Hot Stone Massage: Procedure, Health Benefits, and Risks and Warnings Associated with it

Hot stone massage is a practice to relax tense muscles, relieves pain and stiffness and improves blood circulation with an arrangement of warmed stones and massage techniques. This massage therapy is used for ailments like muscular aches, arthritic conditions, and autoimmune disorders. The warm stones are placed on the acupressure points, which help in releasing the flow of energy, and the body starts the healing process. This massage should be taken from a trained therapist, who has enough experience.


The technique for this massage is mentioned below. 
  • Whenever going for a hot stone massage, always choose a trained therapist. Make sure the clinic is hygienic, and the massage tables and stones are proper. The stones should be smooth so that they do no irritate the skin in any way. The number of stones should be enough, as this therapy requires many stones. If you are a trained masseur, the order the hot stone massages kit online or chooses the best quality of stones from the shop.
  • The temperature of the water should be 120 degrees and the stones will cool down at 100-110 degrees when taken out. The stones should be heated in a crock pot using 6 quarts of water.
  • The stones can be hot; so before placing those on participant’s skin cover the skin with a sheet or towel. Everyone’s skin behaves differently to the heat; to avoid any damage cover it.
  • The stones are either placed in a straight line on the participant’s spine, or it can be placed in 2 rows of smaller stones, that sit on each side. Place an additional sheet over these stones; keep them for over a few minutes.
  • Place small stones on the acupressure area of the face; the stone should be placed on their forehead, under the lips, and on both the cheeks.
  • Two large stones can be put along the breastbone, and two palms sized stones in their hands. The participant should feel relax and can gently cup the stones and not hold it. The massage table should be comfortable so that they can relax. The therapists can even buy cheap massage tables that are comfortable for their clients.
  • After the front massage is done, turn the massage client on their stomach. Remove the stones gently, and you may also change the sheet or towel. 
  • Now put the stones on the shoulder blades and back of the kneecaps. For toes, place a small stone between each of them. Wrap them again in the towel and keep the stones in place.
  • You can use the stones to massage to the client; it can be done by moving the stones gently over tense and sore areas. 

Health benefits of hot stone massage 

  • It helps in relieving the muscle tension and pain.
  • It reduces the stress and anxiety.
  • It helps in promoting sleep.
  • It may help in relieving the symptoms of autoimmune diseases.
  • It may be helpful to decrease the cancer symptoms.
  • It can boost the immune system..


Risks and warnings related to hot stone massage 

  • If you are suffering from the below-mentioned problems, then consult a doctor before taking a hot stone massage.
  • Bleeding disorder.
  • Burns on the skin.
  • Open wounds.
  • History of blood clots.
  • Had surgery in last 6 weeks.
  • Fracture or severe osteoporosis.
  • Low platelet count.
  • Diabetes.

The bottom line
Research has shown that a hot massage is helpful to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and ease pain and muscles tension. To make sure of a positive hot massage experience, approach a massage therapist, that have years of experience in working with hot stones. You may feel sore during the massage or day after; it’s because of deep tissue manipulation and pressure. If the massage makes you uncomfortable, let the therapist know.
Previous
Next Post »