Overview
Hot stone massage is a practice in which a massage therapist positions several hot stones on particular key points on the body. The prolonged heat radiated by the stones is said to deeply relax muscles, as well as providing a grounding, peaceful experience. Many massage therapists are trained to integrate hot stone massage with other techniques like aromatherapy and Swedish massage. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), massage therapy is a widely accepted method to reduce pain, alleviate stress, promote relaxation and aid in maintaining overall wellness.
Background
Massage therapy has been used for thousands of years, and writings on the topic have been discovered in artifacts from ancient China, Japan, India, Arabic nations and Greece, according to the NIH. There is also a long history of hot stone therapy in Native American culture, relating to cleansing the body of impurities.
Hot stone massage gained popularity in the U.S. in the mid 1990s when massage therapist Mary Nelson refined a massage technique using stones and called it “LaStone Therapy.” Variations of this type of hot stone massage can be found at many spas, physical therapy and massage therapy offices today.
About the Stones
The most popular type of stone used for hot stone massage is the basalt stone, also called Mexican beach pebble–a dark stone rich in silica and iron that holds heat very well. Some therapists will use other types of stones like jade or marble. The hot stones reportedly allow practitioners to access deeper tissues more quickly.
Uses
Sometimes a massage therapist will use the hot stones directly on the muscle in gliding motions instead of using fingers for deeper penetration. Hot stone massage combines the benefits of hydrotherapy and thermotherapy, according to T.I.R. Massage Stone. The heat of the stones allows for deeper penetration of therapeutic oils and greater blood flow to certain areas like a sore lower back or neck.
Considerations
Although the Mayo Clinic literature concludes that massage is usually beneficial, it warns that massage is not a replacement for regular medical care. If you are under treatment for an illness, follow your treatment plan and let your doctor know about the types of massage therapy you are considering that may be a positive adjunct to your treatment.
Benefits
Studies have shown massage to be effective in helping manage anxiety and depression, for pain reduction, blood pressure control, healing sports injuries and boosting overall immune function, according to the Mayo Clinic. Hot stone massage is increasingly offered as a complement to other kinds of treatment for a range of conditions.
