Overview
The use of hot stones in therapy is a popular form of massage. The stones are manipulated over the body at specific points to provide a deep and intense massage. You can avail yourself of this type of treatment at most spas. Utilize this type of therapy if you have certain ailments, or if you seek a relaxing and pleasurable experience.
Types
Many variations of hot stone therapy exist. The LaStone treatment is often referred to as the original method. LaStone has a particular protocol and may use cold stones as well as hot stones. Some other types of hot stone massage incorporate aromatic oils to heighten its effects. Other hot stone techniques add more in the way of hand manipulation and stretches. Regions such as Tibet, Japan, Europe and America have various forms of therapy that incorporate hot stones.
Function
The function of hot stone treatment is to relax the muscles and provide a basis for an intense message. Hot stones work to expand blood vessels. These stones relax the body in a short amount of time, allowing for deep tissue massage to be performed. Often hot stones are alternated with cool stones that cause the blood vessels to constrict. This is done to “wake up” the nervous system that was sedated as a result of the hot stones.
Application
During hot stone treatment, you will be lying down while a therapist places warmed, oiled stones on key points of your body. The therapist will work the warm stones over your muscles with a strong massage. The therapist may then replace the hot stones with cold marble ones, after which she may alternate between stones of different temperatures.
Benefits
The primary benefits of hot stone massage are increased circulation, reduced stress and a reduction in body aches. Many seek hot stone therapy to help with such problems as depression and insomnia, while others use the massage to treat specific areas of pain, such as the lower back, and certain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis. Another benefit is the “feel good” factor that occurs due to the pampering procedure.
Precautions
Let your therapist know if the stones are too hot for your comfort level. Also, inform the therapist if you have any health conditions, such as gastrointestinal problems, that may be aggravated by the massage. Report any sensitivity to particular fragrance oils so that they will not be used in your session. You may wish to refrain from hot stone massage if you are pregnant, have had a heavy meal or have very recently consumed alcohol.
