What Is Hot Stone Massage?
Overview
Hot Stone Therapy is a therapeutic massage treatment that incorporates the use of smooth, heated stones of many shapes. The therapist warms up the muscles with traditional Swedish massage then uses the stones by placing them in various locations on the client’s body. The therapist also applies oil and used the warmed stones to massage.
Using hot stones allows the therapist to reach deeper layers of tissue without having to apply as much pressure. The heated stones may be placed in specific places on the body including points along the spine, in the palms of the hand, or even between the toes.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
Combining hot stones with a full body massage provides a very effective massage experience. The hot stones help expand blood vessels and increase blood flow throughout the body. The stones also have a sedative effect that can help relieve chronic pain.
Many people find the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting and get this type of massage for relaxation. Others enjoy how the stones can be used in conjunction with deep tissue massage techniques to work out trouble spots.
Hot stone massage is suited to people who tend to feel chilly or who have cold feet. It’s also suited for people who have muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage. The heat relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist to work the muscles without using deep pressure.
People also get hot stone massage to help them with a variety of health conditions:
- Back pain and aches
- Poor circulation
- Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis
- Stress, anxiety and tension
- Insomnia
- Depression
Resources
For more information on Hot Stone Massage, About Health has a great guide available.
LiveStrong also provides an introduction to the benefits of Hot Stone Massage.
You can find another explanation of Hot Stone Massage on Beaumont Hospital’s website.
You can also call Balance Massage Therapy at 734.660.5919 to find out more about our hot stone massage, our therapists, and set up your hot stone massage.