What Is Hot Stone Massage?
Hot stone massage originated thousands of years ago across the globe. Used by the Chinese 4000 years go to relieve muscular pain, the Japanese to warm abdomens & aid digestion, Native American’s for healing, and even Mayans & Druids for divination.
Nowadays hot stone massage is used in broadly in Australia for relaxation, ease muscle tension and reduce pain.
Techniques use include long stroke similar Swedish massage and place hot stones an affected area for longer period to allow heat to penetrate.
What StoneS Are Used?
We use Basalt stone which is a volcanic rock (lava) from deep within the earths crust. Basalt is rich in magnesium and iron which allow the rock retain heat longer.
The stones are carefully chosen by their shape, weight and smoothness. It allows therapist to choice of a range of stones to use for a specific treatment.
Between each patient hot stones are sterilised using boiling water, then cooled to therapeutic temperate that is comfortable to the skin.
What Are The Benefits Of Hot Stone Massage?
We’ve had a good look at the evidence surrounding Hot Stone Massage. The propertied effects of hot stone are wide, however the studies are often lack power or are flawed in their design. Despite this we still believe this type of therapy holds value, though likely more in a transient manner and is best used in a complimentary to traditional healthcare or as an indulgence for your wellbeing.
Tight Muscles
The feelings of muscle tension can leave us feeling uncomfortable. Hot Stone Massage can help ease these sensations through the positive effects of massage & heat.
Pain Management
Hot Stone Massage can help manage pain through neuromodulation mechanisms such as the Gate Control Theory.
Joint Stiffness
The symptoms of joint changes are common, particularly as we get older. Hot Stone Massage can be part of your management plan, helping to give relief from stiffness & pain.
Does this mean
Immune System
Complementary therapists report massage having a positive effect on the immune system however the level of evidence supporting this claim indicate the need for further research.
Sleep Disturbances
Massage & Hot Stone Therapies can help with stress levels which impact your ability to get to sleep.
Reducing Stress
Hot Stone Massage can help ease your stress levels, giving you time to focus on yourself and slow your thoughts.
Lower Back Pain
Back pain is something most people struggle with at some time. Though Hot Stone Massage is unlikely to resolve the issues creating your pain, it can be a useful tool as part of a more comprehensive treatment. Hot stones help ease your symptoms in the short term and often allow you get through your daily tasks as little more comfortable.
What is not good to have the hot stone massage?
There are many benefits from hot stone massage however it also have some conditions are not good to have.
Altered Sensation
Conditions such as numbness can leave us susceptible to burns by not realising something is too hot.
Acute Injuries
Injuries such as rolled ankles that have a lot of swelling are not suitable for Hot Stone Massage
Muscle Tears
Torn muscles can bleed internally for 1-2 days. Applying heat or massage to these areas can worsen the amount of bleeding & may lead to serious complications.
If you have any concerns however, it is always best to speak with your GP or specialist first.