Hot massage or hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy.
Massaging, no matter an oil massage or stone massage is an effective relaxation technique. Based on the origin and the technique used, there are many different types of hot massages provided today.
A hot stone massage is one such type. The origin of this practice dates back to 5000 years ago in India as a part of Ayurveda.
There is evidence of hot stone therapy in Chinese culture almost 3000 years ago. Over decades the practice developed into its modern version that is available in modern massage centers and spas.
Let’s explore more about this conventional therapy and unveil hot massage benefits!
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Hot Massage Therapy
Hot massage uses stones to provide relaxation and pain relief. These stones have flat and smooth surfaces and are made of basalt rock, a volcanic rock.
These stones are specially used for stone massage because of their ability to retain heat. Combined with the Swedish massage technique, hot body massage is known for its many potential benefits.
How is Hot Stone Massage Done?
The technique of hot stone massage developed over time. Here is how it is done nowadays:
Step One: Heating the Stone
Massage stones are volcanic basalt stones coming from the beaches of Mexico and Chile. The first step is the heating of these stones. Stones used in massage therapy have variable sizes.
The massage therapist uses a water heater to heat these stones. The ideal temperature is between 130-145 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal for the stones as it is not too cold or too hot.
Step Two: Placing the Stones
After heating the stones, the next step of hot massage is the placement of these stones. The target can be different for every other person. Some of the preferable areas for the placement of stone include your hands, feet, back, stomach, chest, and face. Stone size also varies depending on the area in which the stone is being placed. Before stone placement, a layer of oil is sometimes applied.
Step Three: Massaging
After the placement of different-sized stones in different areas, therapists usually put pressure through stones and massage using different Swedish massage techniques. Some of the common massaging techniques include strokes, vibration, kneading, tapping, and circular movements.
During the massage, therapists add pressure on specific points. One by one, all the areas of your body will be massaged and you will feel relaxed after the completion of the hot massage.
Some therapists also use cold stones immediately after hot stone therapy to maximize the benefits.
Hot Body Massage Benefits
Now comes the question: what has made this practice so popular?
Well, the answer lies in the benefits of hot body massage. Just like any other massage type, there are benefits associated with this.
Here is what a hot stone massage is good for.
1- Improves Sleep Quality
This is one of the most common benefits of hot massage.
We can suffer from sleep troubles due to many reasons. However, when it comes to improving sleep quality, massages are quite helpful. Prof. Dr. Quratul Ain, a renowned General Physician with 34 years of experience, suggests that massaging promotes relaxation in general which helps you to sleep better at night.
Read more about head massage benefits to improve sleep quality.
2- Relieves Muscle Tension
Stretched muscles are one of the common problems we suffer from.
This occurs when the brain restricts the supply of blood to these areas. Sometimes, muscle tension can have a physiological impact on stress. So, hot body massage helps you here.
Massaging the hot stones on the body areas makes the heat penetrate these tissues improving blood flow. Enhanced blood flow ultimately helps to relieve muscle tension and eases muscle spasms.
3- Provides Pain Relief
Next in the list of hot body massage benefits comes its role in pain relief.
We are already aware of the use of heat therapy for pain relief. In the same manner, hot stone massage works for you. By improving the circulation of blood and adding pressure on the pressure points, this technique helps to relieve pain.
4- Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on your both physical and mental health.
Hot stone massage therapy is associated with the reduction in stress and anxiety. Feels like a warm hug and just like any other massage, it can be very soothing and can alleviate the symptoms of stress and anxiety.
5- Relieves Disease Symptoms
Hot massage is good for symptom relief in the case of autoimmune disease.
These conditions are often associated with chronic pain. Your therapist using the right kind of pressure and targeting specific points can help you get relief from these disease symptoms. Some of the conditions that get better with hot body massage include fibromyalgia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other such conditions.
6- Boosts Immunity
Another application of hot massage is its role in boosting your immunity
This is enough scientific evidence that supports the role of relaxing massages in boosting immunity. This happens due to the increased activity of B and T lymphocytes. Other than this, massages also help to boost the production of immunoglobulins required for a stronger immune system.
Read more about the best immune-boosting foods.
All these benefits of hot stone body massage are convincing enough for you to schedule an appointment.
Now let’s answer some of your questions regarding hot body massage.
Hot Massage FAQs
Who should not get a hot stone massage?
Well, hot stone massage therapy is safe for everyone. However, there are certain exceptions to know about:
- If you have gone through surgery in the last 6 weeks
- A hot stone massage is not for pregnant women
- People suffering from fever should not get it
- If there are any cuts, burns or bruises, avoid getting a stone massage
- In case of suffering from a bleeding disorder or low platelet count, consult your doctor.
One of my friends who was diabetic booked an appointment with a renowned diabetologist from Bahria International Hospital Lahore before going for a hot massage.
Does a hot stone massage leave scars or burns?
If done right, using the appropriate technique and the right temperature, there is little or no chance of suffering from a burn. So, make sure to choose a therapist wisely.
Does a stone massage hurt?
No, a stone massage is not painful at all. Stones used for massaging purposes are chosen based on the target area. Instead, hot massage is a relaxation technique known for many health benefits.
Can we do a stone massage at home?
No, doing stone massage requires special stones at a specific temperature. Not only stones, but the massaging technique your physician uses is not possible to copy at home. Further, trying it on your own can increase your risk of suffering from injuries and compromise the outcomes of massage.
Hot Massage Therapy – Is This Worth the Hype?
Hot massage is a conventional technique known for its many health benefits. Choose someone who is an expert at it and is aware of the practice. However, while choosing one make sure to consult your physician about your existing health status especially if you fall in the exception category (mentioned above) to prevent any side effects.
You can consult the best general physicians in Karachi via Healthwire to make informed decisions about your health.
