What is Massage with Hot Stone, What are the Benefits and When to Skip It
Massage therapy is known for inducing feelings of deep relaxation, but it does more than just pampering your senses! Massage has a variety of benefits, including reducing muscle tension, improving your circulation and flexibility, reducing stress hormones and helping increase joint mobility, just to name a few!
There are many different types of massage therapy and techniques that you can add on, such as deep tissue, myofascial release, reflexology, cupping and more. Today we will dive into hot stone massage therapy.
What is Massage with Hot Stone?
Getting a massage with hot stones is a delightful, warm treatment that uses heated stones to rub away tension. These flat stones are usually made of a type of volcanic rock because they retain heat well, and are heated in water to between 130 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. During your massage, the stones are placed on specific areas of your body, such as along your spine, on your stomach, chest, face, palms and even on your feet and toes. Your massage therapist may also hold the heated stones as they massage your body using Swedish massage techniques. This allows them access to deeper muscle layers. Sometimes cold stones are also used after hot stones to help calm any engorged blood vessels and to soothe skin.
What are the Benefits of Massage with Hot Stone?
There are several benefits to massage therapy with hot stone. Some of these fall under the general benefits of massage therapy, but some are specific to hot stone itself. We’ll take a look at all of the benefits.
Improves Circulation & Promotes Oxygen Flow
Message generally helps promote better circulation; however, hot stone kicks that into overdrive! This is because heat dilates capillaries, bringing fresh blood to the area. This helps to flush away lactic acid while bringing healing nutrients, oxygen and new tissue building blocks to the areas treated, promoting healing and faster recovery.
Reduces Muscle Tension & Pain
Again, massage generally promotes the reduction of muscle tension and pain. Hot stones act like a primer, with the heat helping to loosen up and relax your muscles even more. This gives the massage therapist the ability to access deeper layers of muscle and tissue, giving you greater reduction in muscle tension and pain. This is especially helpful for working out random kinks or even for those who live with chronic pain.
Reduces Stress & Anxiety + Improves Mood
The heat emanating from the stones doesn’t just help ease your muscles but can get you feeling super zen. Think of it this way, when your body is relaxed, your mind can relax. In fact, the placement of hot stones is key. They are placed at specific pressure points to help relieve tension as well as to elevate your mood. Moreover, the manipulation of your muscles during massage can help release endorphins, which improves your mood. And when you feel better, you are able to combat stress and anxiety better!
When to Skip a Hot Stone Massage
Heat isn’t always the best medicine. There is a reason why we apply ice to fresh injuries or acute inflammation. This is because increasing blood flow by applying heat can increase swelling. So if you have acute inflammation or a fresh injury, skip the hot stone massage and instead rest, apply ice and compression plus elevate your injury. And always follow your doctor’s orders.
Feel the Relaxation of Hot Stone Massage with Our Expert Care
At the US Wellness Collective, we go the extra mile to help meet your unique massage therapy goals. That’s why we offer 100% customized massages, helping you get greater benefits from your session. Book your hot stone massage today by using our online booking tool or calling us at (720) 445-5228.