Little Known Health Benefits Of Hot Stone Therapy
Monali Bordoloi
Monali Bordoloi
Are you sleep-deprived or exhausted all the time? Hot stone therapy could be the solution. This therapy uses hot volcanic stones during massage to help ease stress and give relief from pain.
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Welcome to the world of hot stone therapy! Shilpa is not alone, many people are opting for this massage style to reduce muscle pain and relaxation. If you are fatigued most of the time and experience chronic body pain and feel lethargic, hot stone therapy could provide you with some much-needed relief.
We got in touch with Ayurvedic doctor Pramod Kumar, who is the manager of the spa in Leela Palace, ESPA, to know more about this emerging trend, hot stone therapy and its relevance in wellness.
How To Enjoy A Hot Stone Massage At Home
Hot stone massages can be performed at home with the right tools, preparation and knowledge. You’ll want to have anywhere from 12-25 hot stones, available at various sizes, including two larger ones that are at least 6 inches long. Ideally, you’ll have a hot stone massage set that offers stones in three different sizes for use across the body.
Stones should be heated in a pot of water or crockpot do not use a microwave or oven. Use a thermometer to determine the precise temperature. Ideally, stones should reach 130 degrees. Anticipate heating up the stones about 30 minutes before the massage is set to start. Note that they will cool slowly once removed from the water. Some products, like this quality set by SereneLife, may come with a heating element so that the stones can warm quickly and safely.
Once heated, stones can be placed briefly on certain body parts before others are left on covered portions of the body. Smaller stones are designed for use on the face, while larger options should be situated on the shoulders or breastbone.
Stones can also be used in conjunction with massage techniques. Some users may want to coat the stones in a calming essential oil, like lavender, that is safe for topical use.
Health Benefits Of Hot Stone Massage Therapy
For most people, getting a massage is a treat and is often carried out when an individual is feeling particularly sore and stressed. The term massage however, is quite broad, because truthfully there are countless different forms of massage and massage therapy, with each one being designed to provide the recipient with a whole cacophony of different health benefits. One form of massage therapy that is incredibly popular and extremely beneficial, is hot stone massage therapy, and it is this particular practice that well be taking a more in-depth look at right now.
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The Benefits Of Neuropathy Massage Therapy
In the United States, massage therapy is often considered part of complementary and alternative medicine , although it does have some conventional uses. It is increasingly being offered along with standard treatment for a wide range of medical conditions and situations.
While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found neuropathy massage treatment may also be helpful for:
- Alleviate low-back pain and improve range of motion.
- Lessen depression and anxiety
- Reduced fatigue
Zyllion Shiatsu Back And Neck Massager With Heat
Price: $
The Zyllion Shiatsu Back and Neck Massager provides a deep kneading massage to your upper body after strenuous activity or a long day of seated work. You can also use it on your legs.
The heated massager may help to boost blood flow, relax tight muscles, and alleviate stress. The portable design makes it easy to use in different rooms, and it comes with a car adaptor so you can use it during trips or commutes.
Unfavorable customer reviews mention that the product is uncomfortable and malfunctions or stops working altogether.
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Cupping Encourages Tissues To Release Toxins
Yes, you do have organs that remove toxins from your blood. But the modern lifestyle overloads your body with toxins. Cupping gives your body a boost in releasing those toxins. Focused blood flow helps your body by flushing built-up toxins through the lymphatic system.
Planning to be in downtown Madison?Book a cupping massage and experience the benefits for yourself.
Eases Anxiety And Restlessness
When the hot stone massage diffuses heat into your tissues, the muscles in your body relax. This combined with the rhythmic massage strokes and the warming stones helps you enter a deep relaxation state, dissipating any restlessness or even anxiety you might be feeling.6 It can even help relieve the pain and tension associated with headaches.7
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How We Chose Hot Massagers
To compile our list of the best heated massagers, we considered the following:
- Brand reputation. We selected products from companies that offer high-quality products and provide a high level of customer service. The brands have a user-friendly website providing customer reviews, product details, and ordering information.
- Customer feedback. We read online reviews to get a feel for customer satisfaction related to longevity, value, and ease of use.
- Features, quality, and value. We included heated massagers that target different body areas using a variety of intensities and massage techniques. The products offer value for the cost.
On The Other Hand Heat Isnt Always The Best Medicine
We know now that heat generates blood flow and gets it moving straight to those hot spots to help ease sore muscles, promote better circulation and reduce chronic pain. But unlike a mid-day latte pick-me-up, heat isnt always a good idea.
Heat should not be used in acute inflammation or fresh injuries, as increasing blood flow would increase swelling, says Glathe. For these ailments, its best to RICE it: rest, ice, compression, and elevation, and follow your doctors orders, of course.
Keep in mind that one of the great things about a hot stone massagethe ease with which your therapist will be able to give you a deep-tissue massagemight also make you quite sore the next day. You shouldnt be cant-take-the-stairs sore, but youll definitely feel something other than relaxed.
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How Does It Work And What Does It Feel Like
Our Massage Therapy expertsplace the stones in warm water to heat them within the precise temperature of between 120 and 130 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Hot Stone Massage starts with a traditional Swedish Massage to prepare the muscles. The therapist then places the hot stones on key acupuncture points on the body. The weight and heat of the stones relax the muscle to allow deeper pressure during the massage.
Using massage oil and long gliding strokes the therapist will massage the neck, back, arms and legs with and without stones.
Allow plenty of time for your hot stone treatment. If it is your first time, we will ask you to complete a pre-treatment health questionnaire. Avoid eating a heavy meal or drinking alcohol prior to the treatment.
Cupping Can Reduce Stretch Marks And Scars
Increased blood flow enables your body to dispose of toxins, restores lymphatic circulation, and helps remove edema , which helps reduce the appearance of scarring. Studies have shown the positive effects of cupping on stretch marks and scars even in areas that are far from the area where the cups are applied.
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Tips For Incorporating Hot Stones Into Treatment
Hot stone therapy is an ancient practice with its origins deep in Indian Ayurveda. To create an authentic experience for your clients, consider incorporating other traditional Ayurvedic practices. Some therapists use the gemstones traditionally associated with each of the seven chakras. For example, garnet is traditionally used at the base of the spine to give vitality to the body and lapis for the middle of the forehead or the third eye.
Here is the typical progression of a hot stone massage:
Who Shouldn’t Get A Hot Stone Massage
Massage is generally safe, although according to the National Institutes of Health, there have been rare reports of serious side effects, such as a blood clot, nerve injury, or bone fracture.
While hot stone massage is generally considered safe when performed by a trained and licensed massage therapist, it’s not right for everyone. Children and people who are pregnant should avoid hot stone massage.
Consult your doctor if you have a medical condition, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, varicose veins, migraines, autoimmune disease, decreased pain sensitivity, cancer, autoimmune disease, epilepsy, tumors, or metal implants, or are on medication that thins the blood.
Also, check with your doctor if you have had recent surgery or have recent wounds or areas of weakened or inflamed skin.
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May Help Relieve Symptoms Of Autoimmune Diseases
Hot stone massage may relieve painful conditions such as fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread, chronic pain. According to a 2002 study, people with fibromyalgia who received a 30-minute massage slept longer, had fewer trigger points, and had decreased levels of substance P than people with the condition who received relaxation therapy. More research is needed, however, before massage becomes a standard fibromyalgia treatment.
A 2013 found that people with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from a moderate-pressure massage, such as hot stone massage. Participants in the study experienced less pain, greater grip strength, and a greater range of motion after one month of massage therapy.
Cupping Can Clear Congestion And Help Treat Asthma
Congestion caused by a cold, bronchitis, or even asthma can be treated with cupping. The suction from cups breaks up and expels congestion. It brings oxygen rich blood and lymph toward your lungs and your other respiratory muscles. Cups are usually placed on your back, but may be placed on your chest as well. Your therapist may leave the cups in place, or may gently glide them in an upward motion to facilitate the movement of the lymph fluid. Facial cupping can also be used to help unblock your sinuses.
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Hot Stone Massage At Cny Healing Arts In Syracuse And Rochester Ny
In Syracuse and Rochester NY, CNY Healing Arts has trained massage therapists that specialize in Hot Stone massage. You will feel calm and relaxed as soon as you walk in the door. Youll hear calming music and be greeted by our friendly front desk staff. Once in the doors, you have the option of wearing one of our plush CNY robes while you wait for your treatment. We offer complimentary tea, coffee and water, so make sure you stay hydrated! Your massage therapist will begin your session by asking about any injuries or health concerns. Then you will get comfortable on the table and your relaxation will begin! At CNY, our Hot Stone massages are 90 minutes. This hour and a half treatment will give the perfect amount of time to unwind in the warmth.
What Does This Type Of Massage Treat
Everyone knows that massages are an effective, natural cure for stress but this particular type of massage can also help treat and resolve other problematic conditions. It can relieve stress and anxiety, help manage depression, relieve tension and pain from sore muscles, and can help provide some relief for chronic illnesses or chronic pain.
This type of massage allows you to enter deeper into a state of relaxation as the therapist works to relieve muscle pain and tension. The heat within the rocks relaxes the muscles, making them more pliable. Once you are free of some of the tension that you walked in, your massage therapist can release the rest of it during your session.
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How Often Can I Schedule Treatments
You can schedule massage treatments as often as you want. Some people schedule standing weekly appointments, others biweekly or monthly, while others only consider it as a special occasion treatment and only come once or twice a year. The best results typically come from regular massages. Your massage therapist will suggest a treatment plan based on your needs so that you
Hot And How A Hot Stone Massage Is The New Fad To Try
We all are working too hard and too fast to win in the race of life. We want the trophy of success. And often, we forget to pause. But when we do, we feel the discomfort and the pain, because we pushed ourselves way too hard. Thankfully, there are many ways in which we can pamper our tired selves and perk up to get back on the track. One such miraculous procedure is the hot stone massage.
A hot stone massage, technically, is a massage therapy. It helps you relax and eases the tense muscles in the body so that you loosen up. During the process, hot stones made of basalt are kept on specific parts of the body. These stones are actually volcanic rocks that retain heat, hence the name. Lets get started and know all we can about this cool therapy which not only is as edgy as it sounds, but also in the way it feels. Its hot and its in, literally, and you are going to thank us for introducing it to you.
Lets go and find out more about it so that you are not late for your next hot stone massage treatment.
- Tapping
- Long strokes
Tapping Also, did you know that some times, even cold stones are used to give a hot stone massage? Well, the main mode of massage is via hot stones, but the cold ones are used after the massage to soothe the vessels that may have dilated. It is also helpful in soothing the skin after the massage.
Now that you know the ways and modes, its time to take a deeper look into all the benefits that this massage has to offer.
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Side Effects Of Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is great for relaxing a painful, achy body but can lead to discomfort and injury when not done properly. This HolisticZine article will take a look at the possible side effects of hot stone massage.
Hot stone massage is great for relaxing a painful, achy body but can lead to discomfort and injury when not done properly. This HolisticZine article will take a look at the possible side effects of hot stone massage.
Amazing Benefits Of Hot Stone Massage
At Defyin Time in Mt. Pleasant, TX, the hot stone massage is one of our most popular massage therapy services. During the session, your massage therapist will heat basalt stones to approximately 130 degrees Fahrenheit and place them on key areas of the body, such as the back, neck, or thighs. They will also hold heated stones while performing the massage, warming your body with each stroke of their palms. This style of massage is believed to have originated in India around five thousand years ago, but the amazing benefits have been recently re-discovered and popularized by modern day-spas and medical spas.
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Hot Stone Massages Promote Better Moods Too
Believe it or not, you can find happiness at the, err, hand, of a heated stone, say the pros. More study is needed to determine the exact neurological connection between our pressure points and stress hormones but, as Riley explains, hot stone placement is key to leaving your appointment feeling super zen.
The stones are placed at specific pressure points in order to relieve tension, elevate your mood and combat stress, she says. This physical reduction of pressure actually helps reduce mental stress because when the body is relaxed, the mind is able to relax, and you can leave the hot stone massage feeling rejuvenated.
How Amazing Is A Hot Stone Massage
by AlchemyTeam | Jun 23, 2021 | Blog
If you are looking for an incredibly relaxing treatment, its worth looking into a hot stone massage. Hot stone massages use flat, smooth basalt stones. These are heated and positioned along your spine, along your legs, between the toes, and on the palms of your hands. These are sometimes used with cold marble stones, which can help to detox the body.
How Does a Hot Stone Massage Work?
The stones will be heated until they reach the perfect temperature while you will enjoy a traditional massage to relax you and prepare your muscles. Then, the spa therapist will place warm stones on the key areas we mentioned above. This helps to further relax your muscles.
You will then receive a deep massage on your neck, back, arms, and legs, with and without the stones, using massage oil. You will come away feeling deeply relaxed.
What Are the Benefits?
There are several benefits to hot stone massage. The cold and hot stones encourage detoxification, helping you to feel healthier.
Hot stone massage can also:
- Aid pain relief, especially if you suffer from achy muscles
- Aid muscle relaxation
- Calm the nervous system
- Improve back pain and pain from fibromyalgia
Who Can Get a Hot Stone Massage?
Your therapist will talk you through all this before you start, so feel free to ask questions if youre not sure.
Is There Anything I Need to Do Afterwards?
How Often Can I Get a Hot Stone Massage?
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