How Hot Stone Massage Is Done Any Why You Might Want To Try It
Posted on: 7 May 2021
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If you need a way to relax after a hard day, try a hot stone massage. Massages are relaxing by themselves, and the addition of the hot stones makes your session even more enjoyable. Here's how hot stone therapy works and the benefits you might enjoy.
How The Stones Are Used
The stones are incorporated into the therapist's other treatments such as kneading or stretching your muscles. The therapist might hold the hot stones while they work on your muscles to add more heat to their hands. The therapist may also place the stones on specific spots on your body, such as long your spine.
The stones used in this type of therapy are small, smooth, and flat so they make the most contact with your skin. They're volcanic rocks that hold heat well. The therapist might alternate with cold stones or use hot stones only during your session.
How You Might Benefit From Hot Stone Massage
The added heat supplied by the stones can enhance your relaxation. The warmth helps loosen tight muscles so they release their tension. If your goal is to relax and relieve stress, then you'll probably enjoy your experience with hot stones.
Hot stone massage can also be a therapeutic treatment. The added heat from the stones increases circulation. Increased blood flow helps injured tissues heal. The heat from the stones may even help with pain relief in the same way a heating pad helps.
The benefit of stress relief plus pain relief benefits your body and emotions in a positive way and could result in better sleeping at night and a more positive mood.
How Often To Have Hot Stone Therapy
A single hot stone session is enjoyable, and you'll derive some benefits, but if you have ongoing stress or chronic pain, you might want to schedule a few treatments a month. Hot stone therapy once a week or even once a month might be a helpful addition to your self-care routine. Having longer therapy sessions less often may be more beneficial than more frequent shorter sessions, but you can find your personal sweet spot for the frequency and length of your treatments.
Hot stone massage is safe as long as you don't have a medical condition, such as cancer, where massage isn't recommended. You can ask your doctor for advice if you're wondering if the therapy is right for you.
The stones are heated in equipment designed to bring stones to a safe temperature, but if you're sensitive, you can always let the therapist know if the stones feel too warm. As with any type of massage, your comfort is always important, so communicate with your therapist if kneading, stone placement, or body positioning is uncomfortable for you.