In the past few years, hot stone massage using water-heated stones to heat and massage your body has become increasingly popular. This use of hot water to treat the body, called hydrotherapy, can deepen muscle relaxation and relieve stress.

Most massage therapists use basalt stones because they are non-porous and smooth and retain longer heat than other types of stones. These beautiful stones come in a variety of sizes. The massage therapist places the larger placed gems in one position of the body for a longer period of time while using a smaller tool stone for a specific massage.

Strokes are usually slow and gentle, with many people finding grounded, comforting and calming ways. Some massage therapists use hot stones for energy work by placing hot stones on the body's meridians [energy lines] or chakras [energy points]. Placing stones at these key points can guide the movement of energy called gas or gas and help release stress and promote healing.

Other potential benefits of hot stone massage include releasing toxins, relieving pain and improving blood circulation. The combined therapeutic properties of massage and hyperthermia bring more to many popular stone massage customers.

Using stones

To heat the stone, the masseur uses a professionally designed heater and thermometer to check the water temperature. The water temperature is usually between 110 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Because everyone has different sensitivities to heat, it is important for the therapist to ensure that the temperature of the stone is right for you. If the gem feels too hot, always let the therapist know.

When using the stone, the therapist places a barrier cloth between them and your skin, such as a flannel or terry cloth, to avoid burns.

In order to maintain and clean the gemstones, the therapist uses different techniques. Some people clean the stone and change the water after each customer. Others use hot spring oxidants to break down the bacteria in the hot water and keep the stones sterilized all day. Then at the end of the day, the therapist empties the heating device and cleans and disinfects all equipment.

Cold stone massage and contrast therapy

In addition to hot stones, some massage therapists use cold stones. These marbles are hand cut for cold stone therapy and are especially suitable for injuries and inflammation. Cold stone can also make the body active or produce cooling effects in hot weather or hot flashes.

Another option is to alternately use hot and cold stones, a technique called contrast therapy. Contrast therapy takes advantage of the heat and cold. Contrast temperature dilates and contracts blood vessels, stimulating blood flow and lymphatic drainage.

Precautions and contraindications

To ensure that hot stone massage is safe for you, tell your massage therapist about all your medical conditions and any other factors that affect your body. If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes or treat a serious illness with the care of a health care provider, please consult your health care provider before receiving a hot stone massage.

Heat can make some skin conditions worse, such as eczema, rashes and psoriasis. If you are taking medications that cause skin irritation [such as antibiotics or Accutane for acne], avoid fever. Be careful with any numbness. Avoid varicose veins, open wounds, heat from infected skin conditions or inflammation.

In general, if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, circulatory problems, decreased sensation or nerve damage, please avoid a cold. Also, if you have abdominal discomfort [discomfort, pain, bloating, gas, cramps, constipation or dirrhea], please avoid a cold in the abdomen. However, moving the warm stone in a circular clockwise direction may help alleviate these symptoms.

Enjoy your massage!

Now that you understand the benefits of hot stone massage and know when it is safe to receive a hot stone massage, call your local masseur to enjoy the heat and relaxation treatment of the hot stone massage.

Hot stone massage therapy introduction was originally published on Spring