Relief with Heated Stone Massage
October 29th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Everything old is new again. This phrase can be applied to virtually every facet of our lives. Past trends in fashion and music have reappeared. Generations-old recipes have reappeared as today’s “comfort foods”. Automotive makers have breathed new life into popular hot rod and muscle car models of old. And even the health industry, despite the staggering advances in medical knowledge, has resurrected ancient techniques to provide comfort and relief to those suffering from stress and pain.
Heated stone massage is one technique that is traced to the ancient native civilizations. According to experts, heated stones can be applied to the body to bring a number of health-related benefits to the receiver. Certain stones possess the smallest amount of vibration of any facet on the planet, are considered to be ideal for their soothing properties.
Also known as “La Stone” massage, the use of heated stones is widely accepted and appreciated by both the health care and bodywork industries. There are many progressive spas, clinics, fitness centers and healthcare establishments that offer heated stone massage as part of their regular massage therapy regime. It’s a “new” technique that’s performed and enjoyed around the world.
The Long History of Heated Stone Massage
Despite the lack of written history about heated stone massage, researchers have suggested that this type of therapy originated from the ancient healing techniques of the Native Americans. Other evidence shows that the origins can be traced back through traditional Japanese therapies, while others believe that it has developed from the Eastern Indian philosophy.
Despite the variances in the history of heated stone massage, no one can dispute the one basic fact: massage with heated stones is considered to be one of today’s most effective and widely recognized forms of healing therapy.
Benefits of Massage with Heated Stones
In addition to the overall “feel good” benefits of heated stone massage, this type of therapy may also provide relief for several common health concerns:
* Deeper relaxation
* Reduces both stress and tension
* Soothing relief to stiff muscles
* Tight joints become loosened
* Helps to calm the nervous system
* Boosts the rate of metabolism
* Enhances circulation
* Relieves bloating caused by PMS
* Helps relieve chronic neck and back pain
* Frees the body’s blocked energies
Massage Procedure
Stones of all shapes and sizes are used in performing heated stone massage. Before you arrive for your massage treatment, the stones are heated to varying temperatures, usually ranging from 0- to 140- degrees Fahrenheit. Prior to receiving your massage with heated stones, you will be treated to an application of aromatherapy oils. This full-body application helps to set the mood and bring you to a relaxed state.
Your massage therapist will apply traditional Swedish strokes while holding a heated stone. As each stone cools, it is replaced with a fresh heated stone. Some stones will be left in place at certain points on your body, usually along the spine. Stones may also be placed on your hands or between your toes to enhance the body’s natural energy flow. Your therapist may also use cold stones, depending upon your personal condition and requirements.
It’s interesting to note that during the heated stone massage procedure, you and your massage therapist may notice certain physiological changes, including body temperature, heart rate and breathing rate. Your breathing and heart rates will rise and drop, as will the temperature of your body. This should not concern you, as massage with heated stones is used to indicate such changes.
The therapist may use this information to determine the flow of the blood, as well as the exchange of blood and oxygen in your body. The end result is an overall sense of health and well being.
You may have heard of this “new” health procedure, but massage with heated stones is certainly no fad. People have been using this type of therapy to calm, soothe and pamper the body for centuries. It’s an ancient treatment, but it will certainly make you feel like new again.
About the Author:
Freelancer Selena Rymore is an author for numerous popular Internet magazines, on healthy lifestyle and beauty product themes. This and other unique content ‘massage’ articles are available with free reprint rights.
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