subject: Melt Away Your Stressful Day And Fight Pain By Way Of A Soothing Hot Stone Massage [print this page] Hot stone massage therapy - a variation on classic methods - melts away tension, eases muscle stiffness, and increases circulation and metabolism in sessions that usually last 90 minutes. Hot stone massage therapy features the placement of smooth, water-heated stones at key points on the body, including specific points on the back, in the palms of the hand, and between the toes to allow for deeper relaxation of the muscles.
Hot stone massage therapy provides the ultimate in relaxing and healing massage. After the proper amount of time, the stones are removed and used by the massage therapist to continue rubbing them over your muscles. During a hot stone massage, the therapist is able to apply more deliberate pressure because the stones have been relaxed by the heat. The points where the therapist places the rocks is very important, as they are the thought to be the energy replenishment areas of the body where the body and mind are realigned.
Deeper muscle penetration and relaxation is one of the attributes that makes the hot stone massage therapy so popular. It is also proven to improve one's circulation and flush out toxins that could be harmful to your body. If you suffer from any of the following medical ailments, hot stone massage therapy could be just what you need:
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.
