What is hot stone massage therapy?

Hot stone massage is a popular type of therapy which incorporates the use of flat, smooth and heated stones. To commence the session, the therapist will place the hot stones on specific areas of your body (most commonly the neck, back and shoulders). The heat and pressure of the stones warms up, relaxes and unwinds the muscles which when removed, will allow the therapist to able to perform more vigorous and deeper strokes without triggering pain or discomfort.

Hot stone massage is centred around the use of heated stones, before moving onto traditional massage strokes deriving from the Swedish style. Stones used in hot stone massage therapy are usually taken from Balsalt river rocks. The river’s currents make these stones smooth, which enables them to retain heat well. To prepare for the session, the therapist will warm the stones to a precise heat, between 45 and 55 Celsius. To minimise the risk of burning, a professional stone heater is used. It’s important to note that it is very dangerous to use microwaves, slow cookers or ovens to warm the stones.

As the stones are warming, the therapist will guide her hands onto your body and look for areas which are tense and are build up with muscle knots. The therapist will use these areas as a guide of where to place the hot stones. If you are an individual who doesn’t suffer from tension then the therapist will often situate the stones on points which help to energetically harmonise the body, mind and soul. In turn, this will make you feel lighter, refreshed and rejuvenated.

Once your body is warmed up, the therapist will typically remove the stones one by one and begin to incorporate strokes deriving from the Swedish massage. These include four main strokes which are:

• Effleurage. A long, smooth and unrushed gliding stroke which is designed to relax the muscle’s soft tissue
• Petrissage. Usually performed straight after effleurage. Incorporates rolling, kneading and squeezing techniques which help to break down muscle knots and adhesions
• Friction. The use of vigorous, deep and circular strokes which triggers the tissue layers to rub against each other. In turn, this replenishes fresh oxygen and blood to the muscles as well as also breaking down muscle knots
• Tapotement. A quick tap which is used by alternating strokes using the fingers or edge of the therapist’s hands

What are the benefits?

Hot stone massage is one of the most therapeutic treatments on the market. Many individuals rejoice it for being insanely relaxing and soothing. If the thought of having a Swedish massage makes you feel chilly, then you will greatly benefit from hot stone massage.

Due to the hot stones giving the therapist more flexibility with strokes they can use, the health benefits go much further than a standard Swedish massage. Benefits of hot stone massage include:

• Stress relief. By using effleurage and petrissage techniques, the therapist is able to knead out the build-up of the ‘stress hormone’ cortisol from tense areas of the body.
• Decreases aches and pains. Long, slow and soothing glides used in hot stone massage triggers the rush of endorphins. Endorphins are known by massaging practitioners as ‘the body’s natural painkiller’ as they prevent the pain signals from reaching the central nervous system (the brain).
• Prevents illness. Forms of massage therapy, including hot stone therapy boosts the amount of white blood cells within the body. White blood cells are known as a vital component for strengthening the immune system, ultimately preventing common colds and the flu before symptoms become onset.
• Improves sleep. Hot stone massage boosts the amount of serotonin within the body, which helps to achieve a regular sleeping pattern.
• Improved posture and range of motion. By kneading out muscle knots and adhesions, hot stone massage replenishes fresh oxygen and blood to worn out muscles. This helps individuals to enhance their posture and gain more flexibility.

Many people who suffer from a chronic-illness use hot stone massage therapy as a complimentary or alternative treatment to relieve their condition’s symptoms, these include:

• Depression
• Arthritis
• Dementia
• Insomnia
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Parkinson’s Disease

Does it hurt?

Hot stone massage is super relaxing and unwinding, the treatment shouldn’t hurt at all if performed correctly. Though they’re might be some slight discomfort if you have a big build up of adhesions that the therapist needs to knead out.

The therapist’s will warm the stones to a precise temperature which is safe to apply on your body. However, if you feel as though the stones are too hot or feel uncomfortable on your skin then ensure to tell your therapist immediately. Stones that are too warm in temperature can cause burns or trigger fainting.

If you feel any pain throughout the session then do inform your therapist, as the massage could be causing your body more harm than good.

What happens in a hot stone massage?

If you opt for a full body hot stone massage, you will usually be required to undress to your underwear with towels and sheets protecting your modesty. This allows the therapist to fully access the areas they need to work. You will be positioned on a massage table and asked to lie on your front, before the therapist chooses points of your body to place the hot stones. The specific areas the therapist uses is usually based on your areas of muscle tension and medical history. The most popular areas used in hot stone massage include:

• Both sides of the spine
• Palms of the hand
• Legs
• Shoulders
• Feet

What to Expect

During the massage, the therapist places stones on specific points on the body. While the points may vary depending on the areas of muscle tension and the client's health history, the stones are generally placed in the following areas:

• Along both sides of the spine
• In the palms of your hand
• On your legs, abdomen, feet

Smaller stones can also be incorporated within the session which involve your head or toes.

Once the stones have been applied to your skin, the therapist will seek your approval that they are at the right temperature – they will then begin to lather massage oil into your skin. By holding both bands and using petrissage movements, the therapist will slowly slide the stones along the tense muscle tissue. They will then remove the stones (or place them at another point on the body) and use more vigorous strokes including petrissage and friction to knead out the build of muscles, which are usually found in the back, legs, neck and shoulders. To achieve the full benefits of hot stone massage therapy a minimum duration of one hour is required, however those who suffer from major muscle knots or tension may even benefit from a 90 minute session.

What you need to do beforehand

• Find a licenced therapist who has the relevant certificates in hot stone massage. Seeking a massage from an untrained therapist can be deeply harmful for your body.
• Don’t eat before your massage. Indulging on a stodgy meal before a massage can make you feel nausea throughout your session. If you’re feeling a little peckish beforehand then do have a small sugar-fuelled snack including a piece of fruit or cereal bar.
• Have a shower. Not only is good hygiene important when coming for a massage, but the warm water also helps to loosen up the muscles before being manipulated on.
• Do arrive on time. Hot stone massage is an in-demand treatment with therapists being extremely busy. Arriving late to your appointment will likely lead to your session being cancelled or cut short. We advise to arrive 10 minutes early, as this provide time to fill in the relevant health forms and undress for your session.

Is hot stone massage safe?

Hot stone massage is generally safe and is a great benefit to most individuals – however, just like all treatment it isn’t suitable for everyone. You should avoid hot stone massage if:
• You are pregnant
• You are under the age of 16
• You have had recent surgery
• You have a blood clot
• You have an injury

Individuals who have diabetes, heart disease, cancer, cosmetic implants, migraine or varicose veins should seek approval from their doctor before seeking hot stone massage therapy.

Where can I get a hot stone massage?

Most spas, massage parlours and independent therapists offer hot stone massage as a complimentary treatment to the Swedish style. It’s important to discuss your desired outcomes with the therapist before your session as this allows them to tailor the massage to specifically to suit your needs and desires. There’s no better way to reconnect your body, mind and soul, we just know that you are going to love it so why not come try us out at Angels of Heathrow

The article What is hot stone massage therapy? is republished from: Angels of Heathrow

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