There are many benefits to a hot stone massage session, including: tension and pain relief, stress reduction, and promotion of sleep.
What are hot stones and how are they used?
Smooth, flat stones typically made of basalt are heated to around 140 degrees Fahrenheit and are placed at multiple points on your body. They can also be held in the massage therapist’s hands while they apply pressure and use various strokes along your muscles.
Stones are often placed:
- along the length of your spine
- on your face
- on the palms of your hands
- between your toes
- on your stomach
- on your chest
Benefits of Adding Hot Stones to Your Massage Session
Muscle tension and pain relief
Heat helps increase blood flow and circulation. Additionally, in may also increase flexibility, range of motion, and can break an active muscle spasm.
Reduction of stress and anxiety
Weighted heat has long been used as a treatment for anxiety and stress.
Improved sleep
Adjusting your body’s temperature often promotes sleep onset and restfulness.
Reduces Autoimmune Disease symptoms
Hot stone massage can help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases, such as fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. This works by decreasing levels of pain-transmitting hormones.
Relief of some cancer-related symptoms
Warm and comforting human touch plays a role in reducing pain, fatigue, stress, nausea, and depression in people suffering from cancer, according to a study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.
Immunity boost
Cautions
Hot stone therapy may not be appropriate for clients who have:
- burns
- open wounds
- recent surgery
- bleeding disorders, or who are taking blood thinners
- clotting risk
- diabetes
- recent fractures
Hot Stone Add-on is Now Available
I am now offering hot stones as an add-on for select in-my-home massage therapy sessions. Simply choose the add on when booking your next Swedish, Shiatsu, Craniosacral, Deep Tissue, or Reflexology massage.
