Hot stone massage is a sort of therapy that includes the usage of smooth, temperate heated stones. The massage professional places the hot stones on certain points on your body and may also hold the stones whilst giving the massage. The localized weight and heat of the stones warm and relax muscles and skin, enabling the therapist to apply pressure in depth to those areas without causing any discomfort. The hallmark of this massage is the use of heated stones. Basalt river rocks are typically used because they are smooth (from the river’s current) and retain heat well. While massage therapists often use anatomy to guide the placement of the stones, some therapists will also place stones on points thought to energetically balance the mind and body.

Expectations

Whilst having the therapy, the therapist places stones on certain points on the body. While the points may vary depending on the areas of muscle tension and the client’s health history, the stones are generally placed in the following areas:

• Along both sides of the spine
• In the palms of your hand
• On your legs, abdomen, feet

Small stones may be placed between the toes or on the forehead.

After the placement of stones on your body, it may take a few minutes for the heat and warmth to penetrate the sheet or towel so you can know whether the stones are too hot.

The therapist applies massage oil to the skin. Stones withheld in both hands, the therapist uses gliding movements to glide the stones along the muscles. The therapist generally uses Swedish massage techniques on the back, neck, and shoulders whilst the stones are in place or after, they have been removed.

The length of a typical hot stone massage is between 1-2

Benefits

The combination of both hot and cold stones instigates your body to detox and heal through increasing your lymphatic flow and encouraging your body to minute waste products.

Benefits of hot stone massage include:

• Relaxing tense muscles
• Aiding pain relief
• Alleviating depression
• Promoting sleep
• Improving circulation.
• Hot stone therapy helps people who suffer from:
• Stress
• Back pain
• Muscular pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Insomnia
• Depression or anxiety
• Poor circulation.

Drawbacks

While hot stone massage is greatly considered sound when performed by a trained and licensed therapist, it’s not suitable for everyone. Consult your doctor if you have a medical condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, varicose veins, migraines, autoimmune disease, decreased pain sensitivity, cancer, autoimmune disease, epilepsy, tumors, or metal implants, or are on medication that thins the blood.

Also, check with your doctor if you have had recent surgery or have recent wounds or areas of weakened or inflamed skin.

Pregnant women and children (underage) must avoid hot stone massage.

Final Thoughts

Hot stone massage has continued to advance, with many professional massage therapists and spas offering their own type of the massage.

Irrespective of the fact that you’re trying massage are already a fan or for the first time and interested in trying something new, talk with your professional massage therapist if the hot stone massage is even suitable for you. While many people find the warmth deeply relaxing and beneficial for the mind, body, and spirit, you also want to make sure that it’s the right type of bodywork for you—especially if you have a health condition or injury.

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