subject: Melt Away Your Stressful Day But Also Free Your Mind By Way Of An Invigorating Hot Stone Massage [print this page] Hot stone massage therapy - the strategic placement of heated rocks on key points of your body - is a variation of traditional massage and has been proven to ease tension, eliminate muscle stiffness and improve circulation. The key points targeted with hot stone massage are located in the toes, back and hand, and the temporary placement of heated rocks on these areas relaxes the muscles in preparation for deeper pressure by your massage therapist.
Your massage therapist will administer a customized hot stone massage, by rubbing the body with stones to create the ultimate healing and relaxing experience. Because the warm heat from the stones helps to relax the muscles, it allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure. Strategic placement of the rocks during the hot stone massage is important, as they are thought to be the energy centers of the body that returns balance to the mind and body.
Not only is hot stone massage therapy so popular because it allows for deeper muscle and tissue relaxation, but because it aids in flushing out toxins, while improving circulation. Hot stone massage is also used in treating the following ailments:
Aches and pains in the muscles;
Pain located in the back;
Symptoms related to anxiety and stress;
Conditions brought on by arthritis;
The effects of Fibromyalgia;
The annoying effects of insomnia;
Symptoms resulting from depression.
The stones used in hot stone massage therapy are rich in iron and can therefore retain heat for long periods of time, after being heated by a specially designed machine that keeps them at precisely the right temperature. River rocks - with smooth flat surfaces created by the current of the river - provide the perfect tool for hot stone massage therapy.
One of the things that make the hot stone massage so popular is the comfortable and relaxing sensation brought on by the warmth of the hot stones. The technique is particularly popular among those who suffer from stress and tension-related symptoms but prefer a lighter massage, because hot stone massage therapy makes the muscles easier to manipulate.
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.
