Do you love the results of a deep tissue massage but find the pressure to be a little too much for you? Good news! A hot stone massage uses techniques similar to Swedish massage (long strokes, kneading, and rolling) but allows the therapist to penetrate deep tissues by using the heat from stones rather than by additional pressure. Even better news, it has wonderful benefits for your whole body, mind, and spirit.
Before we get into the benefits, let me explain how the process works, in case you are not at all familiar with this type of massage.
It is important to note that the stones used in this type of massage cannot be any old rock you find in your driveway or along the hiking trail. Basalt rocks, or volcanic rocks, are used for this type of massage because they have a high iron content, which allows them to retain heat well. The stones have been smoothed by riverbeds or seawater and are generally dark gray or black in color.
How it works:
Step One: Therapists warm stones either in water or in a professional warmer to ensure stones are at the proper heat level.
Step Two: Once heated, the stones will be placed on different parts of your body. As with any massage, placement varies depending on the desired outcome of the massage. Most often, though, the stones are placed on your back, abdomen, face, palms, and chest.
Step Three: The therapist will usually let the stones rest on your body for a short time to allow the heat to begin penetrating your skin. As the stones are working their magic, the therapist will start to warm up other places of your body like your arms and legs. Using their knowledge of anatomy, the therapist will guide the stones over your body with the aid of essential oils.
Now that you understand how the massage works, let’s briefly explore three reasons you may need a hot stone massage.
1. Relieves Pain
Hot stone massage is a wonderful treatment for people who suffer from diseases linked to the nervous or muscular system. People with autoimmune disorders like fibromyalgia or rheumatoid arthritis have reported that hot stone massages lessens their pain and improves their range of motion.
2. Decreases Muscle Tension
Therapists place stones on specific trigger points of the body. This technique penetrates the body’s tissue, allowing blood vessels to open and improve circulation. The increase in blood flow will help reduce inflammation, which causes uncomfortable and even painful tension in muscles.
3. Helps to Alleviate Chronic Stress and Anxiety
We all experience stress and while some stress is healthy, chronic stress can negatively impact your health resulting in a variety of health issues like cardiovascular events, overeating, insomnia, and anxiety. Hot stone massages will calm the mind while also increasing circulation and stimulating your metabolism.
For questions or to learn more about the benefits of hot stone massages, contact us!