A hot stone massage consists of smooth, heated rocks placed on different parts of the body for a relaxing and therapeutic effect.
The stones are made of basalt, which is a volcanic rock composed mainly of calcium and magnesium. They retain the heat very well, allowing them to transmit it to the body well.
A hot stone massage is a particularly relaxing and soothing treatment, which has a beneficial effect on the body and the mind. By applying heated stones to special points of the body, it is possible to enhance their beneficial effects. The heat relaxes tense muscles and improves blood flow. In this way, it reduces stiffness in joints and relieves pain from arthritis, reduces muscle spasms, or alleviates other muscular problems.
In addition, its ability to improve circulation enhances the delivery of nutrients towards cells, allowing them to function better while strengthening immunity. In turn, this helps our body eliminate toxins faster while improving the tone of skin and complexion thanks to its detoxifying effects. It promotes regeneration while increasing metabolism.
Hot stone massage encourages the production of serotonin (a hormone of happiness) and endorphins (peptides that act as analgesics). Hot stone massage therapy provides deep relaxation, which improves mental health thanks to its ability to lessen anxiety, depression and reduce stress.The Swedish massage techniques have been shown in certain studies to increase the production of white blood cells critical in reinforcing the body's immune system.
Besides these effects, hot stone massages are very popular due to the fact that they also generate considerable pleasure thanks to the feeling of warmth produced by the smooth stones on contact with the skin. This is enhanced if essential oils are used with them because their aromas may be inhaled during treatment. That combination produces an effect similar to aromatherapy, which is widely used in spas for its beneficial properties.
The massage therapist will place the smooth, heated stones on the different parts of your body. They may remain in place for several minutes or depending on their size and thickness, they might be used only to stimulate certain areas. Massage therapists place warm stones on the back, neck, feet, or hands. In all cases, you will have to lie down with your eyes closed so that you can concentrate on their effect and relax during the treatment. Then the flat stones may be moved from one place to another to obtain a relaxing massage of different muscles in specific areas. During hot stone massage therapy, essential oils are often used in combination with hot stones to ensure a pleasant experience and achieve better results. They can also benefit from an aromatherapy effect that helps relieve anxiety and harmony of mind and body due to the diffuse scents throughout the room.
It has been shown that certain medical and body conditions benefit or get cured by or improve after applying hot stone massage therapy.
Arthritis is a condition that is native to the muscles. Other than medication, doctors require patients suffering from arthritis in their upper limbs to undergo moderate pressure massage therapy in modern clinical practice.
There are many conditions, illnesses, and lifestyles that affect our sleeping patterns. Lack of sufficient sleep and rest suppresses the immune system. The hot stone massage is proven to relieve stress, cause relaxation and thus enhance restful sleep.
Modern life and work requirements have become a considerable source of stress. Stress is not only bad for wellbeing. It's bad for persons suffering from chronic illnesses. Regular massage therapy will not only relieve pain but also provides deep relaxation. Relaxation reduces stress and promotes a person's health conditions.
Persistent emotional or physical pain can lead the fibromyalgia. This type of pain affects nearly the entire body. This body-wide pain can alter sleep patterns, cause fatigue, numbness, and muscle tension. Studies show that patients' sleep improves, and they are more relaxed due to the application of hot stone therapy to relieve fibromyalgia pain.
Most cardiovascular conditions affect the heart's ability to function and supply blood to the body. As the warmth from the hot stones goes through the body, the blood vessels dilate. The widening of blood vessels improves blood circulation, thus speeding up the supply of oxygen to the body, which benefits persons with heart conditions or diseases. There are studies suggesting that hot stone massage may help improve the cardiovascular system.
There are many benefits to persons having muscle problems. Hot stones are used to relax tight muscles. Application of heat to sore muscles relieves pain and tension in the affected body parts or sections. The use of hot and cold stones is also a common massage technique used for pain relief. In particular, it is suitable when applied to the lymph nodes to stimulate lymphatic drainage.
Hot stone massages not only promote relaxation but are also beneficial to persons with certain medical conditions. Nevertheless, you need to be careful, depending on the condition of each person.
People with high blood pressure should avoid this treatment if they feel discomfort or dizziness. If you have had recent surgery or injury in that area, hot stones can lead to swelling and increase bleeding risks.
Also, pregnant women shouldn't receive these treatments because the heat may cause uterine contractions. New mothers should wait at least six weeks after their delivery to start this kind of massage. In addition, those people with skin problems such as psoriasis or eczema mustn't do it.You will be able to enjoy a nice feeling of warmth during the treatment while all your muscles relax pleasantly thanks to the smooth stones passing over them. In general, hot stones massage is safe and if you are in good health, you can safely try it out and experience its beneficial effects on your body and mind. However, if you suffer from chronic pain or high blood pressure, seek advice from a doctor before making an appointment for a session.
Basalt is a volcanic rock that comes from the sea floor, and its colour varies between black, grey, or brown. Basalt river rocks are usually placed in water to become warm, and they may also be heated by microwaves or dryers before treatment. Their size can vary depending on their thickness or if they are rounded or elongated. Still, they tend to measure around 10 cm, have different shapes to facilitate their movement during treatment, have flat surfaces. Hence, they rest easily on the human body without slipping, which would be annoying during the session.
The length of each session depends on the muscles that need attention. On average it usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
In most cases, hot stone massages start with a relaxing full body massage to ensure your muscles are at ease and ready for the stones. For this reason, the practitioner may use massage oils or some lotion to make sure your skin is properly hydrated before they come into contact with your body.The activity may require more time if the massage therapist undertakes further massage techniques like deep tissue massage.
Basalt stones can be placed on any part of the body. They may stay in place for a few minutes, or they may be used as well to stimulate specific muscles and areas such as:
The neck area relieves stress and tension headaches.
The lower back alleviates pain and stiffness due mainly to bad posture and physical effort.
It is very common to use them during pedicures and manicures because they contribute to relaxing your hands and feet muscles. This treatment helps promote better blood flow which results in healthier nails too.
Remember that if you want a hot stone massage, always seek advice from a doctor first so that he/she can give you the green light before you start this kind of therapy. You may require something more physical, such as a sports massage.A hot stone massage is not an expensive treatment; it is actually very affordable, and prices vary depending on the area you live in. However, around $100.00 per hour is what you can usually expect to pay for this kind of body massage.
However, if you choose complementary therapies such as remedial massage techniques that require specialised professionals, the hot stone massage costs can rise rapidly. The Health direct website has a great guide to massage therapy.