Massage is an excellent way to relax the body and ease the mind from the daily stress of life. Are you looking for a deep muscle relaxation that melts away tension, stress, and anxiety? Look no further and be surprised what hot stone massage therapy can do for you.
Feel your stress and aches fade away through the therapeutic combination of Swedish massage techniques and the healing powers of hot stones.
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What Is Hot Stone Massage Therapy?
Over thousands of years and in many cultures, heated stones have been used for their healing properties. More than two thousand years ago, the Chinese started to use heated stones to improve the function of internal organs. Ancient Greek and Roman cultures are also known for their use of massage and hot stones in their spas.
Hot stone massage therapy was introduced in North America in 1993 with the LaStone Therapy, still one of the most popular forms of hot stone therapy. This healing and re-energizing therapy was created by Mary Nelson and uses hot stones of various temperatures to create a chemical, emotional and spiritual response.
Hot stone massage is a natural therapy that uses smooth, warmed basalt stones to enhance and maximize the therapeutic benefits of a massage. These volcanic rocks contain high levels of iron and magnesium and are ideal for absorbing the heat.
This form of thermotherapy, where the basalt stones are heated to 120ºF (40ºC) and placed carefully on specific areas of the body, allows a deeper muscle and tissue manipulation. They come in different sizes and weights. They are often placed next to our spine on acupuncture points.
The heat works to release tension, relax muscles and improve the blood flow. Smaller stones with oil are used to give muscles and tissue a deeper treatment using Swedish massage techniques to enhance the healing and effectiveness of the therapy.
The heat and energy are able to penetrate deeper into our muscles and provide a soothing and very relaxing therapeutic experience for mind and body. The hot stones may be alternated with cold marble stones or stones at room temperature to increase circulation in our body or to treat muscle injuries or inflammation.
Hot stone massage therapy is one of the most relaxing and calming spa experiences I ever had. Make sure you pick the right therapist to give you this amazing experience. A lot of skills and finesse are required to give a soothing and relaxing hot stone massage.
Find the hot stone massage therapy health benefits below!
5 major Benefits of Hot Stone Massage Therapy
- Hot stone massage is a great way to relieve stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depressions. It creates a calming and relaxing effect on inner peace.
- Re-energizes and rejuvenates our body to face new challenges. If you’re up to something important, a hot stone treatment one day ahead can do wonders. It will keep your mind refreshed and focused, and increases your chance of success. Or it can just give you that happy feeling you’re looking for.
- Hot stone massage detoxes the body by releasing toxins. So it is wise to drink enough water after a massage to flush them all out.
- It is an effective way to relax our muscles and take away aches and pains. The muscles are able to loosen up and relax better due to the heat of the stones. Making deeper manipulations possible.
- Improves health conditions such as back pain, muscle spasms, arthritis, fibromyalgia and musculoskeletal problems.
Although a good massage can do wonders and is considered safe, some people have to be careful. Hot stone massage may be not a good idea when pregnant or when suffering from a high blood pressure or heart diseases. Diabetics or people who have weak bones or open wounds should also avoid this treatment or contact a doctor in advance.
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Thanks for reading. I hope this information was helpful. Until next time!
Amy Goodrich
Crazy cat lady, life and food lover, certified biologist, and holistic health coach.
