subject: Potential Benefits Of Hot Stone Massage [print this page] Hot stone massage by using water-heated stones to heat and massage your body has become increasingly popular over the past couple of years. This use of warmed water to take care of the body, called thermal hydrotherapy, deeply relaxes parts of your muscles and relieves stress.
Most massage therapists use basalt stones, because they are non-porous and smooth and retain heat longer kinds of stones. These beautiful stones can be found in various sizes. The massage therapist positions larger placement stones a single just right your body on an extended time, while using smaller tooling stones to complete specific massage strokes.
The strokes are often slow and gentle, in a manner that many people find grounding, comforting, and calming. Some massage therapists use hot stones for energy work by placing them along the body's meridians (energy lines) or around the chakras (energy points). Placing the stones at these key points can stimulate movement with the energy known as qi or chi and help release the consequences of stress and facilitate healing.
Other potential benefits of hot stone massage are the discharge of toxins, relief of pain, and improved circulation. The combined healing properties of massage and warmth bring many clients who've a hot stone massage once back for additional.
Using the Stones
To heat the stones, the massage therapist works on the professionally designed heater having a thermometer for checking water temperature. The water temperatures are generally between 110 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit. Because all people have different sensitivity to heat, it is important for your therapist to be sure the temperature of the stones is acceptable for you personally. Always let your therapist know if the stones feel too hot.
When working with placement stones, the therapist will put a barrier, like a flannel sheet or terry cloth towel, together and your skin to avoid the potential risk of a burn.
To keep up and clean the stones, therapists use different techniques. Some wash the stones and change the water after every client. Others make use of a spa oxidizer that reduces bacteria in the warm water, keeping the stones sanitized throughout the day. Then at the end during 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 for use in cold stone therapy, which is especially helpful for injury and inflammation. Cold stones can also invigorate your body or use a cooling effect on hot days or hot flashes.
One more choice is alternating hot and cold stones, a method called contrast treatment. Contrast therapy takes advantage of the benefits of both heat and cold. The contrasting temperatures expand and constrict the bloodstream, stimulating blood flow and lymphatic drainage.
Cautions and Contraindications
To make certain that hot stone massage is safe for you personally, always inform your massage therapist about your entire medical ailments and everything else affecting your body. If you're pregnant, have blood pressure, heart problems, diabetes or they are under a healthcare provider's take care of a serious problem, consult your provider before finding a hot stone massage.
Heat can worsen some skin disorders, such as eczema, rashes, and psoriasis. Avoid heat if you're taking medication that causes skin hypersensitivity (such as antibiotics or Accutane for acne). Watch out for any area that's numb. Avoid heat on varicose veins, open wounds, infected skin complaints, or inflammation.
Generally, avoid cold stones should you have hypertension, heart disease, 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.
