Hot Stone Massage
A hot stone massage falls under the category of massage therapy, designed to promote relaxation and alleviate tension in muscles and damaged soft tissues across the body.
During a hot stone massage, heated stones crafted from basalt, a volcanic rock known for its heat retention, are strategically placed on various areas of the body, including the spine, stomach, chest, face, palms, feet, and toes.
Therapists employ Swedish massage techniques, such as long strokes, circular movements, vibration, tapping, and kneading, while holding the heated stones. Occasionally, cold stones are introduced after the hot stones to calm engorged blood vessels and soothe the skin.
Here are six benefits of hot stone massage:
- Alleviates muscle tension and pain: Heat increases blood flow to affected areas, reduces muscle spasms, and enhances flexibility and range of motion. Alternating hot and cold stones can be beneficial based on individual symptoms.
- Reduces stress and anxiety.
- Promotes better sleep.
- May alleviate symptoms of autoimmune diseases like fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis, improving pain, grip strength, and range of motion.
- May alleviate cancer symptoms, as demonstrated by a three-year study involving 1,290 participants, which showed improvements in pain, fatigue, stress, anxiety, nausea, and depression.
- May enhance immunity, as evidenced by research showing a positive impact on immunity markers after a single session of Swedish massage therapy.