How Does Hot Stone Massage Work?
Hot stone massage is an incredibly relaxing treatment. It relieves stress and pain, and supports the body’s natural detoxification processes.
During the massage, the stones are placed on the bare skin and manipulated with gentle pressure and deep kneading. They are typically heated to about 110 degrees.
It is important for the massage therapist to know the health history of their clients, as this will help them decide if using hot stones is appropriate. Hydration is also key for this type of massage.
The Heat
During a hot stone massage, your therapist will use basalt stones—volcanic rocks that can retain heat. They’ll place them on specific areas of your body and use them to help relax tight muscles and ease aching joints.
The heat from the stones helps warm your muscles and improves circulation, which can ease aches and pains and promote healing. It also increases the elasticity of your tendons and ligaments. And it helps your therapist work deeper into muscle tissue using techniques like kneading and rolling.
However, you should avoid hot stone massage if you have recent or severe bruising, cuts or scrapes, sunburn or varicose veins. It’s also not recommended for pregnant women, as it can trigger discomfort or dislodge blood clots that are common in pregnancy. It’s a good idea to drink water before your session and communicate with your therapist about how much heat is too much for you. The therapist will heat the stones in a special heater, which is safer than using a microwave, hot plate or oven.
The Pressure
Massage, in general, stimulates a whole series of internal responses including the release of endorphins which reduce stress and anxiety. The addition of heated stones to a massage further encourages the release of these hormones, as well as the increase in blood flow to the muscles.
The massage therapist will use the hot stones as an extension of their own hands to manipulate the soft tissue. The heat and the slick surface of the stone allow for a firmer pressure to be applied without causing discomfort or bruising.
It's important to know that a hot stone massage should never be painful, and if it is, the client should let the therapist know. The stones are only heated in professional massage stone heaters and not in microwaves or hot plates, which can overheat them.
The therapist will also only use the hot stones on parts of the body that are safe for them to touch. It's a good idea to let them know if you have any medical conditions that provoke a lack of sensation in certain areas such as neuropathy, diabetes, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.
The Massage Oil
In addition to helping the massage therapist work more effectively, the oil helps protect the skin from the heat of the stones. This also allows the stones to glide smoothly over the muscles without causing discomfort.
Occasionally, a cold stone is used as well to soothe the muscles and calm the body. It is also useful in reducing inflammation and enhancing circulation.
Massage has been shown to help those with chronic pain conditions such as Fibromyalgia and Rheumatoid Arthritis. It seems that regular massage reduces the levels of a chemical called substance P, which is responsible for transmitting pain signals in these conditions.
While hot stone massage is very soothing, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. It is very important for the client to talk to their therapist if they experience any discomfort. This is not a sign of weakness, and massage therapists will not be insulted if they know something does not feel right.
The Hydration
Using hot stones requires some hydration, and it’s good for the body to be properly hydrated before, during and after a massage. This helps with the increase in blood flow that’s encouraged by the warmer temperatures, and also ensures the client doesn’t experience any burns.
During a hot stone massage, the heat stimulates many physiological processes that help reduce stress and anxiety. For example, it increases the release of ’feel-good’ hormones, like endorphins, and decreases the production of stress hormones, such as norepinephrine and cortisol. It also encourages the release of melatonin, which is needed for a restful sleep.
A massage therapist will place the warm stone on specific areas of the body, such as the back, stomach, arms and hands, or feet. They will use the stones as extensions of their own hands to knead and smooth out the muscles, turning them periodically to distribute the heat evenly. It’s important for the massage therapist to ask clients about any conditions that may be contraindicated with this type of massage, such as heart disease, high or low blood pressure, and skin sensitivities.
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Hot stone massage is an incredibly relaxing treatment. It relieves stress and pain, and supports the body’s natural detoxification processes. During the massage, the stones are placed on the bare skin and manipulated with gentle pressure and deep kneading. They are typically heated to about 110 degrees. It is important for the massage therapist to…