5 Benefits Of Hot Stone Massages
Muscle aches develop as a result of a series of factors ranging from stress, insomnia, anxiety, circulatory or even joint problems. That is why all kinds of therapies have emerged that seek to solve these conditions, such as hot stone massages.
They can be understood as a treatment that combines common therapeutic massage with the application of stones to the skin at different high temperatures. This would help the vital energy flow and alleviate physical and emotional disorders. Here you will know all the information related to them.
What is hot stone massage?
The official name of this method is geothermal therapy and it is focused on the application of stones on the body. These are preheated and placed on the skin in order to relieve tension in the muscles for the repair of damaged soft tissues or even to improve energy.
It should be noted that the stones used for this therapy are special. They are usually made of basalt, which is a type of volcanic rock whose shape is characterized by being flat and smooth. This material is heated to a temperature between 130 and 145 degrees Celsius.
They are applied to specific areas of the body, such as the spine, chest, stomach, face, palms, and feet. Regarding the technique used, it will depend on the professional who is doing the work. Some masseurs usually hold the stones in their hands and then place them on people. Likewise, you can combine Swedish massages, vibrations or circular movements.
What are the benefits of hot stone massages?
This practice became popular for its relaxing effects on the body, in addition to its properties in terms of energy renewal. However, there are a number of other benefits to be gained. We explain them in detail!
1. Relieve muscle pain
This is the most popular benefit of hot stone massages. Heat is the perfect ally to relieve muscle aches and tension in the body.
This is because it increases blood flow to the affected area, which helps reduce muscle spasms. Apart from that, it reduces the inflammation that may occur in the muscles.
2. Reduce stress and anxiety levels
Stress and anxiety represent a problem that more and more people suffer as a result of a busy lifestyle. This turns the worries or inconveniences of everyday life into small charges of negative energy.
However, within the multiple treatments that exist for this, hot stone practices are effective in attacking and reducing stress levels. Thanks to the massages, the energy flows and harmony between body, mind and spirit is achieved.
3. They provide greater joint flexibility
When a person develops conditions in the joints, another series of generalized pains are triggered that are very annoying. For this reason, when limitations are identified, such as difficulty in moving, one of the first solutions that arise are massages.
Those that are executed with hot stones are usually the best option, since these types of therapies are ideal to relax the muscles and reduce inflammation.
4. They improve the quality of sleep
Different factors such as stress, anxiety and even body aches often lead to other conditions linked to difficulty in resting. In this sense, it is important to highlight the need for an effective rest to be able to work optimally during the day.
Hot stone massages are helpful in promoting general relaxation of the body, making it possible to achieve a deeper and better quality sleep.
5. They have aesthetic effects
Finally, the benefits of these skin treatments cannot be overlooked. Through the improvement that occurs in blood circulation and the elimination of toxins , the skin contributes to a much smoother and healthier appearance. This means that it revitalizes, oxygenates and illuminates the dermatological tissue.
Recommendations and contraindications of hot stone massages
Despite the properties that hot stone massages have for the body, there are a number of recommendations that should be taken into consideration. That it is a natural procedure does not mean that it cannot have contraindications, so we suggest you pay attention to the following points.
Consult a doctor
Before going to a center where this type of massage is performed, it is ideal that you first consult a doctor about your problem. What you suffer may go beyond simple muscle pain, so a specialist review is necessary first.
In this sense, there are some cases under which these practices are not recommended. For example, if you have bleeding disorders, burns on your skin or if you had surgery in the last six weeks.
Perform massages with professionals
In any procedure that you are going to undergo, you must investigate in depth about the people who will be in charge of performing it. Not everyone knows the proper techniques when it comes to hot stone massage.
That is why you have to make sure that you are doing it with professionals with experience in the area. This will avoid serious consequences, such as burns or worsening injuries.
Avoid in case of skin breaks
If you have bruises, scrapes, cuts or burns, regardless of the degree, this type of massage should be avoided at all costs until the injuries heal. Applying hot stones to the skin can increase the risk of more significant damage. In addition, they can cause infections caused by bacteria from the oils used.
Do not perform in case of respiratory disease
This suggestion seems like common sense, but many do not take it seriously. Anyone with a cold, flu, or fever should avoid having a hot stone massage until fully recovered.
It must be remembered that the cold causes difficulty in regulating body temperature. Consequently, if hot stones are applied to the skin the experience can be very unpleasant.
Hot stone massages in the context of geothermal therapy
In short, geothermal therapy is a safe and rewarding technique. Many of those who live the experience appreciate changes of relative immediacy in terms of the relaxation of their muscles, as well as improvements at bedtime.
If you want to cheer up, we leave you some final recommendations that will be very useful:
- Make sure you go to a place with previous experience that has the necessary hygiene methods.
- Contact your masseuse and explain the case. This way it can adapt to your needs.
- If you have any questions, consult first with your doctor and then with the masseur.
- Inform the masseur if you suffer from any health condition.
Regarding the regularity to get massages of this type, it depends on the type of person you are. For example, if you are an athlete you can do it two to three times a week in intense training. If you maintain less physical activity, you can go once or twice a month.
