Hot Stone Therapy
Healers as far back as recorded history have used hot Stone Therapy. The deeply radiant heating effect of the stones was discovered to be very soothing and calming, allowing the body to utilize the energy from the stones to assist in healing itself. It has roots from ancient Rome, India, Polynesia, as well as the early South, Central. And North American Native Civilizations.
What Is It?
Hot Stone Therapy is massage using basalt lava stones, which have been heated, in a temperature controlled and monitored hot water bath. Basalt lava stones are preferred because of their superior heat retention and smooth texture. Although the specific techniques vary from therapist to therapist. A treatment will generally consist of a combination of stones being placed in various positions on the body in conjunction with alternating massage techniques, utilizing both the hands, and the stones as an extension of the hands.
What to expect during a treatment.
A hot stone treatment will follow the same general guidelines as a classic massage treatment, with the client laying on the basalt stones which have been placed in an ordered arrangement along either side of the spine and lower back with a towel covering them so direct contact is not made to the skin. Thus the stones are left to radiate their heat into the underlying tissue while the massage takes place. Smaller stones are then put in-between the toes by the tops of the shoulders and in the palms of the client’s hands.
The therapist will then treat the legs, first applying an oil to introduce touch and allow the stones to glide over the skin. The therapist will then move onto the arms abdomen, head neck and shoulders.The client will then be asked to turn over for the back’s of the legs to be treated finishing off the treatment by massaging the back.
The treatment will last approximately 1hr 30mins. It is important for both the therapist to constantly monitor the temperature of the stones while they are in place, and also for the client to provide feedback as to their comfort level, and to let the therapist no if the stones are to hot for their heat threshold as we are all different as individuals. What is to hot for some is just perfect for others. As the client and therapist gain a familiarity, it will become less necessary. Allowing the client to focus more on relaxation.
A Hot Stone Massage has many benefits, such as:
Increasing blood circulation.Allowing the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.Dissolves aches and pains attributed to stress.Relaxes and relieves tension, calms the nervous system.© Great Yarmouth Physical Therapy. All rights reserved
