Hot stone massage therapy is a medium of massage. The massage will put smooth and heated stones on the body. This massage has many therapeutic effects. If you are interested in learning more about different ways, you can give your body what it needs. This guide will introduce you to everything you need to know about stone mass therapy.

Principle of Hot Stone Massage Therapy

These stones are usually basalt, rich in iron and retain heat. They are volcanic stones, which are ground by the river or polished by hand, ranging in size from large back stones to small stones between toes. Generally speaking, the treatment includes the therapist placing warm stones at specific points between the back, legs and toes. The heat heats and relaxes the muscles, RMT then puts other stones in his or her palm and massages the body with them. A typical treatment time is 60 minutes for the neck and shoulder, and 90 minutes for the whole body

What Happens During Hot Stone Massage?

Hot stone massage is a kind of massage therapy. It can help you relax tense muscles and damaged soft tissues all over your body. In the process of hot stone massage, place smooth, flat and heated stones on specific parts of the body. These stones are usually made of basalt, a kind of volcanic rock that can keep warm. According to the University of New Hampshire health service, the temperature of the hot massage stone is between 130 and 145 degrees.

Stones can be placed:

• Along your spine
• On your stomach
• On your chest
• On your face
• On your palm
• On your feet and toes

When massage therapists use Swedish massage techniques to massage your body, they may hold heated stones, such as:

• Long stroke
• Circular motion
• Vibration
• Tapping
• Knead

Sometimes, cold stones are also used in hot stone massage. Cold stones can be used after hot stones to calm any congested blood vessels and soothe the skin.

Side Effects of Hot Stone Massage Therapy

• Possibility of burns

Although the possibility of burns during or due to hot stone massage is very low, it is still possible. If this is a possibility, as far as I am concerned, it needs to be discussed. It’s simple. If you put the extremely hot stone directly on your skin, you are likely to be burned! It is actually up to the therapist to massage. If he / she does not receive sufficient training in the correct preparation of hot stones, burns are a very real and serious risk for the patient. The key is that everyone is different. When it comes to burns and other conditions, not everyone will react in the same way. Because of this, it is more important to ensure that safety is given the greatest attention.

• Not suitable for patients with skin diseases

When it comes to hot stone mass therapy, burns are the biggest problem. Even so, if you go to an institution with a well-trained therapist who knows what to do, the possibility of being burned is very low. Basically, anything that makes the skin sensitive and more vulnerable to damage is a contraindication to hot stone massage for me. You may think this is common sense, and most people will understand this and avoid this massage, because it may make things worse.

If you do have skin disease and want to arrange hot stone mass therapy, it is best to consult a therapist and your doctor (or dermatologist, if you have). If the stone does not directly contact the affected area, this may not be a problem, but in any case, this is something you should discuss with your doctor.

Under What Circumstances Can I Not Enjoy Hot Stone Mass Therapy?

• Loss of sensation

If you have symptoms that lead to sensory loss, such as neuropathy, diabetes, hypertension, and peripheral vascular disease, do not apply hot stone massage. If nerves are affected, this also applies after surgery, injury or trauma.

• Take certain drugs

Think about the drugs you often take before giving a hot stone massage. If you are using blood thinners and any of your drugs have heat-related side effects, please avoid these treatments.

• Low immune system

Although hot stone massage OKC can help you feel better, it is not recommended if your immune system is low. If you have lupus, mononucleosis, Epstein Barr syndrome or cancer, consult your doctor before arranging treatment.

• Skin condition

The extra heat of hot stone therapy can irritate many skin conditions. These diseases include burns, skin cancer, psoriasis, dermatitis, acne, eczema and herpes zoster. This also applies to any weak or inflamed skin area.

• Recently had surgery or treatment

Although hot stone massage can relieve pain, if you have recently undergone surgery, you should not have hot stone massage. This also applies if you have recently received chemotherapy or any other radiotherapy.

If you have any other diseases that make you unsure whether the treatment of hot stones is safe, you’d better consult your doctor. Although hot stone massage has many benefits, it is only worth it if you can enjoy it safely. If you encounter any of these contraindications, please consider one of our other relaxation massages.

Benefits of Hot Stone Massage Therapy

All massages usually fall into the category of alternative medicine. They are becoming popular complementary therapies for many diseases. Here are some advantages of hot stone massage:

1. Helps relieve muscle tension and pain

Heat has long been used to relieve muscle tension and pain. It helps to increase blood flow to the affected area. It can also reduce muscle spasms and increase flexibility and range of motion. Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, it may be helpful to alternate between hot and cold stones during the massage.

2. Reduce stress and anxiety

The position of the American Massage Therapy Association is that “massage therapy can effectively relieve stress”. Research supports their view. A 2001 study showed that ten minutes of massage can improve cardiovascular responses, such as moderate air volume. A 1997 study found that 15 minutes of on-site seat massage in the workplace can significantly reduce stress compared with 15 minutes of rest without massage.

A study in 2015 showed that patients undergoing abdominal colorectal surgery had lower levels of pain, tension, and anxiety after receiving postoperative massage.

3. Promote sleep

A 2006 literature review found that massage may be a substitute for sleeping pills for adults with insomnia. Studies have shown that back massage helps promote relaxation and sleep. A 2001 study showed that infants with sleep problems slept for 15 minutes under the massage of their parents, and slept faster. They are also more alert, positive and positive when they wake up. Massage is believed to help you enjoy more restorative sleep, although the reason is not completely clear.

4. May help alleviate the symptoms of autoimmune diseases

Hot stone massage therapy can relieve pain symptoms such as fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a disease that causes extensive chronic pain. According to a 2002 study, fibromyalgia patients who received 30 minute massage slept longer, had fewer trigger points, and had lower levels of substance P (a substance involved in transmitting pain signals) than fibromyalgia patients who received relaxation therapy. However, more research is needed before massage becomes the standard treatment for fibromyalgia.

A 2013 study showed that patients with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from moderate pressure massage, such as hot stone massage. After a month of massage therapy, study participants experienced less pain, greater grip strength, and greater range of motion.

5. May help alleviate cancer symptoms

Studies have shown that massage, especially Swedish massage, can improve cancer symptoms, even for those with substantial symptoms. Researchers believe that the comfortable use of human touch plays a role.

6. May improve immunity

Hot stone mass therapy can strengthen your immune system. According to a 2010 research source, Swedish massage therapy has a positive and acute effect on immunity. Blood samples collected before and after massage showed a decrease in arginine vasopressin, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure and water retention.

Read More:What Are the Benefits of Hot Stone Massage Therapy?

Who Should Be Extra Careful in Hot Stone Massage Therapy?

People with certain diseases may get worse due to hot stone massage. Patients with cancer, open wounds, internal bleeding, bruises, skin rupture, blood clots, phlebitis, varicose veins, cellulitis, low platelet count, pregnancy, diabetes and heart disease are generally not recommended for such treatment. If you have any questions about whether this therapy is suitable for you, please consult your doctor first.

• People with heart disease, Raynaud’s disease, varicose veins, punctate edema and peripheral vascular problems
• Patients with diabetes: diabetes often leads to nerve damage, which reduces your ability to perceive temperature
• People with Epstein Barr, AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome or any disease that damages the immune system
• A person who is recovering from a serious illness or who is weak and unhealthy
• People with open wounds, cuts, ulcers or inflammation; Although if the wound is in a place that will not be heated, hot stone massage may be good.
• People who have recently undergone surgery, completed surgery, or are receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy
• People who have recently suffered from acute or severe infection
• Pregnant women in the first three months of pregnancy should completely avoid hot stone massage. After that, massage can be carried out, but it must be carried out by a qualified and trained therapist and your doctor must be consulted.

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Tags: Hot Stone Massage Therapy, Side Effects