A growing number of people are becoming more conscious of the connection between the environment and their health, from going “green” to buying organic foods, and now to using natural stones to heal the body.  Heated stones of different shapes and sizes are commonly used during a massage to help muscles release underlying tension and relax. It is a technique that works quicker at making muscles relax than massage alone.

Hot stone massage is a specialty form that combines the techniques of Swedish massage, or other forms of massage, with the soothing effects of smooth, natural stones gently heated by water.  When left to rest on the body, the heat from the stones penetrates the body, and warms and relaxes the muscles more quickly than massage alone.  Placing stones along the client’s spine, on top of the stomach, or in the palms are all techniques that therapists may use during a massage session.

Stones are used for several different types of treatment; including deep tissue, facial, pedicure, or on chakra points on the body. A black, volcanic rock called basalt is typically used for its ability to retain heat, but other kinds of stones, such as marble, are also used.Cold stones such as marble may be used to treat inflammation or muscle injury.  Besides common discomforts, such as muscle injury and back pain, hot stone massage is sometimes used to treat even more serious conditions such as paralysis and debilitating problems caused by strokes and heart attacks.  It’s important that therapists who use stone massage are properly trained and have experience practicing the technique.  Injury could occur from using too much pressure during the massage or stones that are too hot and could thereby burn.

Hot stones being used to treat the body is an ancient technique that’s been practiced for centuries by ancient people.  In Asia, hot stone massage was used for therapeutic reasons, and Native Americans used stones in sweat lodges.  Hot stones were valued so much that Native Americans began calling them “grandfather stones.”  Hawaiians used stones for similar purposes as Native Americans, although they used the lava stones called “pohaku” that were more abundant on the islands.  Historical records indicate that hot and cold stones were used by many ancient cultures for a multitude of reasons, including easing pain during labor and childbirth, detecting diseases, and to ward off evil spirits.

Hot stone therapy began in the US in it’s modern form about 1990.  One of the first people to use it was massage therapist Mary Hannigan, who created a popular technique called LaStone Therapy.  Although acupuncture and other therapies are generally more common than stone therapy, hot stone massage is a technique that is revered for its therapeutic abilities.  In addition to being offered by qualified massage therapists, now many companies make hot stone massage therapy available by selling massage kits and instructional materials for home use.  When used properly, massaging stones are a proven method to help heal the body.

 

Sara regularly writes for AML Stone Source, the leading hot stone massage supplies provider. They carry such products as hot stone massage kit and massage stones, as well as many other many other accessories h072s for hot stone therapy.

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