Soothing hot stone massage is especially recommended for stressed people seeking relaxation. However, the benefits of this unique treatment do not end there. Its healing properties are almost legendary. Let’s check out what effects you can count on when undergoing a massage and whether everyone can benefit from it.
Widespread Stress
The fast pace of life, colossal responsibilities and jobs that you are not fully satisfied with create tension that threatens health and even life, known as stress. According to extensive research conducted by international organizations, Russia is at the forefront of countries where working citizens are most likely to experience the effects of high levels of stress. It is estimated that up to 80% of employees experience work-related stress. Stress directly affects a person’s mental and physical health.
Why does Massage Therapy Relieve Stress?
People who often find themselves in stressful situations experience a number of ailments from the body and mind. They struggle with insomnia, weakened immune systems, diseases of the spine, respiratory and digestive systems, as well as neuroses and depression. Therefore, for the sake of health, you should take care of the highest possible level of positive energy, proper relaxation of the body and regeneration of the body and mind. Hot stone massage at the beauty SPA is a great way to restore somatic and mental balance. It relaxes the muscles and also provides the deep relaxation the body needs under stress.
What is a Hot Stone Massage?
Professional massage parlours that specialise in relaxation, wellness and classic massage also offer hot stone massage. It consists of placing smooth hot stones of different sizes in the appropriate points of the body. The stones can be covered with aromatic oil. The massage lasts about 60 minutes and is performed in several ways. The masseur can place the stones on the body, massage the body with them, or massage the body with hands holding the hot stones. The massage is gentle, so it can also be used by people who are very sensitive to pain. The massage is usually performed with smooth, flat-shaped volcanic basalt stones, as these minerals conduct heat best. You may also find massage with marble, emerald or jade stones in massage parlors. The stones are heated to a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius.
Hot and Cold Stone Therapy
Depending on the temperature of the stones, there is a distinction between cold and hot stone therapy. In hot stone therapy, the stones are heated to a temperature of about 50 degrees
Celsius and then placed on the body. Often before laying the stones, they are smeared with aromatic compositions, thus introducing elements of aromatherapy into the procedure. Hot stones, in contact with the skin, contribute to muscle relaxation and warming them up, have an analgesic effect, improve blood flow.
Such therapy can be useful for sleep disorders and improve the quality of rest. Cold stone therapy involves the use of stones cooled to a temperature of 0 to +10 degrees. It is useful for chronic sinusitis, weakened immunity, and painful injuries.
It is also possible to combine hot and cold techniques. The alternate use of heated and cooled stones has a tonic effect, gives a person vigor and restores strength.
Where are the Stones Placed?
The stones are placed on the body according to the position of the seven chakras: root, third eye, heart, solar plexus, floor, crown and throat. The chakras are responsible for the proper flow of energy in the body, and their concept is taken from Far Eastern philosophy. Each chakra represents an area endowed with different functions. For example, the solar plexus chakra is responsible for emotional stability, the throat chakra is responsible for the ability to express oneself, and the heart chakra is responsible for unconditional love.
Pain Relief
One of the biggest benefits of hot stone massage is pain relief. The strong analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects will be appreciated by people suffering from menstrual pain, rheumatic diseases, sciatica or spinal conditions caused by overstretched paraspinal muscles. Strengthening, regeneration and reduction of muscle tension are deeply felt during the treatment. Immediate relaxation and pain relief are experienced. The heat of the stones is also relaxing.
Relaxation
A key factor in the success of the treatment is the heat emanating from the stones. This causes tense muscles to relax and blood flow to accelerate.
Compared to a therapeutic massage, this is an extremely pleasant and gentle technique. Revitalization and relaxation are immediate, and already at the beginning of the session, the patient calms down and regains vitality. The endorphins released during the massage make you feel relaxed and happy.
Health benefits of hot stone massage
Competent execution of massage gives a positive multidirectional result:
- Relaxation of the body;
- Getting rid of swelling;
- Reduction of headaches;
- Acceleration of metabolism;
- Improvement of blood circulation, acceleration of lymph flow;
- Relieving muscle spasms;
- Increasing the level of immunity;
- Rejuvenation of the skin of the face and body, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and other age-related manifestations;
- Improvement of mental state;
- Cleansing of face and body pores;
- Improving skin tone and elasticity, reducing the appearance of cellulite;
- Removal of toxins from the body, improving well-being.
Just what the doctor ordered: Who should benefit from stone therapy?
People who are experiencing problems with:
- Chronic fatigue;
- Headaches, muscle pain;
- Depression, stress, apathy;
- Insomnia;
- With reduced immunity levels;
- Age-related skin changes on the face and body;
- Metabolic disorders;
- Decreased muscle tone;
- Cellulite, unwanted fat deposits;
- Slowed lymphatic drainage;
- Physical and/or mental fatigue;
- Stomach ulcers;
- Dystonia, bulimia, anorexia;
- Genitourinary diseases;
- Angina pectoris.
Contraindications to the Procedure
Despite the great delicacy of the procedure, not everyone can undergo it. This is still an intervention in the work of the body. You should consider such contraindications as skin inflammation, varicose veins, atherosclerosis, chemotherapy, pregnancy, cancer, serious heart disease, thrombophlebitis and inflammation of the body, accompanied by fever.
Worth Using
Due to the beneficial effects of touch and heat, hot stone massage is beneficial for a sore and tense body. It neutralises unpleasant ailments and restores mental and physical balance. It allows you to look at the problems and difficulties of everyday life in a friendlier way and find the strength to face them.
