Benefits of Hot Stone Massage Therapy

 

Hot Stone Massage is a wonderfully relaxing treatment that provides greater muscular relaxation than manual massage alone, with a host of additional health benefits.

 

Benefits

 

The deep heat from the stones is very good for easing and soothing muscular aches and pains and alleviating tension and stress.  The treatment is particularly beneficial for those with back pain, and fibromyalgia sufferers can experience an improvement in their symptoms. Strains and sprains are improved. Hot Stone Massage helps those with poor circulation by increasing blood flow: dilation of the blood vessels causes an increase in blood flow around the body, resulting in improved body functioning.  Lymphatic function and cell metabolism are increased, thereby increasing detoxification and improving elimination.  The treatment is also ideal for people who feel the cold as it provides a local rise in body temperature of 1-2 degrees C.  In addition, it aids joint mobility, improves muscle tone and stimulates the nervous system, heart and respiratory system.



 

The warm stones have a very grounding, nurturing quality which is beneficial for those with depression and insomnia.  The work on the physical body, combined with the vibrational energy of the hot stones resonating with the energy of the chakras, promotes a feeling of total relaxation, balance and harmony.

 

In summary Hot Stone Massage can aid the following conditions:-

General aches and pains

Soft tissue injuries

Muscular tension and stiffness

Stress, tension and depression

Lethargy and fatigue

Sluggish metabolism

Sinus congestion and headaches

 

The Treatment

 

The massage is performed using the hot stones instead of the hands.  One stroke with a hot stone is considered equal to 10-15 normal manual massage strokes in its effect.

The first half of the treatment covers upper and lower back and backs of legs.  The client is then asked to turn over and the therapist treats the scalp, face, chest, arms, front of legs and feet. The chakra stones are also placed on the front of the body.

 

Vibrational Effect of the Stones

 

During the full body treatment, large stones are placed over the chakras on the front of the body.  Basalt stones are used due to their ability to retain heat.  Basalt is formed from the cooled lava produced from an erupting volcano.  Basalt stones are high in vibrational energy which resonates in balance with the human chakra system.  When placed on the body, vibrational energy is transmitted from the stones into the body to positively affect the person’s energy balance and auric field.  Balancing of the 7 major chakras increases wellbeing by increasing positive energy, strengthening weak areas and neutralising dominant areas.

 

Contra-indications

 

This treatment is not suitable for those with high blood pressure (unless controlled), heat sensitivity, prickly heat, nerve damage or loss of tactile function, people on blood thinning medication, people with diabetes who inject insulin,  people with nervous system dysfunction, an over-active thryroid gland or varicose veins, or anyone who has had an operation within 6 months.