regularly so that the positive and grounding effect of walking with a stick can unfold.
YOUR own GeMa stick and YOUR feet love it "up close".
We wish you beautiful and intense moments with yourself and your GeMa stick!
Gerald & Marion