Hot Stone Massage Therapy

Hot stone massage is a deeply relaxing and soothing form of massage that helps in loosening tight muscles. Learn more about it in this article.

What is Hot Stone Massage?

Hot stone massage is a special massage technique that involves placing heated, smooth basalt stones on certain points on the body in order to open up the energy channels. Hot stone massage was introduced by Mary Hannigan in 1993 and she called it as "LaStone Therapy".

Many massage therapists and spas have developed their own versions of hot stone massage, which they implement in their spas. The hot basalt stones used in hot stone massage are rich in iron, because of which they can absorb and retain heat. The stones used are smooth and flat.

How is Hot Stone Massage Performed?

Prior to a massage, massage therapist will immerse stones in water and heat them in an electrical heating unit for certain temperature. Before placing them on your body, he will hold the stones and conform that they are not too hot.

You will be asked to remove all the clothes and lay down on your back. Oil will be applied on your body so that the hot stones glide smoothly along the muscles. You are asked to lie face down. The massage therapist will then hold hot stones in his hands and apply gentle strokes to massage your back. When the stones cool down, he replaces it with other hot stones.

When the therapist feels that the muscles are relaxed, he may keep the stones aside and massage the body directly with the hands. He may then place the hot stones on certain points on the back and leave it for some time.

You will then be asked to lie down on your back and small hot stones may be placed between the toes or on the palm. A typical hot stone massage session lasts for about 60 to 90 minutes.

How does the Hot Stone Massage Therapy Work?

The hot stones used in this therapy warm and relax the muscles. They also help in improving blood circulation and calming the nervous system.
The placement of hot stones on certain points called energy centers rebalances the body and mind. Balancing of energy centers helps in healing many diseases.

What are the Benefits of Hot Stone Massage Therapy?

Hot stone massage is a deeply relaxing massage technique, which has numerous benefits. Some of them include:

• Reduces stress
• Relieves pain
• Creates sensation of comfort and warmth
• Stimulates the circulatory system
• Improves blood circulation
• Calms nervous system
• Restores balance
• Promotes deep muscle relaxation
• Releases toxins

Hot stone massage therapy can also be used in treatment of many health disorders like muscular pains, back pains, arthritis, osteoarthritis, insomnia, stress, anxiety, fibromylagia, poor circulation and depression.

Who should not have Hot Stone Massage?

Hot stone massage should not be performed on the people who have undergone surgery recently.

It should not be performed on the people who have undergone chemotherapy.

The people who are prone to blood clots should not have hot stone massage.

People having infectious skin diseases or rashes should avoid it.

Pregnant women should consult their doctor if they desire to have hot stone massage therapy.

Some Additional and Beneficial Hot Stone Massage Tips

• Before going to any spa, conform that the message therapist is well trained. Small spas often have less trained therapist who apply too much of pressure.
• Don't have heavy meals before going for a massage.
• Don't forget to discuss your health problems (if any) with the massage therapist.
• If you feel uncomfortable at any stage of therapy, let your massage therapist know it. Also speak up if the stones are too warm or if too much pressure is applied.