Wednesday, January 22, 2014

How Does a Hot Stone Massage Work?

When it comes to massage therapy, a number of different techniques are available to choose. The use of hot flat stones is an alternative kind of medicine that has been used since time immemorial. It is said that native Americans were the first using warm stones for therapeutic purpose and only about two decades ago the practice was rediscovered in the southwest. this kind of massage is said to be very relaxing and comforting.

Hot stone massage is different that it needs a more gentle touch and sometimes the therapist may just position the hot stones without even touch you. A nice hot stone massage can restore balance while giving you a luxurious experience regardless you are seeking for a remedial treatment to address pain or a relaxing full body massage. It means working smarter rather than working harder.

Alternating hot and cold has been known as a working technique to promote the body's healing processes for long time. Heat can reduce muscle tightness, increase circulation that tissue repair, and increase connective tissue's elasticity. Thus, the use of the heat in the stones makes sense. In fact, such application allows the stiff muscles to relax and enables general muscles to loosen up. This is why people who suffer from daily fatigue or insomnia are often suggested to have a hot stone massage.
The process of hot stone therapy usually requires time between 60 and 90 minutes. In applying this type of massage selecting the right size and type of flat stones is essential. The size of stone usually chosen for the stone therapy may range from very small to large. smooth basalt stones or very smooth river stones are preferable because they are usually smooth and rich of iron that can retain heat. These characteristics are beneficial for warming and loosening the muscles. To help setting good mood, the use of soft aroma therapy, music and lighting is essential for the client.

A hot stone massage usually begins by immersing the selected stones in heated water at particular temperature range. After that, the massage therapist will apply oil to your body that later will allow hot stones to smoothly glide along your muscles. The stones usually are placed at specific points on your back (the seven energy zones, which are thought to be the centers of body energy), between your toes or in the palms of your hands. If desired, deeper pressure can be given by the massage therapist using bare hands once your muscles get warmed and relaxed by the heat. After that, the hot stones could be placed back on to your body for a short period of time.

The hot stone massage can work to heal the body because the stones used have a strong magnetic field due to their composition of minerals (calcium and iron). Both substances are efficient at restoring the natural energy flow of the body, which is called Qi (Chi). Unuttered flow of Qi helps to promote overall feeling of well-being and a healthy mind and body.

The use frozen or cold marble stones sometimes is incorporated into the hot stone massage too. This technique will help especially when there is inflammation or swelling. It is widely known that alternating hot and cold helps much with circulation and detoxification of the body.

Considering how the hot stone massage works, the therapy is suitable for those who have cold feet or tend to feel chilly. It is also suitable for people who suffer from muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage. The heat stones help to make their muscles relaxed eliminating the need to apply deep pressure to the muscle. Among the most widely accepted advantages of hot stone therapy include pain relief, circulation improvement, strain and tension relief, osteoarthritis and arthritis pain ease, toxin release, anxiety and stress reduction, depression ease, and insomnia alleviation.

Unfortunately, like other types of massages, the hot stone massage is not for everyone. There are particular conditions and life events that may bring a health risk for both you and the therapist. For that reason hot stone massage should be avoided if someone is pregnant, is prone to blood clots, has recently undergone surgery, has recently undergone radiation or chemotherapy, has open wounds, or has an infectious skin disease.
Stalis Norma Ethica is an experienced article writer and a writer manager with science background. She specializes in writing informative articles in various niches.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Stalis_Ethica

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