Hot Stone Massage Right For You

A hot stone massage is an excellent way to relax, but it also provides a number of healthy benefits. In addition to relieving muscle tension, a hand stone massage may help with pain from arthritis and other chronic conditions, boost circulation, relieve stress, improve digestion and support the body’s natural detoxification processes. If you’re interested in a hot stone massage, you should talk to your physician before going, however, because not everyone can have this type of massage.

A hand stone massage is a therapeutic touch technique that involves placing smooth, heated stones on specific areas of the body. The massage therapist uses the stones as an extension of their hands to massage the body, using gliding, rolling motions that soothe the muscles. A hot stone massage typically lasts 60-90 minutes.

The stones used in a hot stone massage are typically made of basalt, a volcanic rock that retains heat and can be comfortably applied to the body without burning or irritating the skin. The warmth of the stones allows the massage therapist to apply more pressure and work on deeper layers of tissue. A typical hot stone massage will include stones that are placed on the back, shoulders and neck.

Is a Hot Stone Massage Right For You?

The history of massage is intertwined with that of hot stones. The practice of using hot stones in massage dates to ancient times, when people began recognizing the healing properties of the rocks. Benjamin Lin, a licensed massage therapist at Modrn Sanctuary in New York City, notes that the stones are believed to have been first discovered thousands of years ago in parts of Asia, including India and China. People placed the stones on key points in the body called meridians, believing that it released stagnant energy.

Research indicates that massage is an effective treatment for a variety of conditions. One study found that people with fibromyalgia experienced significant relief from pain after receiving regular massages. Another study showed that regular massages benefited cancer patients by decreasing the levels of a substance in the body that signals pain, nausea and vomiting.

Many health professionals believe that massage can help treat anxiety and depression by lowering heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol levels and depression. It’s also thought that massage can improve immune function by increasing white blood cell counts and decreasing inflammatory chemicals in the body.

Although a hand stone massage may be beneficial for most people, it’s important to communicate with your therapist to make sure that the temperature is comfortable enough for you. If you’re uncomfortable, your therapist will be happy to change the treatment or move the stones. You should also avoid getting a hand stone massage if you have a condition that causes loss of sensation in your hands and feet, such as neuropathy or diabetes, or high blood pressure or blood vessel disease.

If you want to experience the benefits of a hand stone massage, contact Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa today to book your appointment. With locations across the United States, this national franchise offers deluxe experiences for the spa beginner or veteran seven days a week.