All About Hot Stone Massage
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Hot stone massage is a unique form of massage therapy that uses heated stones to relax and soothe the mind and body. These flat and smooth stones are placed on various places on the body in order to warm those tense muscles, making it easier for the massage therapist to work out any tightness or tension in the body. This form of therapy is also very soothing during those colder fall and winter months and for those that are always feeling a bit chilly. Some people also find the weight and warmth of the stones comforting. There is a very good reason why this type of massage is so extremely popular!
Applying Other Massage Techniques
Once the persons body has fully relaxed and muscles have loosened due to the warmth of the stones, try combining the hot stone massage technique with other massage therapies, such as deep tissue massage or a Swedish massage. You can use these massage techniques either after removing the hot stones, or with the stones still on the body. You can also combine this type of massage with essential oils too.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to How To Do A Hot Stone Massage At Home, we recommend you visit our Healthy living category.
- Make sure you set a relaxing mood for the massage using candles, calm music and essential oils so the room smells nice.
How Can I Give A Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massages, also known as warm stone massages, are extremely relaxing for most people. These massages have become popular at high-end health clubs and many day spas. Even if you are not a massage therapist, learning the basics of how to administer a hot stone massage can be a wonderful treat for those you love.
A hot stone massage obviously involves hot stones. Most people use basalt stones, although other types of stones can also be used. You can hunt for your own stones in a riverbed or buy them from a massage supply company. You want smooth stones of various sizes, with no sharp corners or rough spots. The other materials you will need for this type of massage include a roasting pan or Crock-Pot®, massage oil or baby oil, towels, and a slotted spoon or tongs.
Before your first hot stone massage, you must “season” the stones. This just involves coating them in oil usually baby oil or massage oil. Next, you must heat the stones. To accomplish this, place the stones in your Crock-Pot® or roasting pan, cover them with water, and heat the water. When the stones are warm, remove them from the water, carefully, with your tongs or slotted spoon, and dry them off with a towel.
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Lets Go Over What Someone Can Expect During A Hot Stone Massage
Before the massage begins, the stones will be cleaned and warmed in 120-150 degree water. The localized heat and weight of the rocks allow for improved blood circulation and an easing of tense muscles that allow for deeper muscle layers to be reached. Your therapist will start out the treatment by warming up your muscles with a traditional Swedish massage. Once your muscles are loosened, the massage therapist will begin to add the hot stones. While some therapists will place the stones on your body based on anatomy, others believe that different placements allow for better energy flow and will place stones according to energy points. Either way, stones will usually be placed along your spine, stomach, arms, legs, and palms. Larger stones will normally be placed on larger muscles while the smaller stones are reserved for smaller tissues. After the stones are added, your massage therapist will use the stones as extensions of his or her hands and use them to apply pressure to your muscles. As the stones cool, the therapist will replace them.
Due to the heat of the stones, there should always be a sheet or towel between the stone and your skin. If the stone is too hot or the pressure too intense, do not hesitate to let your therapist know, they will happily adjust to your preferences. If you are not comfortable with hot stones, lava shells and steamed towels are excellent alternatives if you still wish to incorporate heat into your massage.
Being Under The Influence Of Drugs Or Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol do not mix well with massage. Both impair the ability to give feedback if necessary, and also affect judgment, and a personâs self-control over their impulses.
Furthermore, having a massage can leave someone feeling light-headed or wobbly. Drinking alcohol will compound and worsen these feeling.
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Hot Stone Massage Therapy:
Relax muscles, relieve aches and pains and de-stress with this popular spa treatment. If theres no budget for a professional application or would like to try doing it yourself, heres howand no expensive equipment required!
Collect smooth, flat stones or purchase a set of basalt stones these are volcanic material and are believed to retain heat better. Theyre actually grey and turn black when wet.
Where to find them? You may get lucky at the local health food store believe it or not. If they dont have them, see if they can order them through one of their suppliers. I have a friend who asked her hair stylist to order them in from the wholesale beauty supply company she dealt with. Otherwise, they can be found online with a bit of searching.
If using those that were collected, select varieties that have no rough spots or edges and are between 2 to 4 long. Scrub them clean in soapy water then rinse well.
To prepare: Boil for about 5 minutes in a large pot of water then remove and set on a clean towel. Pat dry. They can also be warmed in a crockpot for about 40 minutes on low .
Testing the temperature: When they have cooled down enough that they can be held in bare hands , test one against the skin behind the knee or on the neck for about a minute. If the temperature is tolerable and doesnt burn, you can begin. If its uncomfortable, remove immediately and try again in a couple minutes. A thin cotton sheet can also be spread over the body first to help protect skin.
A Brief History Of The Hot Stone Massage
Have you ever experienced a hot stone massage? The common response from those who have is one of relief, relaxation and inner peace. The heated stones penetrate the muscle tissue and create the feeling of a deep tissue massage without any added pressure and weight.
The treatment operates with the idea that heat is the healing factor. Stones are placed on common areas of the body that are subject to strain and the heat targets the tension to release it.
This treatment is not new in fact, it has a long and rich history with various applications. Here is a brief overview on the history of the hot stone massage and how it is used in various cultures.
A Healing Technique around the World
Indigenous peoples of North America used hot rocks in traditional sweat lodge ceremonies. The hot rock method was exclusively used by tribes in the eastern woodlands, the Great Basin, southwest and central plains. Many people feel an increased sense of well-being after experiencing this ritual that has been around for centuries.
In the Shang Dynasty in China, hot stones were used to relieve any kind of tension or pain in the body. These hot stones were the preliminary acupuncture needle and were applied to the meridian channels similarly to how they are today.
In Japan, hot stone massage is called anma, which is considered one of the oldest forms of East Asian massage techniques. Similar to the Chinese, the heat was used to penetrate the tsubo, a type of acupuncture point.
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Tips For Hot Stone Massage
- It is a treat to get a hot stone massage. Enjoy it as much as possible. Arrive so you can relax and soak in your surroundings. A heavy meal or alcohol consumption in the hours before is not recommended.
- The hot stones treatment may take up to an hour. During that time, your knots, aches, and worries should melt away.
- You should always tell your therapist if you have any medical conditions, such as high blood pressure or heart disease. Choosing the suitable stones and techniques for your body will be based on your medical history. Inform your therapist if you believe you might be pregnant, as well.
- It is okay to tell your therapist if you find the stones too hot they can be heated to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. However, being comfortable will help you relax much more quickly and enjoy that delicious feeling of total well-being.
- If you are going out after your hot stone treatment, we recommend choosing a day when you will not need to rush anywhere. It is because, after your treatment, you may feel so relaxed and soothed that getting into the car during rush hour might seem blasphemous.
Benefits Of Hot Stone Massage
Environmental pollution and lack of physical activity, all add up to make you vulnerable to diseases. It becomes imperative to unwind and rejuvenate for better health and happiness. Hot Stone Massage is a therapy used extensively to provide deep relaxation to the body. Read on to know how it works.
What is a Hot Stone Massage Therapy?
No doubt, any massage works wonders to relax your body, but the hot stone therapy has a deep relaxing effect. Natural stones made of basalt are used for the therapy in which the stones are first heated in water. Since the high iron content present in basalt has the capability to hold heat for longer, it gets slowly transferred to the body. Therefore, the technique combines the benefits of massage along with thermo for a deep action.
Hot Stone Massage Therapy Benefits
#1 Relieves StressA deep massage is not only helpful in relaxing the body but also calming the mind. The hot stones have a sedative action. When placed on the triggers points over the body, it helps the mind to relax, thereby reducing stress. You can feel the inner tranquillity in every session. A regular massage using hot stones may increase focus and boost decision making.
An Experienced massage therapist can manipulate deep tissues by transferring the heat to reduce muscular pains.
Always consult with a professional about your health and pain issues.
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How To Sanitize Massage Stones: 7 Steps To Cleaning Disinfection Altered Uses & Care
Here are 10 steps that recognize the special needs required to clean, disinfect and provide overall care for massage stones:
1. Unplug the stone warmer and remove all contents, including stones, thermometer, slotted spoons and oil bottles from the hot stone bath, to be individually cleaned.
2. The entire stone bath liner should be removed from the stone warmer. Any towels inside the stone liner should be discarded for laundering.After emptying the liner, the liner should be cleaned with soap and water
3. Each stone and implement should be individually washed with soap and water until each item feels clean and is visibly clean. I like to use a scrub brush or toothbrush to ensure a deeper cleaning on my stone massage service items. Cleaning will physically remove debris from a surface and most germs.
4. Newly cleaned stone massage items can either be dried with a towel or allowed to air dry. To restore some of a stones energetic properties after sanitizing, you can always lay the stones outside during a full moon or on some green healthy grass during a light rain. This energetical restoration process is usually practiced about once a month, depending on how often you use the stones.
5. For better sanitation effort, add stones and equipment to a disinfectant soak, or spray the stones and equipment with a disinfectant after cleaning. A list of disinfectants and their instructions to combat COVID-19 is listed on the EPAs website.
Why Do Massage Therapists Use Hot Stones
Massage therapists use hot stones because they prepare your body for your massage. They will strategically place smooth, heated stones on your pressure points and knotted muscles to loosen up the areas while preparing your mind and body for the rest of your treatment. By placing the stones in this way, your massage therapist begins alleviating pain before they even begin massaging you with their hands.
Before your treatment begins, your massage therapist prepares the stones by setting them to an ideal temperature. They will be warm enough to melt away stress and pain, but never hot enough to cause discomfort or worsen any issues. In addition to the stones, your massage therapist will use movements often utilized in a Swedish massage, such as long strokes, rolling, and kneading.
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Learn How To Give A Hot Stone Massage
At Fremont College, we offer a number of different sports medicine programs. If you are interested in massage therapy, physical therapy aide & massage, sports therapy & massage, or sports & rehabilitation therapy you might benefit by scheduling a free tour of our campus.
If youre interested in being someone that people come to in order to relax and relieve pain, contact Fremont College to learn about our many programs and see what we can do for you!
*In no way does Fremont College promise or guarantee employment or level of income/wages.
The Benefits Of Hot Stone Massage
Its no secret that living in London is stressful. Hot stone massage allows you to relax. Many people are unable to and some even resort to prescription medications to help them relax. These drugs are often dangerous. In fact, thousands of people die each year due to overdosing on these drugs that are designed to alleviate depression and anxiety.
Hot stone massage provides a healthy and natural way to relax and alleviate anxiety that does not involve prescription drugs. Thus, hot stone massage is very effective at treating psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, tension, insomnia and stress.
Hot stone massage is also lighter than other forms of traditional massage. This makes hot stone massage perfect for people who do not appreciate traditional massage because they may believe it is too rough and painful.
Hot stone massage is also used to treat a number of physical alignments such as back pain, poor circulation and arthritis.
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Helps Relieve Muscle Tension And Pain
Heat has long been used to ease muscle tension and pain. It helps increase blood flow to the affected area. It may also reduce muscle spasms and increase flexibility and range of motion. Cold therapy helps relieve inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, alternating hot and cold stones during your massage may be helpful.
What You Need For Your Hot Stone Massage:
- A crockpot with water
- 5 river stones
- Tongs with a rubber grip
- Oil
There are 9 stones in the photo accompanying this hot stone massage article. The stone at the top is for the sacrum, the 4 on the left are smooth textured for easy gliding, and the 4 on the right are a bit coarser for deeper exfoliation. We suggest finding your river stones in a place that has significant meaning to you. Choose the stones with a texture that suits your individual style.
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Heat Penetration And Saving Your Hands
As mentioned above, hot stone massage is particularly useful for accomplishing to specific goals: introducing therapeutic heat into a clients body and cutting down on fatigue for massage therapists. Lets take a close look at how this works.
There are all sorts of ways to introduce heat into a clients body. Some massage therapists will use a heated massage table for a diffuse, full-body warming effect. Others prefer to use heating pads, hot water bottles, or even warm towels.
That said, theres something particularly effective and unique about using hot stones for heat application. There are a couple of reasons why stones can be particularly effective when it comes to warming up a clients musculature. First of all, the physical weight of the stones helps direct the heat into the clients musculature. By simply laying stones on a clients back for instance, the weight of the stone will conduct heat down into the clients musculature more effectively than simply laying a heating pad on the client without any downward pressure. The weight of the rock can also be calming and relaxing for clients, resulting in a reduction of anxiety and a sense of greater security on the massage table.
On top of this, the heat from stones tends to offer deeper penetration into a clients musculature than other forms of heat therapy. Many therapists report better results from hot stones than from heating pads or warm towels.
Hot Stone Massage In London
At my Bodywork Massage Clinic in London, I offer a hot stone massage treatment services. This involves the placement of heated stones along your body. These stones are smooth around the outside so you will feel no discomfort during your hot stone massage.
During hot stone massage, we shall slide the stones along your muscles to massage them. This allows the stone to cool before it is finally rested upon your skin and between your toes.
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