A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy that is considered to be one of the most effective ways to soothe bodily pains and relax tense muscles.
This method implements the best of alternative medicine and therapy, wherein the masseuse firmly applies hot stones on various parts of your body. The stones are placed on you to utilize their heat and weight, effectively relaxing your muscles and allowing the masseuse to penetrate further into areas that are usually associated with discomfort.
Apart from general discomfort alleviation, there are various health benefits that you could get if you undergo a hot stone massage. If you’re not convinced or are unsure how such massages can benefit you, then read on to know more about hot stone massages.
How does a hot stone massage work?
When undergoing the massage, the masseuse would be placing hot stones on specific parts of your body. The placement of the stones is going to vary from person to person, since not everybody will have the same muscle pains.
The stones are commonly smooth and about three to four inches in diameter and are put in heaters designed specifically for massage sessions. A professional heating vessel must be used so that the temperature could be properly controlled. Although the stones are going to be control-heated, you should still tell your therapist if the stones end up being too hot for you.
The stones are usually placed on parts of your body that undergo daily stress, such as the length of your spine, your legs, abdomen, feet, and sometimes even the palm of your hands. Aside from these general areas, your therapist could also place smaller stones on your forehead and in the spaces between your toes.
How can a hot stone massage benefit your body?
A hot stone massage, when done properly, can help you relax and destress.
These are generally known to be comforting because of the warmth that the stones bring. The heat of the stones is also known to relax muscles, giving your masseuse a better grip on your tense muscles.
Aside from the relaxation, a hot stone massage could help relieve hypertension, arthritis, and various other conditions such as depression, anxiety, back pain, and insomnia, among many others. There have also been signs that a hot stone massage might be able to deal with conditions that come from ageing, such as Parkinson’s disease and dementia.
Having a hot stone massage is a great way for you to have your body completely remade. It’s a method that thoroughly penetrates your muscles in the most relaxing and gentle ways.
Conclusion
Massages are generally known to be safe to have; however, some people could experience serious side effects, such as inflammation, blood clotting, and even nerve injury. Before having a hot stone massage, you should have a thorough check-up and consultation with your doctor to ensure that you have a good experience. To ensure that nothing goes wrong, it’s best to approach a professional who has experience providing hot stone massage therapy to their clients.
Soul 2 Sole is a massage studio based in Edmonton. Aside from hot stone massages, we also offer Thai massage and deep tissue massage. Schedule an appointment now and have a therapist take care of your physical wellbeing!
