Hot stone therapy is a massage technique applied with hot, volcanic and different kinds of stones. During the massage, the therapist places the hot stones in different parts of your body. Since the stones have their temperature, the muscles begin to warm up and the body begins to relax. Thus, the therapist can effectively intervene in the heated area. What is hot stone therapy, what are the benefits and how to apply it; Let’s look at all the wonders together.
What is hot stone massage therapy?
Hot stone therapy is a type of massage in which different techniques are applied. The therapist applies hot stones to certain parts of the body as well as applying different massage techniques. Aromatic oils are also used in this massage. The stones used during the massage are flat and have a volcanic rock type called basalt. The biggest reason for choosing volcanic stones is that these stones protect heat. Although it is thought that hot stone therapy was first used by therapist Mary Hanigan in 1991, it is known that its real history dates back to 2000 years ago, in China. Later it was used in many cultures such as India, Africa, Egypt and America. Periodic application of stone therapy affects the relief of chronic troubles.
How the massage therapy is applied?
For hot stone therapy, stones are prepared in advance so that they can reach the appropriate temperature. Accordingly, the stones are placed in water before application. Afterwards, the application is performed on many points such as feet, hands, face, abdomen and back. With the heat absorbed from the stones, the blood circulation is accelerated, the muscles, tissues and cells are supplied with oxygen (thermotherapy). Besides, heating stones in water also has a healing effect (hydrotherapy). While some therapists use the body areas we just mentioned with anatomical information during hot water massage, some therapists can use different points to maintain the body’s energy balance. That message type uses classic Swedish massage techniques such as long strokes, rolling and kneading. With the stones relaxing the muscles and increasing blood circulation, the therapist can easily intervene without creating excessive pressure.
Ailments cured through hot stone massage therapy
Joint: Muscles become shorter as they contract. Shortened muscles mean the loss of joint space. However, the muscles opened by hot stone massage increase joint flexibility and openness.
Stress: Like all types of massage, hot stone massage has a stress-relieving effect. It is known to reduce stress and anxiety as it improves cardiovascular health.
Sleep: Many people sleep inadequate and unhealthy sleep in line with problems such as stress, tension, muscle and joint pain. But with hot stone therapy, many obstacles to quality sleep are eliminated.
Pain: Research shows that hot stone massage can help relieve symptoms in autoimmune disorders such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, it has a pain-relieving feature of whether or not you have any disease.
Immunity: Since the blood circulation will increase, the immune system cells are activated and the immune system is strengthened.
Muscle: Muscle tensions increase in line with sports, posture disorders and wrong living habits. As long as the shortened muscle does not return to its normal length, it can create muscle spasm and tension. At this point, hot stone massage is perfect for pain relief.
The hot stone massage has become a safe alternative to medication and taking pills, and is one of the most sought after types of massage. So man or woman, couple or single, a hot stone massage is healing for the body and soul.
