It’s hard to find a person that isn’t dealing with a lot of stress in this day and age. Relationships and work are often the two most prominent causes of stress in our lives. Muscle tension and stress can lead to some serious health issues, which is why you should dedicate a part of your day to relaxing.
One of the best ways to relax your muscles, overall body, and mind is to get a massage.
A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy that helps you relax, eases muscle stiffness, and increases metabolism and circulation. It is a natural therapy in which warmed stones are positioned on different parts of your body. They are usually placed along your spine, on your chest, face, stomach, feet, and palms. The use of these hot stones is what makes this type of massage unique. The stones that are used are typically made out of basalt, which is a material known for retaining heat.
This type of massage has been popular for a long time. In fact, Native Americans used to treat aching muscles by placing hot stones on them. The stones used for this massage are very smooth and just the right temperature, so this therapy isn’t painful. If, however, you sense that the stones are too hot, let your massage therapist know right away.
Caution!
Although this is a great therapy, it is not suited for anyone who is on medication that thins the blood, nor is it suitable for people who suffer from heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Pregnant women should also avoid this therapy. In fact, if you’re suffering from any type of illness, make sure you consult your doctor before deciding to get a hot stone massage.
This therapy may start with some classic massage technique in order to prepare your body’s muscle tissues. The therapist will then apply massage oil to your body and use gliding movements to move the stones along your muscles. The therapist will also place the stones on specific parts of your body and leave them there for a specific time period. This type of massage usually lasts somewhere between 60 and 90 minutes.
Just like any other massage therapy, this one will also provide you with some great health benefits.
Muscle Relaxation
Your massage therapist will be able to manipulate your deep tissues much more effectively after your muscles relax properly thanks to the heat of the stones.
Pain Relief
Although generally all massages are known for relieving pain, a hot stone massage does a better job than most. Considering the intense nature of this massage, you will experience much greater pain relief during it. The massage therapist will be able to penetrate deeper thanks to the fact that this therapy incorporates heat.
Improved Sleep
Some people get massages as opposed to taking sleeping pills in order to fight insomnia. This shouldn’t be too surprising, seeing as how massages are known for promoting relaxation.
Mental Benefits
Most people are so stressed out every day that they have no idea just how much anxiety and stress has built up inside of them. Having mental clarity and peace of mind is something that most people think is hard to achieve. However, know that you can easily achieve it just by getting a quality massage. In fact, a hot stone massage may also combat certain symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders.
Improved Circulation
As soon as the massage therapist starts putting heated stones on the trigger points of your body, the heat will start penetrating through your skin and into your deeper body tissues. Once this happens, your blood vessels will open, thus improving your circulation. If your circulation is good, more oxygen will be delivered to your muscles. This will help ease muscle pain and aches.
General Relaxation and Stress Relief
A hot stone massage, like many other forms of massage, melts away stress, and the accompanying aches, pains and mental turmoil that it brings. The relaxation response elicited within the body through hot stone massage helps the body heal and brings calm to the body, mind, and spirit to counteract the many negative effects of stress.
