Hot stone massages are a great way to address any number of body ailments, thanks to the modality's ability to boost blood flow. Here's a quick primer on why you should be offering this wellness therapy.
What is hot stone therapy?
Hot stone massage is the 5,000 year-old practice of using heated volcanic stones to deeply relax muscles. It also allows therapists to perform a tension-reducing massage with lighter pressure. The treatment is comforting and very calming, and the warmth is particularly soothing for especially tight muscles or people who tend to run cold.
Benefits of hot stone massage
Hot stone massage therapy helps release tension, ease muscle stiffness and increase metabolism. Hot stones, when coupled with massage, also help to expand blood vessels, which in turn encourages blood flow throughout the body. This can potentially help boost immunity, reduce the symptoms of autoimmune diseases, promote deeper and more restful sleep, and reduce general stress and anxiety.
How is hot stone massage performed?
Traditionally, the stones are heated in water before being dried off and placed on the subject's body for 10 to 20 minutes. Practitioners then administer a traditional massage, or set the stones aside to be sanitized before continuing with a traditional massage.
