What is a Hot Stone Massage?

Hot stone massage, combines massage with the healing touch of hot stones. It is seen as a

technique that can successfully help reduce stress and provide relief to the body. We'll talk

more about its background, how it's done, why it's used, and what you would experience

during the session.

The History of Hot Stone Massage

The use of hot stone in the massage process is not a new practice. It iss as ancient as the

Romans, Egyptians, and was also well practiced among the Native Americans. The Aztecs

and Incas used hot stones in ceremonies and treatments to help people who were sick to heal faster.

Hot stone massage started being offered in the earlier twentieth century as people became

more inclined to the use of other systems of medical treatment. It became popular in the early eighties after a Japanese engineer, who was also a Reiki practitioner, and an herbalist known as Harry Hoxsey, introduced it in the North American region where it was embraced as a modern spa treatment.

How Does a Hot Stone Massage Work?

Here is a step-by-step guide on how it usually takes place:

Preparation

To start, you would prepare as you do with any other table massage where you undress to

your level of comfort, while lying on a massage table fully covered.

Application of Hot Stones

The therapist applies the stones to the patient’s body using smooth stones, preferably basalt as they are good at holding heat. These stones are warmed in a hot stone heater to a specific temperature (it may range between 120°F to 145°F or 49°C to 63°C), then correctly

positioned over diverse areas of the body as you are massaged. Popular areas to have hot

stones are the back, shoulders, abdomen (with consent), feet, and hands.

Massage Techniques

With the stones placed on different areas of your body, they warm up the muscles from within causing the blood vessels to expand helping to relax the muscles. The heat eases tightness of muscles and significantly enhances the therapeutic effect of the massage.

Additional Techniques

Sometimes, therapists also use aromatherapy oils in order to give an added feeling of

comfort, pain relief and are usually recommended based on your body’s unique needs.

Benefits of Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage has several benefits for the physique of an individual both physically and

psychologically.

The following are the important benefits:

Deep Relaxation

Another great thing about this process is that the hot stone massage is used to help your body relax. The effect of the heat is very calming and has a great effect on the nervous system, assisting with stress relief.

Muscle Relaxation and Pain Relief

The heat from the stones warms the muscles effectively in ways that reduce tightness and

firmness of muscles. It may also assist with treating chronic pain, lower back pain or tension

headaches.

Improved Circulation

The stones warm up the tissues of muscles and increase circulation of blood, which brings

oxygen and nutrients to the cells. This is helpful in wound healing, inflammation reduction,

and your skin's general health.

What to Expect During a Session

Duration

Usually, a hot stone massage takes about 60-90mins.

Comfort

Another advantage of hot stone massage is that the heat of the stones continue to work deep into your tissues for a while after the session is over. The end result is a warm feeling without being hot due to the regulation of the temperature from the stones.

Aftercare

It is important to drink a lot of water to help rehydrate the body