What is a Hot Stone Massage?
Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body. The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body.
The use of hot stones for healing dates back to ancient times, but it wasn't until Arizona massage therapist Mary Nelson introduced her hot stone massage technique, called LaStone Therapy, that the use of hot stones for massage caught on.
Nelson conducts workshops to train other massage therapists in LaStone. While LaStone continues to be popular, massage therapists and spas have also developed their own versions of the hot stone massage using heated, smooth rocks.
How Does Hot Stone Massage Work?
The hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so they retain heat. River rocks are normally used because they are so smooth - they have been smoothed over time by the river's current.
Hot stone massage is a variation on classic massage therapy. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body. The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage certain areas of the body.
The use of hot stones for healing dates back to ancient times, but it wasn't until Arizona massage therapist Mary Nelson introduced her hot stone massage technique, called LaStone Therapy, that the use of hot stones for massage caught on.
Nelson conducts workshops to train other massage therapists in LaStone. While LaStone continues to be popular, massage therapists and spas have also developed their own versions of the hot stone massage using heated, smooth rocks.
How Does Hot Stone Massage Work?
The hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so they retain heat. River rocks are normally used because they are so smooth - they have been smoothed over time by the river's current.
The stones are immersed in water and heated in an electric heating device until they are within a certain temperature range. The stones may be placed at specific points on the back, in the palms of the hand, or between the toes.
The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired.
The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired.
The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system.
Some massage therapists place stones on points that are thought to be energy centers of the body to rebalance the body and mind.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
Those longing for a natural remedy to enhance physical well being and 'kick out' illnesses linked to stress can certainly depend on this hot stone massage therapy. Some of the hot stone massage benefits are discussed below:
A Natural Painkiller
Hot stone massage benefits can help ease muscle tension and stiffness. As this type of massage uses heat, it is more effective in providing pain relief than a Swedish massage. Basically, a Swedish massage involves moving the hand over the patient's body in a specific manner. Although, this does help to relieve muscle pain, it is not very effective as compared to a hot stone massage. The effect of a Swedish massage is superficial, where as the heat of a hot stone massage passes through the skin to heal the underlying muscle and joint tissues. The deep penetrating heat simply 'kills' the stiffness and the pain of the underlying tissues. No wonder, arthritis and sciatica patients undergoing hot stone massage therapy experience substantial relief from those annoying aches. Even people diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience a great deal of comfort with this massage therapy.
Promotes Mental Well Being
Hot stone massage benefits are not just restricted to relieving physical pain. In today's stress ridden lifestyles one is bound to experience symptoms of mental disorders like depression and anxiety. Hot stone massage therapy provides one of the best ways to combat these emotional disorders. Attending sessions of hot stone massage can play a crucial role to bust the side effects of stress. This unique massage instills a feeling of relaxation and elevates mood, thereby helping to decrease stress and depression. It is indeed an excellent treatment to uplift oneself and manage these symptoms effectively.
Boosts Blood Circulation
Besides healing muscle injuries, hot stone massage therapy benefits provide an easy way to combat poor circulation problems. The heat generated from placing the hot stones stimulates blood circulation, thereby ensuring adequate oxygen and nutrient supply to various parts of the body.
Relaxes the Mind
One of the reasons why hot stone massage is effective to resolve mental problems is its ability to calm the mind. As aches and pains disappear while taking a hot stone massage, the mind also attains a state of calmness. This helps to rejuvenate the mind and the body, which works to heal mental illnesses.
Cures Insomnia
Fed up with sleeping problems? Unable to catch a good night's sleep? Well, hot stone massage benefits can help in this regard. This type of massage has shown to improve symptoms of insomnia. The therapeutic effect of this massage assist to provide better sleep. Going through few session of stone massage can work wonders to cure insomnia.
Although, hot stone massage benefits are innumerable, the massage is not recommended during pregnancy and those suffering from hypertension.
Some massage therapists place stones on points that are thought to be energy centers of the body to rebalance the body and mind.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
Those longing for a natural remedy to enhance physical well being and 'kick out' illnesses linked to stress can certainly depend on this hot stone massage therapy. Some of the hot stone massage benefits are discussed below:
A Natural Painkiller
Hot stone massage benefits can help ease muscle tension and stiffness. As this type of massage uses heat, it is more effective in providing pain relief than a Swedish massage. Basically, a Swedish massage involves moving the hand over the patient's body in a specific manner. Although, this does help to relieve muscle pain, it is not very effective as compared to a hot stone massage. The effect of a Swedish massage is superficial, where as the heat of a hot stone massage passes through the skin to heal the underlying muscle and joint tissues. The deep penetrating heat simply 'kills' the stiffness and the pain of the underlying tissues. No wonder, arthritis and sciatica patients undergoing hot stone massage therapy experience substantial relief from those annoying aches. Even people diagnosed with fibromyalgia experience a great deal of comfort with this massage therapy.
Promotes Mental Well Being
Hot stone massage benefits are not just restricted to relieving physical pain. In today's stress ridden lifestyles one is bound to experience symptoms of mental disorders like depression and anxiety. Hot stone massage therapy provides one of the best ways to combat these emotional disorders. Attending sessions of hot stone massage can play a crucial role to bust the side effects of stress. This unique massage instills a feeling of relaxation and elevates mood, thereby helping to decrease stress and depression. It is indeed an excellent treatment to uplift oneself and manage these symptoms effectively.
Boosts Blood Circulation
Besides healing muscle injuries, hot stone massage therapy benefits provide an easy way to combat poor circulation problems. The heat generated from placing the hot stones stimulates blood circulation, thereby ensuring adequate oxygen and nutrient supply to various parts of the body.
Relaxes the Mind
One of the reasons why hot stone massage is effective to resolve mental problems is its ability to calm the mind. As aches and pains disappear while taking a hot stone massage, the mind also attains a state of calmness. This helps to rejuvenate the mind and the body, which works to heal mental illnesses.
Cures Insomnia
Fed up with sleeping problems? Unable to catch a good night's sleep? Well, hot stone massage benefits can help in this regard. This type of massage has shown to improve symptoms of insomnia. The therapeutic effect of this massage assist to provide better sleep. Going through few session of stone massage can work wonders to cure insomnia.
Although, hot stone massage benefits are innumerable, the massage is not recommended during pregnancy and those suffering from hypertension.
Refernces:Nicks. (12, 13 2010). Hot stone massage benefits. Retrieved from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/hot-stone-massage-benefits.html ; Wong, Cathy. (10, 27 2007). Hot stone massage. Retrieved from http://altmedicine.about.com/od/massage/a/hot_stone.htm
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