Hot Stone Therapy
History
For centuries Scandinavians have used heated rocks for their saunas.
Native Americans as well as the Japanese have used them to alleviate pain and relieve stress. Today Hot Stones are used in our spas and massage therapy offices around the country.
Benefits
Hot Stone massage is deeply relaxing, sooths away pain and knotted muscles.
Hot Stone massage increases blood flow to the localized area. The increase to blood flow carries fresh oxygen and nutrients and also flushes metabolic waste products out of the tissue. Alternating cold and hot stones is sometimes done to bring down inflammation and stimulate the area.
Hot Stones accented with therapeutic massage allows the client to relax while stretching muscles to enhance greater range of motion. Working directly on sore joints, hot stones soften the tendons relaxing and lengthening them while increasing circulation.
Other benefits include:
- stimulating the digestive system
- clearing sinus congestion
- aiding in the relief of menstrual cramping
Techniques
Hot Stone massage techniques vary depending on the client’s individual Hot Stone Massage needs as well as the experience of the therapist.
Stones can be placed on the table for the client to lie down on. They are most often applied directly to the skin held in the palm of the therapist while maintaining connection to the client with fingertips
during massage. Oils and creams are used for ease in gliding over the skin.
Contraindications
Though the Hot Stones are Hot they must not burn the skin. The therapist is to always work with the client’s comfort level. Stones are not to be applied on open sores or other skin conditions, high blood pressure, or any physical condition where a client is easily over heated. Heavy stone application should not be done with those who have diabetes or those who are pregnant.
