A hot stone massage is a type of massage treatment that uses smooth, flat, heated stones to massage the body. They may also placed on specific parts of the body including along the spine, on the stomach, chest, face, palms, feet & toes. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that contains a large amount of iron & retains heat well. The stones are heated using water in a special stone heater. 🌋

Hot stones have been used for therapeutic effect for many years. The practice is thought to have originated in China almost 2000 years ago. It spread throughout Africa, India & the Americas. The present day use of hot stones for massage is attributed to Mary Nelson from Tucson, Arizona. Her style of hot stone therapy was trademarked as LaStone Therapy.

The body is massaged using Swedish massage techniques whilst holding the stones against the skin. The heat from the stones leads to deep relaxation & to warming up of the tight muscles, enabling deeper work to be carried out more quickly. Overly tense muscles can hinder the massage procedure, so if your muscles are extremely tight or stiff, the heated stones may provide the extra relaxation you need for the massage to be beneficial in releasing tension and easing sore muscles.

The benefits of hot stone massage are;

👍Pain relief. Pain associated with fibromyalgia, arthritis & other chronic & autoimmune conditions may be helped by the use of heat. Pain & muscle spasms from tense, strained muscles will decrease.

👍Stress relief. Chronic stress, tension & anxiety can be relieved.

👍Increased flexibility in joints, aiding easier mobility & movement.

👍Increased circulation & metabolism. As the heat from the stones penetrates into the deeper body tissues, the blood vessels open, resulting in improved circulation. Poor circulation can lead to fatigue, which tenses the muscles, & a buildup of fluid & lactic acid in the muscles results. Increased circulation delivers more oxygen to the muscles, which can help ease aches and pains.

👍Promotes sleep.

Sometimes, cold stones are also used during a hot stone massage. Cold stones may be used after hot stones to calm any engorged blood vessels and to soothe the skin. They are also used to relieve inflammation.❄

There are many benefits to hot stone massage but it is not appropriate for everyone. If you suffer from any of the following, this treatment may not be suitable for you.

⚠️Heart disease/ hypertension. Heart disease can cause swelling & other problems in the veins or arteries of the legs.

⚠️Diabetes. People with diabetes can lose feeling in their hands & feet (peripheral neuropathy) making them less sensitive to heat.

⚠️Bleeding disorders. If you are taking blood thinners (anticoagulants) or have a history of blood clots (DVT or PE)

⚠️Recent surgery/ fractures/osteoporosis.

⚠️Skin problems. Burns, open wounds, eczema, psoriasis.

⚠️Pregnancy.

⚠️Infection/illness.