What happens during a hot stone massage?
One kind of massage therapy is a hot stone massage. You can use it to relieve strained muscles and injured soft tissues all throughout your body.
Smooth, flat, heated stones are used on certain body areas during a hot stone massage. Typically, basalt, a type of volcanic rock that maintains heat, is used to make the stones. The University of New Hampshire Health Services states that heated massage stones range in temperature from 130 to 145 degrees.
The stones may be placed:
- along your spine
- on your stomach
- on your chest
- on your face
- on your palms
- on your feet and toes
Heated stones may be used by massage therapists while they apply Swedish massage techniques to your body, like:
- long strokes
- circular movements
- vibration
- tapping
- kneading
Occasionally, a hot stone massage will also include the use of cold stones. After heated stones, cold stones can be used after heated stones to relax the skin and reduce engorged blood vessels.
6 benefits of hot stone massage
Most massages fall under the category of alternative medicine. They are becoming in popularity as a supplemental treatment for numerous ailments. The following are some benefits of receiving a hot stone massage:
1. Helps relieve muscle tension and pain
Heat has long been used to reduce pain and muscle strain. It aids in boosting blood flow to the injured area. Additionally, it might alleviate muscle spasms and improve the range of motion and flexibility. The use of cold treatment reduces inflammation. Alternating between heat and cold stones throughout your massage may be beneficial depending on your conditions.
2. Reduces stress and anxiety
According to the American Massage Therapy Association, research shows that massage therapy "may be useful for stress alleviation." According to a 2001 study, a 10-minute massage enhanced cardiovascular responses including stroke volume. In comparison to a 15-minute break without a massage, a 1997 study indicated that workplace chair massages lasting 15 minutes greatly lowered stress.
According to a 2015 study by Trusted Source, post-operative massage helped persons who had abdominal colorectal surgery feel reduced pain, stress, and anxiety.
3. Promotes sleep
In people with insomnia, massage may be a better option than sleeping drugs, according to a 2006 assessment of the research. According to a study, receiving a back massage can help you unwind and fall asleep. According to a 2001 study, infants with sleep issues who received a 15-minute massage from their parents fell asleep more quickly. Upon awakening, they were also more alert, active, and optimistic. Although the exact reason is unclear, massage is supposed to promote deeper, more restful sleep.
4. May help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases
Fibromyalgia and other painful diseases might be helped by hot stone massage. A disorder called fibromyalgia results in chronic, widespread discomfort. A 2002 study found that compared to those with fibromyalgia who underwent relaxation therapy, those with the illness who had a 30-minute massage slept more soundly, had fewer trigger points, and had lower levels of substance P (a chemical involved in conveying pain signals). But before massage becomes a common fibromyalgia treatment, further research is required.
According to a Trusted Source study from 2013, hot stone massages, which use moderate pressure, may be beneficial for persons with rheumatoid arthritis. After receiving massage therapy for one month, study participants reported less pain, improved grip strength, and increased range of motion.
5. May help decrease cancer symptoms
A significant, three-year study including 1,290 cancer patients looked at the effects of massage on pain, exhaustion, stress and anxiety, nausea, and depression. The results were published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. According to the study, even people with severe cancer symptoms benefited from massage, particularly Swedish massage. Researchers think that the reassuring use of human touch contributed.
6. May boost immunity
Your immune system might improve after a massage. In a 2010 study, Trusted Source, Swedish massage therapy was found to have a positive and immediate effect on immunity. Arginine-vasopressin, a hormone that aids in controlling blood pressure and water retention, was found to be lower in blood samples obtained before and after the massage.
