Revolution of Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is quite hot topics in everybody’s chat now days. hot Stone therapy is a massage which incorporates hot stones, within the traditional massage techniques to bring about an expanded feeling of relaxation and overall well being. The hot stones are a specific type of rock which are either warmed up to a range of temperatures, utilised and introduced into the massage to treat the different needs of the individual, as they arise.Instead of going to spa, you can have your personal stone massage kit. You can do massage regularly and whenever you want. There are various options available in the market as well as online for you to choose from. But make sure your kit has all essentials you need from stones to oil to the manual.
For massaging oil, a good one with proper nutrients. To heat the stones there are special electric heaters. And there is one special moible heaitng bag for that , which is drying heating and can also use the car lighter,this mobile hot stone heating bag is really much better than the tranditional water stone heaters ,what’s more , As well as being a safety hazard, the hot water can cause excess humidity during a treatment resulting in extra fatigue for the therapist.You will also need to collect other small accessories like strainer and tongs. Get yourself towels which will be needed to wipe and cover the body.
Description of the Stones
You kit should have different types and sizes of stones. Check the number of stones and their quality. About 70 types of basalt stones are available. You can get kit of 6 to 70 stones. If you go wrong on choosing your rocks, your whole massage idea is spoiled then. So be very careful while selecting them. You get natural as well as polished stones.
The heat of the stones warm and relax the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired.The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system.Some massage therapists place stones on points that are thought to be energy centers of the body to rebalance the body and mind.
How Do the Stones Feel?
The hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so they retain heat. River rocks are normally used because they are smooth – they are smoothed over time by the river current.
The stones are dry heated in the mobile heating bag that either provides a temperature reading or has an adjustable thermostat control until they are within a certain temperature range. The placement of the stones is usually at specific points on the back, in the palms of the hand, or between the toes but may vary depending on the client’s condition.
The hot stones are never rough. They are always flat and smooth. The hot stones used on the back are about the size of a large egg, only flat.
The massage therapist always holds the stones first before touching them to your body, which ensures that the temperature will not be too hot. Everyone, however, has their own comfort range. Be sure to speak up if the stones are too hot for you.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
Modern-day life is stressful. Work and relationships are just two of the multiple causes of tension in our lives, and that tension can work its way into our muscles, joints or lower back, leaving us feeling like we’ve been pummeled in a heavyweight boxing match. It can keep us up at night and lead to ulcers and even depression.
“Studies show that stress is the No. 1 root of a lot of diseases and disorders,” says Chris Turley for the Bondi Junction Massage and Float Centre in Australia. “Whether it’s stress from work, home or daily activities, the result is the same: Too much stress can lead to health problems. And because we can never run away from it, the only way to deal with it is to manage stress efficiently”.A common question people have is whether to get hot stone massage vs Swedish massage or a regular massage. Some people find the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting and get this type of massage for relaxation.
Hot stone massage is suited to people who tend to feel chilly or who have cold feet. It’s also suited for people who have muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage. The heat relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist to work the muscles without using deep pressure.
People also get hot stone massage for a variety of health conditions:
Back pain and aches
Poor circulation
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Stress, anxiety and tension
Insomnia
Depression
The massage therapist often begins by applying oil to the body, which allows the hot stones to glide smoothly along the muscles. You are lying face down, and the massage therapist often then uses the hot stones to massage the back.
After the hot stones have relaxed the muscles, the massage therapist may put down the stones and use his or her hands to directly massage the skin.
The hot stones may then be placed back on to the body and left for a short period of time.
You are then asked to turn over onto your back. The massage therapist may place small hot stones between your toes or in the palm of your hand and repeats the sequence.
Caveats
Massage is not recommended for certain people:
People with infectious skin disease, rash, neuropathy, or open wounds
Immediately after surgery
Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
People prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, diabetes, or circulatory conditions, check with your doctor before having a massage.
Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage during pregnancy. A full body hot stone massage or placement of hot stones over the abdomen is not recommended during pregnancy, however a massage therapist trained in prenatal massage may be able to do a spot treatment for certain areas of muscle tension. In pregnancy, the core body temperature should not be raised during treatment. Women with high risk pregnancy should avoid hot stone massage.
People with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid hot stone massage, because the heat of the stones may trigger a flare-up.
Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.
If you are considering getting a massage, talk with your doctor first. Keep in mind that alternative medicine should not be used as a substitute for standard care in the treatment of any health condition.
Additional Tips
Don’t eat a heavy meal before the massage
If it’s your first time at the clinic or spa, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the massage.
