Are you tired and need some relaxation and relief? The hot stone massage can work magic for you. It is a soothing massage that is gaining popularity. It is a specialized massage in which warm, flat, and smooth stones are placed on your spine, between your toes, and in your palms. In this blog post, we will explore What is hot stone massage and how it works.
What Is Hot Stone Massage?
Hot stone massage therapy is a combination of soothing hot stones and massage. The basalt stones are placed on specific points of the body. It helps to release tension and offers deep relaxation. Moreover, the stone warmth also erases muscle stiffness. And you will get peace of mind from your daily stress schedule. Usually, stones that are rich in iron content are used such as basalt stone, because they retain heat.
Hot Stone Massage Technique:
The hot stone massage technique provides maximum relaxation. Here are the details.
For hot stone massage typically flat, smooth basalt stones are used because they retain heat. The therapist used stones of different sizes and weights for different areas of the body.
Stones Placement:
The therapist places the stones on the muscles that are stiff or painful. For example, to relieve lower back pain the masseuse places the stones along your spine or on your lower back. The other body parts where hot stones can placed are the chest, hands, legs, face, and forehead.
Massage Technique:
The therapist uses different techniques according to the needs of the individual. They place hot stones on your body and use different movements for massage such as circular, gentle tapping, kneading long strokes, and vibrations. Moreover, they sometimes use only hot stones and according to need, they combine the hot stones with other massage techniques.
Heating the Stones:
The appropriate temperature of stones is very important because too hot stones can burn the skin. If the stones are less heated then we can not get the desired results. According to the American massage therapy association, the stones should be heated in water. The optimum temperature of water should be 110-130 Fahrenheit. The devices are also available that are used to heat the stones. You can adjust the water temperature by using this device.
Don’t directly heat the stone because by direct heating the surface of the stone becomes too hot which can cause burn. The therapist properly monitors the stone’s temperature to prevent discomfort and harm during massage.
The therapist applies a light layer of oil on the skin before massage. It helps to glide the stones smoothly.
To enhance the results the therapist uses hot and cold stones. Cold stones help to reduce inflammation and hot stones relax the muscles.
Ensure your therapist is qualified and experienced in hot stone massage techniques handle any emergency and has all necessary equipment
Always communicate with your therapist before the session about any health conditions or concerns.
Check the temperature of the stone before placement on your body. If you feel any discomfort regarding the temperature or massage give instant feedback.
If you have any injury, cut, or wounds talk to your therapist.
During and after the massage monitor your skin reaction.
Stay hydrated before and after massage.
Follow your therapist’s post-massage care recommendation.
If essential oils are used then avoid sun exposure right after massage.
To avoid overexposure to heat, hot stone massage sessions should not exceed more than 60 minutes.Â
Therapists should ask their clients to review and sign a consent form before the session.
 Note: Deep tissue massage and Swedish massage works on manual muscle relaxation techniques, while hot stone massage add the warmth of smooth stones that increase the therapeutic effects.
Finally:
In conclusion, hot stone massage offers relaxation with heat therapy. It relieves muscle tension and promotes overall well-being. It offers both mental and physical rejuvenation. Incorporating this message into your self-care routine provides you with the path of relaxation, rejuvenation, and revitalization of mind and body.
