Hot Stone Massage Therapy
Not just a pleasant experience, hot stone massage is considered one of the most effective treatments because of the health benefits of basalt used for this type of massage. Basalt stones have special qualities that distinguish them from common river rocks. Thus, it’s essential to make sure that the therapist uses real basalt stones rather than ordinary river gravel.
Basalt stones stand out for their high concentration of minerals. They retain accumulated heat for a while. The warmth of hot stones penetrates deeply into muscle tissue detoxifying it and increasing circulation. Basalt stones are the outcome of hot Lava that has erupted from the deep layers of earth and flown into water that over the ages smoothed them. River currents smooth basalt stones over time.
Hot stone massage therapy relieves joint and muscle stiffness and pain as well as boosts energy.
History
Native Americans used stones heated in fire to cure muscle ache and restore health. The modern revival of the hot stone method is usually attributed to Mary Nelson, a native of Tucson, Arizona. She was the one to reintroduce this type of massage as La Stone therapy.
The ancient Japanese used hot stones to release tension and tiredness along with negative consequences of overeating.
Treatment Essence and Techniques
Hot stone massage therapy is based on a theory that warm basalt stones increase blood circulation in the entire body, give a soothing and healing effect and soften the tissues enabling the therapist to reach deeper layers of the muscles.
First of all, the treatment deals with energy flows, based on three elements: water, earth and fire. A hot stone massage session includes massage itself, energy exchange and warmth transfer. The treatment can be offered on its own but can be taken to a new level in combination with other types of massage.
The treatment involves the following. A patient lies on a massage table, clothes off, covered with a sheet. Hot stone massage is performed with basalt stones of different sizes that provoke favourable responses in the body. During the massage they are heated in hot water and upon their use they slowly transfer heat to the patient’s body.
In order to achieve the required healing effect and mental relaxation, the stones are heated to the appropriate temperature for the required effect.
Basalt stones are heated by immersion into water until they reach the appropriate temperature. The stones can be placed on specific points on the back, palms and between fingers. In the course of a therapy session, warm basalt stones also help to balance energy channels (chakras).
Additionally, the therapist gives a massage with his hands, which helps to release energy and increases blood circulation and lymph detoxification in the whole body. The warmth transferred from the stones relaxes muscles allowing the therapist to apply a deeper pressure if needed.
During a session the therapist places heated stones on different points of the patient’s body, which efficiently helps to even out energy. Also, specific stones can be used as trigger point markers. The use of stones having different temperature favours harmonisation of the patient’s physical and mental state and his recovery.
Hot stones can be used in two different ways: in-motion and at-rest. The at-rest treatment involves placement of stones along energy channels (chakras). The warmth of the stones penetrates deeply into muscle tissues, removes toxins and improves blood flow. It also calms the patient to the point of euphoria.
The in-motion treatment resides in the therapist giving a massage directly with a stone, using oils for smooth stone movement against the skin. Furthermore, the massage techniques include point pressing with a stone upon specific body parts.
During hot stone massage therapy the patient may experience body temperature variations as well as changes in cardiac and respiratory rhythms, which denotes fast blood and oxygen metabolism in the body.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage Therapy
- Allows balancing out energy immediately at physical, mental, psychical and spiritual levels and reduces stress
- Removes toxins
- Relieves stomach aches and menstrual cramps
- Improves cells’ nourishment
- Improves blood circulation
- Improves metabolism
- Improves internals tone
- Stabilises blood pressure