Healing Stone Massage

Massage helps ease stress, pain and tension in the body. But healing stone massage takes it to the next level. It involves the use of smooth, flat stones that are typically made from basalt, a type of volcanic rock that holds heat well. During a healing stone massage, a therapist will place these hot stones at various locations around the body, including on the spine, belly, chest and feet. They may also hold the hot stones in their hands and use them to perform massage techniques, such as kneading or flowing strokes.

The warm stones encourage the flow of energy throughout your body, releasing blockages that could be keeping you from feeling your best. The stones can also help to open up the chakras and meridians in your body, allowing your entire system to relax even more. In addition to this, the penetrating heat of the stone soothes trigger points and loosens tight muscles.

Heat stimulates the blood vessels and increases circulation, which is essential to a healthy body. This allows waste products, such as lactic acid and other toxins, to be more easily pushed out of the muscles into the lymphatic system for elimination from the body. The deep relaxation achieved during a massage can also speed up the natural recovery process from injuries and aches and pains.

Research has shown that massage therapy reduces anxiety, promotes relaxation and is effective in relieving pain from many conditions, including fibromyalgia and arthritis. It appears to work by reducing levels of the substance P in your body, which is the chemical that sends pain signals from your brain to your muscles.

A hot stone massage can be particularly beneficial for people with arthritic or rheumatic conditions that cause stiff, sore joints. It can help relieve tension, improve flexibility and increase range of motion in your joints. It can also alleviate muscle spasms, such as those caused by fibromyalgia or chronic back pain.

It is important for anyone receiving a hot stone massage to let their therapist know if they are uncomfortable or feel as if the pressure is too much or too little. The therapist will depend on feedback to ensure that their clients have the best possible experience during and after the treatment.

You should not receive a hot stone massage if you have any cuts or scrapes on your skin, as the heat can cause them to bleed. It is also not a good idea to get one if you have an active fever, cold or flu. A fever can spread germs and make you more susceptible to infection from bacteria on the stones or oils. You should also avoid getting a hot stone massage if you have recently had a sunburn or if you are taking medication that thins your blood. For more information about this and other esthetic treatments, contact Kathleen for an appointment.