Stress and anxiety are a constant part of life in the modern world. People may not get rid of these symptoms completely, but can focus attention on the other lovely features that are deserving of attention. This distraction may be attained by unwinding, and a hot stone massage is an efficient way to unwind.
The Nature of a Hot Stone Massage
Hot stones are placed on the spine, on the legs, in the palms, or in between the toes to promote deeper muscular relaxation. The professional therapists utilize kneading, tapping, lengthy strokes, and circular motions to maximize the therapeutic effects of this massage for the client. There are many hot stone massage benefits, including muscle relaxation, speeding up metabolism, better blood circulation, and tension reduction. To relieve sore muscles and cure the entire body, the massage therapist uses flat, warm, and smooth basalt stones.
How Hot Stone Therapy Began
In the past, Native Americans depended on hot, fire-heated stones to soothe aching muscles. The use of hot stones in massage treatment today is traced to Mary Nelson, a resident of Tucson, Arizona. Her patented hot stone massage technique is called LaStone Therapy, which includes a North American spiritual component and requires the requisite training and certification.
Basalt stones are favored over other types of stone because they are smooth, non-porous, and can retain heat for a long time. These look beautiful and can be obtained in a wide range of sizes. Smaller tooling stones are placed on certain body parts to facilitate specific massage strokes, while larger placement stones are placed on one section of the body to facilitate longer sessions.
Hot Stones- Placement and Benefits
It must be understood that the benefits of hot stones would eventually be applicable as per the body type. Here are the different areas of the body where hot stones are placed for relief:
- Chest
- Palms
- Face
- Spine
- Feet and Toes
- Stomach
While the benefits were briefly mentioned above, they are given in greater detail below:
- Better Sleep– Massage may be an alternative to sleeping drugs in individuals with insomnia. Back massages are known to help in relaxation and ensure better sleep. Infants with sleep issues who get massages from their parents generally feel sleepy a lot faster, and this conditioning is done since childhood when infants are able to sleep in cradles.
- Relief from Muscular Tensions and Discomforts– Heat has been used to relieve muscle tension and discomfort for a long time, and the massage increases blood flow to the affected areas. Muscle spasms may be reduced, and people can experience improvements in flexibility and range of motion. Inflammation can be relieved by cold therapy. Alternating heat and cold stones during your massage may be beneficial depending on your conditions.
- Can Improve Immunity– Massage may help to enhance an immune system. Better blood circulation is natural to make the antibodies more active.
- May Reduce Cancer Symptoms– In certain cases of cancer, it can help alleviate pain too. The soothing effect of human contact could be an important factor.
- Could Relieve Autoimmune Disease Symptoms– Fibromyalgia and other painful diseases may benefit from hot stone massage. Fibromyalgia is a persistent pain condition that affects the entire body. People with fibromyalgia who get massages are generally able to sleep longer. People with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from such a massage as well. Of course, this should never be done without expert supervision from an expert massage therapist.
How Hot Stone Therapy Works
Basalt stones are thoroughly cleaned and heated between 120 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit by the therapists. Before using hot stones to important acupressure body areas including the hands, spine, belly, feet, legs, and palms, the therapists first warm up the body with a traditional Swedish massage. These stones relieve pain and toxins while also calming and warming the body. Additionally, these stones support blood vessel growth, enhancing circulation.
How Hot Stone Massages Are Practiced Safely
The following safety precautions are necessary to prevent trouble for massage clients:
⦁ Use of Hot Stones and Gloves– Never wear gloves when receiving a hot stone massage. That’s because any stone that is exceedingly hot for a practitioner’s hands is probably too hot for a client, regardless of what the thermometer reads.
⦁ Stones for Heating (and Overheating)– Before the start of the session, give the stones plenty of time to warm up.
⦁ Safety with Hot Stones and Bones– Hot stones must never be pushed into any exposed or protruding bones for safety reasons.
⦁ Heat and Skin Sensitivities for Practitioners– Practitioners should rethink administering therapy if they are uncomfortable with a hot stone’s operational temperature range of 120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
Hot stone massages have a wonderfully soothing effect on the receiver’s body, especially as an alternative therapy.
