Hot stone massage is based on the premise that the direct contact from hot stones helps to relax the muscles, allowing the practitioner to access the muscles on a deeper level. This enhances the therapeutic effect of the massage.
Typically these stones are derived from a riverbed, or a place with significant energetic meaning to the practitioner. Stones can be smooth, or a bit coarse depending on their intended purpose. Most rocks are smooth-surfaced basalt rocks, intended to glide smoothly across the body. These stones are heated in water prior to use. The iron content in basalt rocks helps them retain heat during the massage.
Your massage therapist will place water-heated, smooth stones on key parts of the body to help facilitate a deeper relaxation combined with a full body massage to enhance the body’s healing potential. Overly-tight muscles can hinder the massage process, and the stones are an added step to help open knots and blockages, allowing you to get more from your massage. The hot stones allow blood vessels to expand, encouraging blood flow throughout the body. This has a calming effect, further helping to relieve chronic pain, alleviate symptoms of stress-related illness, and facilitate a deep state of relaxation.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage:
- Ease muscle tension and pain
- Promotes blood flow to affected area
- Increases range of motion
- Stress relief
- Pain relief from problems such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, carpal tunnel, back pain, and other chronic conditions
- Promotes deeper sleep
- Boosts immune system
It is important to let your massage therapist know if the heat is too much or if the pressure is too harsh. If you are pregnant or have a history with certain conditions such as high blood pressure check with your doctor before trying hot stone massage.
