Hot Stone Massage Intro

Hot stone massage if you use water-heated stones to heat and massage your body is becoming increasingly popular in the last couple of years. This use of warmed water to treat the entire body, called thermal hydrotherapy, deeply relaxes your muscle mass and relieves stress.

Most massage therapists use basalt stones, as they are non-porous and smooth and retain heat longer than other types of stones. These beautiful stones come in various sizes. The massage therapist positions larger placement stones a single just right the body with an extended time, when using smaller tooling stones to complete specific massage strokes.

The strokes are generally slow and gentle, in a manner that a lot of people find grounding, comforting, and calming. Some massage therapists use hot stones for energy work by placing them across the body's meridians (energy lines) or around the chakras (energy points). Placing the stones at these tips can stimulate movement from the energy known as qi or chi and help release the consequences of stress and facilitate healing.

Other potential advantages of hot stone massage include the discharge of toxins, pain relief, and improved circulation. The combined healing properties of massage and heat bring many clients who have a hot stone massage once back to get more.

Using the Stones

To heat the stones, the massage therapist utilizes a professionally designed heater with a thermometer for checking the water temperature. Water temperatures are normally between 110 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Because people have different sensitivity to heat, it is important for the therapist to make certain the temperature of the stones is appropriate for you personally. Always let your therapist know if the stones feel too hot.

When you use placement stones, the therapist will put a barrier, for instance a flannel sheet or terry cloth towel, between them along with your skin to prevent the risk of a burn.

To maintain and clean the stones, therapists use different techniques. Some wash the stones and change the water after every client. Others work with a spa oxidizer that reduces bacteria in the warm water, keeping the stones sanitized all day. Then at the conclusion of the day, the therapist empties the heating unit and washes and sanitizes every one of the equipment.

Cold Stone Massage and Contrast Therapy

Besides hot stones, some massage therapists use cold stones. These marble stones are hand cut to be used in cold stone therapy, and that is especially a good choice for injury and inflammation. Cold stones also can invigorate your body or use a cooling impact on hot days or for hot flashes.

Another option is alternating hot and cold stones, a method called contrast treatment. Contrast therapy takes benefit of the main advantages of both heat and cold. The contrasting temperatures expand and constrict the arteries and, stimulating blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.

Cautions and Contraindications

To make certain that hot stone massage is safe in your case, always tell your massage therapist about your entire medical conditions and whatever else affecting your body. Should you be pregnant, have blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or are under a healthcare provider's care for a serious medical condition, speak to your provider before getting a hot stone massage.

Heat can worsen some skin disorders, for example eczema, rashes, and psoriasis. Avoid heat in case you are taking medication that causes skin hypersensitivity (for example antibiotics or Accutane for acne). Be cautious about any area which is numb. Avoid heat on varicose veins, open wounds, infected skin problems, or inflammation.

In general, avoid cold stones for those who have hypertension, heart problems, circulatory problems, reduced sensation, or nerve damage. Also, avoid cold stones on your abdomen for those who have abdominal distress (discomfort, pain, bloating, gas, cramping, constipation, or diarrhea). However, warm stones moved in a circular, clockwise direction could help relieve these symptoms.

Enjoy Your Massage!

If you are know the great things about hot stone massage and understand whether it is safe to take delivery of one, call your local massage therapist and enjoy the relaxing and healing results of the penetrating heat of a hot stone massage.