subject: Rejuvenate Yourself And Fight Pain By Means Of A Fun, Relaxing Hot Stone Massage [print this page] Hot stone massage therapy, which is administered via the strategic placement of smooth heated rocks at key points on the body, is a variation of traditional massage used to reduce stiffness in the muscles, ease tension and improve circulation. By placing the heated stones on these specific points - some of which include the hand, toes and back -the muscles are prepared to allow for deeper relaxation.
Touted by some as being the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation for the body, hot stone massage hones in on the areas believed to be the power centers that realign the body and mind. The stone preparation and placement is very important as is the amount of time that they remain on these key body parts. The heat in the stones relaxes the body's muscles and therefore allows the massage therapist to apply a deeper pressure without discomfort.
Hot stone massage therapy is gaining popularity for its ability to provide deeper muscle and tissue relaxation, which in turn releases more potentially harmful toxins and improves circulation. Hot stone massage therapy has also been used successfully in the treatment of symptoms related to:
Muscular ache;
Back pain;
Stress and anxiety;
Rheumatic and arthritic conditions;
Fibromyalgia;
Insomnia;
Depression.
The stones used in stone massage therapy are actually river rocks, whose surface has been smoothed over time by the flow of the water in which they were found. These stones are able to retain heat for long periods of time because they are rich in iron and heated by an electrical device that brings them to just the right degree of warmth.
Stone massage therapy continues to grow in popularity - especially in these trying times - among those suffering from the effects of stress. It is especially popular among those who want the benefits of a deeper massage delivered with a lighter stroke.
Some people may be turned off by the thought of hot rocks on their body. But there is no need to worry ... the stones are always smooth, flat and only about the size of a large egg. The heat is not a concern either, as the hot stones are warmed under the strictest precautions in a unit that carefully monitors the degree of warmth. And while everyone has their own comfort range, your massage therapist will always hold the stones in his hands before applying them to your body to make sure that they are not too hot.
The technique used for hot stone massage therapy is two-part. First the procedure is applied to your back with you lying face-down on the massage table. After the rocks have remained on the key points for the right amount of time, the therapist will remove them and use them for the balance of the massage. Most therapists prefer to use oil when performing a hot stone massage to help the rocks glide more smoothing over the skin. When that has been completed, he will repeat that procedure on the front of your body, placing the rocks between your toes and in the palm of your hand.
If you are pregnant or are in treatment for any other existing health concerns, please contact your physician before beginning a hot stone massage therapy program. If you are currently undergoing chemotherapy, are prone to blood clots or have open wounds or rashes, you should not engage in hot stone massage therapy.
