Massage therapists perform a hot stone massage with flat, smooth stones heated and placed on the body in specific areas. The therapist uses the stones to massage the body after applying hot oil to the body. The oils allow the stones to move easily across the body. Therapists may use the hot stones to heat and relax the muscles before beginning a massage with their hands. The stones can be placed on the back, on the stomach and even between the toes to help energy flow through the body. The therapist may place stones in the hands as well.
Therapists also use cold stones for patients suffering from an inflammation or an injury to the muscles. The cold stones can help to reduce inflammation and prevent further damaging the injured area.
Hot stones have become a popular type of therapeutic massage in recent years. The heat from the stones relaxes the muscles and allows a deeper massage and deeper relaxation benefits. This treatment can offer a great deal of benefit if you have been suffering from muscle aches and pains, stress and poor blood circulation.
Some of the health conditions that can be improved with hot stone massages include back pain, arthritis pain, depression, insomnia, poor blood circulation and stress.
Relaxation Benefits
Stress can cause many health problems such as obesity, high blood pressure, digestive problems, depression and sleep disorders. If you have been feeling the stress from a job or other situation, hot stone massage can offer relief. Many people enjoy a hot stone massage for its ability to help the body and mind relax, which reduces the stress levels. You can include hot stone massage as a part of your stress management program.
Improved Blood Circulation
Massage techniques, including hot stone massage also improve your blood circulation. The massage helps blood vessels open and move blood through the body. This eliminates waste and toxins in the blood and can improve skin quality. You may find that your skin improves after regular hot stone massage treatments.
How You Can Help
When you schedule a hot stone massage, there are some things that you can do to improve your experience. Look for an experienced massage therapist to perform your treatment. A therapist that does not have the experience or skill can apply to much pressure and actually cause pain instead of helping you feel better. Always let your massage therapist know when you feel pain during the massage. Use deep breathing techniques to help you relax during the massage. If you are too tense, your muscles will be too tight and you will not gain the relaxation benefits of the massage.
Use hot stone massage as a part of your stress management. Reducing the amount of stress in your life through diet, exercise and massage can lead to better health and fewer ailments. Not only will your body feel better, but you will look forward to the relaxation benefits as well.