A hot stone massage is one of the therapeutic massage therapies that helps relax and ease tense muscles in the body and heals damaged soft tissues. It is done by using flat, smooth, heated stones that are placed on different parts of the body. These stones are made of basalt which is a type of rock that retains heat.
The stones used in massage therapy are heated to temperatures between 130 and 145 degrees. The stones can be placed on the following areas of the body:
- chest
- stomach
- along the spine
- palms
- face
- feet and toes
These stones are placed on the body using Swedish massage techniques which include:
- circular movements
- vibration
- tapping
- long strokes
- kneading
During a hot stone massage, cold stones are also used. Cold stones are used immediately after hot stones to soothe the skin and calm down engorged blood vessels.
Here are some benefits a hot stone massage provides:
- Helps relieve muscle tension and pain
Heat has always been used to ease muscle pain and tension in the body. This is because heat helps increase blood flow to the affected area. It also reduces muscle spasms and increases flexibility. Depending on the issue, alternating hot and cold stones during massage therapy may prove helpful.
- Reduces stress and anxiety
Massage therapy is extremely effective for stress relief. A ten-minute massage can help improve cardiovascular response such as stroke volume. A 15-minute, massage session in the workplace can reduce work-related stress. You can opt for occasional massage therapies for stress and anxiety but if the situation is getting out of your control immediately consult a doctor and get your prescribed medicines from https://www.pricepropharmacy.com/online-pharmacy/ on discount prices. Remember not to remain silent and communicate your feelings and emotions with anyone who is listening.
- Promotes sleep
A hot stone massage can be an alternative to sleeping pills if you are experiencing insomnia. A back massage helps promote sleep and relaxation. It is a well-established fact that infants who have trouble sleeping, when given a massage tend to sleep faster. Any kind of massage especially a hot stone massage helps to enjoy more restorative sleep and regulate the sleep cycle.
- Helps decrease cancer symptoms
A hot stone massage has been shown to ease fatigue, pain, stress, nausea, anxiety, and depression in several people with cancer. A massage with Swedish massage techniques greatly improved cancer symptoms.
- Boosts immunity
Experts recommend that a single session of hot stone massage therapy can have a positive impact on immunity. Blood samples taken before and after the massage in patients showed a significant decrease in arginine-vasopressin, which is a hormone that helps regulate water retention and blood pressure of the body.
To make sure you have a significant hot stone massage effect, only book a massage therapist professionally trained to work with hot stones. If you feel uncomfortable or experience severe pain during the massage, let the therapist know right away.
