Benefits of Hot Stone Massage

The hot stone massage is increasingly becoming popular nowadays, especially over the recent years. This is not only a soothing technique in the world of relaxation, but comes with plenty of health benefits. Thus, if you are the one looking to unwind and heal your body, this holistic therapy is the way to go.

Before making a decision, you must know what it is and what are the benefits of hot stone massage. Keep reading to learn more.

What is a Hot Stone Massage?

As the name denotes, hot stone massage refers to the use of smooth and heated stones to provide you with muscle relaxation and warmth. The stones are made of basalt and are placed on specific acupressure points along your body to fuel relaxation and relieve tension. A therapist may also use their hands to include extra benefits of hot stone massage. So, the combination of heat and pressure extensively improves circulation and helps ease muscle stiffness. 

What Do Hot Stones Do?

During a hot stone massage, therapists place warmed stones on specific points of the body or use them as extensions of their hands to knead and soothe tense muscles. The heat from the stones penetrates deep into the tissues, encouraging blood flow, reducing muscle stiffness, and easing chronic pain. This warmth also helps open energy pathways, promoting a sense of harmony and balance within the body.

What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage?

A hot stone massage benefits when a therapist places warm stones on specific parts of the body – chest, palms, face, along your spine, feet and toes. They use Swedish massage techniques like kneading, vibration, tapping, circular movements and long strokes. 

Note: Cold stones can also be used during hot stone massage treatment. This is done after the hot stones to soothe your skin or calm any engorged blood vessels. 

Top 10 Benefits of Hot Stone Massage

There are myriad benefits of hot stone massage. The top 10 of them are – 

Relieve Muscle Tension

Heat is commonly called a well-known pain reliever. The heat coming out from the stones penetrates deep into the muscle, thereby easing tension and stiffness. This is one of the key benefits of warm stone treatment. Massage therapists then can work more effectively on deeper layers of the muscles. All in all, it enables your muscles to be free from tension and regain movement. Registered Massage Therapy can be particularly effective for addressing muscle tension and improving mobility 

Reduces Stress

Massages are believed to scientifically reduce your stress and anxiety levels, including hot stone massage. This is so because your body releases endorphins and other feel-good hormones during the massage and lower the cortisol levels, also called stress hormones. Hence, it promotes a sense of tranquility. 

Boost Immune System

The next in the list of advantages of warm massage therapy is that it acts as an immunity booster. Even a single session of hot stone therapy can impact your immunity extensively. It helps increase the count of lymphocytes, which supports WBCs in fighting against infection.

Relieve Symptoms of Auto-Immune Diseases

The advantages of hot stone massage extend beyond reducing stress, anxiety, and muscle tension. It may prove to be really helpful in conditions like fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis. As per a study of 2002, fibromyalgia patients who have received a 30-minute massage had fewer trigger points. And according to a 2013 study, people with rheumatoid arthritis have experienced greater grip strength and motion and less pain after receiving moderate pressure massage regularly for one month. 

Increases Flexibility 

By relieving muscle tension and reducing stiffness, warm stone massage helps improve flexibility. It is especially helpful for older people or those who play sports or do vigorous exercises daily. You can’t complete the daily chores easily if you have stiff joints. So, a massage with hot stone can increase the flexibility factor in your body, and you will be able to move your joints with greater ease and less discomfort. 

Promotes a Restful Sleep

 

For people who struggle with insomnia and sleep problems, they can find relief by opting for a hot stone massage treatment. It tends to take you to the state of deeper and restorative sleep. You will still get the warm stone massage benefits in the form of enhanced sleep, even after your treatment is ended. Regular hot stone massage therapy helps to elevate your relaxation levels and makes you ready to enjoy the extra Zzzs.

Improved Circulation 

Overall, fatigue in the body is caused by poor circulation of blood. A hot stone massage performed by a professional registered massage therapist can cure this problem, along with several others. When warm stones are placed along specific points around your body, your blood vessels become more permeable through the heat of the stones. Blood flows more freely through your body, hence improving circulation.

Supports Natural Detoxification 

There is no scientific evidence to prove this point. But hot stone massage helps the natural clearing out process of your body. It increases the lymphatic flow, which encourages detoxification.

May Help Decrease Cancer Symptoms

There was a study in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. It brought 1290 people with cancer and examined the role of massage in easing fatigue, anxiety, pain, and stress. The study proved that massage, like Swedish massage, hot stone massage may help improve cancer symptoms and arrived at the conclusion that human touch indeed plays a role in comforting a patient.

Promotes Mindfulness 

Warm stone massage therapy is beneficial in bringing your attention towards the present moment and sensations in your body. Therefore, it allows you to experience a greater sense of peace and calm.

Who may benefit from a hot stone massage?

Hot stone massage treatment manages several conditions and helps people with –

• Insomnia

• Chronic headaches

• Fatigue

• Depression and anxiety

• Multiple sclerosis

• Sciatica

• Digestive problems

• Muscle spasms

• Autoimmune diseases

• Sports injuries

How Often You Should Get a Hot Stone Massage?

Generally, getting a hot stone massage once or twice a week is enough. But, if you are experiencing more chronic pain, you should consult the therapist for the frequency of the sessions and may get it every day. All in all, a professional in hot stone treatment will guide you about how often should you get a hot stone massage as per your health conditions.

What To Wear To A Hot Stone Massage​?

Dress in comfortable clothing. Wear as few layers as possible so that your masseuse can focus easily on the deep tissues. Remove any jewelry or accessories you are wearing. If you are opting for a back massage, wear a sports bra rather than a standard bra, as it is easy for the therapist to work on your specific body parts.

Conclusion

There is no denying the fact that hot stone massage offers numerous benefits to your holistic health. Thus, if you are considering to include it in your self-care routine, you are going the right way. 

Get in touch with an experienced and licensed therapist to have profound effects on your overall health. That being said, RMT movement is your go-to center for multi-disciplinary massage therapies in Brampton like acupuncture, physiotherapy, chiropody, and naturopathic care. Let our trained practitioners offer you convenience and make your experience hassle-free.

Shoot your queries at info@rmtmovement.ca for more information.