Hot/Cold Stone Massage
This therapy originates in ancient India and China, and more recently to the North American Indians living in the southwest states stone massage is an ancient art that is now in vogue again.
Stones of all shapes and sizes and varying temperatures, averaging 140 degrees, are used during a Hot Stone Massage to elicit physical healing, mental relaxation, and a spiritual connection to earth energy. Evidence of stone massages dates back to over 3000 years ago. Ancient civilizations believed that hot/cold stones were beneficial:-
- For cleansing the body
- Relaxing the heart
- Rounding the soul and soothing the mind.
- Warm stones encourage the exchange of blood and lymph
- It provides soothing heat for deep-tissue work.
- Cold stone massage provides stress relief and helps the body to relax.
- It also helps the mind let go of anxiety and trauma.
- A cold stone massage is helpful for sporting injuries, swelling and inflammation.
- It will help to calm the body with the cool stones coupled with the soothing impact of human touch.
- It has been known to ease menstrual symptoms, the pain and bloating may be calmed with a cold stone massage. Cold stones placed in the abdominal area will help draw swelling away from the uterus and thus may help lessen menstrual discomfort.
There are some clients that should avoid this type of massage, however, including anyone with a heart ailment, skin that is easily inflamed or sensitivity to cold temperatures. These potential massage clients should check with their doctor before undergoing a cold stone massage.
Holistic/Swedish Massage
Sports Massage
Deep Tissue Massage
Hot/Cold Stone Massage
Pregnancy Massage
On-site Massage/Chair Massage:
Head/Face Massage
How does it work?
Although stone massages can utilize hot or cold stones, hot stone massage is the more common of the two, according to Alternative Medicine and Herbal Remedies. During a stone massage session, a therapist may first rub the back in a Swedish massage style, meaning deep strokes are used to relieve muscle tension. After this massage, stones are applied to the body, with special concentration on the spine. When the stones begin to cool, the stones are removed and the massage concluded.
Stones are placed in varying positions on the body for energy balancing or may be used by the therapist for specific trigger-point work. Hot Stone therapy requires less effort from the practitioner’s own body and delivers healing warmth to the hands, benefiting the therapist, as well as the client. Although stone massages can utilize hot or cold stones, hot stone massage is the more common of the two, according to Alternative Medicine and Herbal Remedies. During a stone massage session, a therapist may first rub the back in a Swedish massage style, meaning deep strokes are used to relieve muscle tension. After this massage, stones are applied to the body, with special concentration on the spine. When the stones begin to cool, the stones are removed and the massage concluded.
The traditions and healing work, in which the stones were used, included laying the stones in patterns on the body, carrying or wearing stones for health and protection, using stones in the diagnosis and treatment of disease or during ceremonies such as sweat lodges or in medicine wheels. The heated stones are also used to ease the discomforts experienced during menstruation, or applied cold stones to impede blood flow after giving birth.
This therapy is becoming increasingly popular and is catching on fast in other parts of the world.
Hot stone massage is a specialty massage where the therapist uses smooth, heated stones, either as an extension of their own hands, or by placing them on the body while they massage other parts of the body. The heat can be both deeply relaxing and help warm up tight muscles so the therapist can work more deeply, more quickly.
Cold stone therapy is also becoming very popular. It is common to use stones that have been chilled in the same massage routine as hot stones. When cold stones are use on the body the act as a powerful decongestant. Basalt stone can be used for cold stone therapy but most people are finding that marble provides an even better material for this type of therapy due to its ability to be colder.