A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy that relaxes tense muscles and repairs damaged soft tissues throughout your body. Whether you are seeking stress relief, muscle recovery, or a moment of peace, ila Only Spa offers the best hot stone massage experience to make you feel your absolute best. With the right deep tissue manipulation and pressure, you can look forward to getting rid of all the stress and getting back to your life with renewed energy, clarity, and a greater sense of well-being.
In the past few decades, hot stone massage has become quite popular for its several health benefits. It incorporates hot stones into traditional massage techniques, which provides a great sense of relaxation. It is an ideal choice for people who seek a holistic soothing therapy to unwind in a safe, natural way.
Read on to learn more about the ins and outs of hot stone massage, and what its benefits are, to understand if this is the right therapy for you.
What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage?
During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on specific parts of your body known as acupressure points to promote relaxation and relieve tension. Usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat, these stones may also be used by the therapist, besides their hands, to massage your muscles. The heat from the stones gets deep into the skin and muscles and provides relief faster than with standard massage alone.
The massage stones are heated to between 130 and 145 degrees, using a specialized heater, which ensures a safe temperature, to provide the perfect balance of warmth and comfort. This combination of heat and targeted pressure helps to improve circulation, ease muscle stiffness, and calm the mind, offering both physical and mental wellness.
Stones may be placed:
- Along the spine
- On the stomach
- On the chest
- On the face
- On the palms
- On feet or between toes
This helps warm and loosen the muscles before deeper work begins.
Massage therapists may hold heated stones as they massage your body using Swedish massage techniques that include:
- Long strokes
- Circular movements
- Vibration
- Tapping
- Kneading
Therapists may also use cold stones at some point during the massage. These cold stones are often used after hot stones to calm any engorged blood vessels and to soothe the skin.
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Top Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massages have become a popular complementary therapy for many conditions and circumstances.
Here are some advantages of getting a hot stone massage:
Improved Blood Circulation
The application of hot stones to the skin helps dilate the blood vessels, which improves blood flow and promotes overall circulation throughout the body. This enhanced circulation allows more oxygen and nutrients to reach the muscles and tissues, resulting in healing, reduced fatigue, and overall physical wellness.
Improved circulation is also good for flushing out toxins, reducing inflammation, and making the body feel more energized and balanced.
Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief
Heat is a tried and tested way to ease muscle tension and pain. The hot stones warm up and relax the tight muscles, which enables the therapists to work more deeply and effectively on the affected areas. Massage increases the flow of blood to the damaged tissues, reduces muscle spasms, and increases flexibility and range of motion.
Cold therapy helps to relieve inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, your therapist may alternate between cold and hot stones during the massage.
Stress and anxiety relief
Research shows that massage therapy can be effective for stress and anxiety relief. The warmth from the stones combined with gentle pressure applied by the therapist helps quiet the nervous system and promote deep relaxation.
The hot stone massage encourages the body to release endorphins, leaving you feeling calm, balanced, and rejuvenated.
Promotes Sound Sleep
Research shows that a back massage can result in relaxation and significantly improve sleep quality. The soothing heat and slow, rhythmic movements soothe the nervous system. This reduces cortisol levels, the stress hormone in the body, and promotes the release of serotonin and melatonin, hormones that support restful, uninterrupted sleep. Many people report sleeping more deeply and waking up feeling more alert, active, and positive after a good massage.
Eases Symptoms of Autoimmune Diseases
Hot stone massage can relieve painful conditions such as fibromyalgia, which causes widespread, chronic pain. Research shows that when people with fibromyalgia were given a 30-minute massage, they slept longer, had fewer trigger points, and lower levels of substance P, a substance involved in transmitting pain signals.
People with rheumatoid arthritis may also benefit from a moderate-pressure hot stone massage. One month of therapy can lead to less pain, greater grip strength, and range of motion.
Decreases Cancer Symptoms
Massage can help to manage pain, fatigue, stress, anxiety, nausea, and depression in people having cancer. Research shows that massage, especially Swedish massage, can improve cancer symptoms, even in those with substantial symptoms.
Decreases Cancer Symptoms
Massage can help to manage pain, fatigue, stress, anxiety, nausea, and depression in people having cancer. Research shows that massage, especially Swedish massage, can improve cancer symptoms, even in those with substantial symptoms.
Boosts the Immune System
Improved blood circulation and lymphatic flow can help to strengthen the immune system, giving you a chance to fight against illness and infection better. Research shows that a single session of Swedish massage therapy can regulate blood pressure and water retention and have a positive and acute impact on immunity.
Improves Flexibility
Hot stone massages ease muscle tension and stiffness, which results in improved flexibility and range of motion. This is particularly beneficial for older adults, as well as those who actively participate in sports or work out regularly.
Enhanced Mental Well-Being
A hot stone massage not only relaxes the body but also nurtures the mind. It leaves a calming and centering effect, which lowers stress hormones and alleviates anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns effectively, resulting in a greater sense of emotional balance.
Enhanced Mental Well-Being
Anyone suffering from muscle tension or pain, insomnia, or stress may benefit from a hot stone massage. However, it is important to consult your doctor if you have a chronic medical condition to find out if this alternative treatment is the right option for you.
It is essential to learn about potential cautions before going ahead and booking an appointment.
Risks and Warnings
A hot stone massage is safe when performed by a trained therapist. However, there are some situations when caution is important, or it should be avoided altogether unless your physician clears you.
Consult your doctor before getting a massage if you have the following:
- A bleeding disorder
- Cardiovascular conditions or some other medical condition that requires the use of blood thinners
- Skin conditions such as eczema, existing burns, or psoriasis
- Open wounds
- A history of blood clots
- Had surgery in the last 6 weeks
- A fracture or severe osteoporosis
- A low platelet count or thrombocytopenia
- A condition affecting your immune system, such as Epstein-Barr disease, cancer, MS, and lupus
- A medical condition that causes a lack of sensation, such as MS, neuropathy, diabetes, or high blood pressure
Hot stone massage offers many benefits, but it is important to be cautious and remember the risks associated with this form of therapy to prevent complications, especially if you have skin conditions. A lack of sensation can lead to unintended burns, or the heat can end up irritating skin further, causing discomfort or prolonging symptoms.
Read more: Preventing and Treating Folliculitis After Waxing
Hot Stone Massage During Pregnancy
While a prenatal massage can help relieve stress and ease discomforting pregnancy symptoms, most therapists do not use hot stones on pregnant women. If you are pregnant, avoid hot stone massage as it can provoke discomfort during the later stages. It is best to consult your doctor and only get a regular massage from a trained prenatal therapist.
Call ila Only Spa and schedule an appointment with one of our expert therapists to enjoy the luxury of a truly rejuvenating hot stone massage. The expert touch offers a sense of connection and security, which plays a significant part in the healing process. Our certified and highly trained therapists know exactly how to work with your body to relieve tension, improve circulation, and leave you feeling deeply relaxed and refreshed.