Heated Stone Massage
October 29th, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed
Even in these modern times, everything old is new again. Music and fashion trends of the past have reappeared. Our grandparents’ recipes are enjoyed as modern “comfort foods”. The automotive industry is breathing new life into cult favorites like the VW Beetle, the Mini and others. Even healthcare has taken pages from history, despite staggering advances in medical knowledge. Ancient techniques have been resurrected to provide relief to those suffering with pain and stress.
Heated stone massage is a technique that has been traced to ancient native civilizations. Experts claim that these heated stones, when applied to the body with massaging touch, can provide a number of health-related benefits to the receiver. Considered ideal for their soothing properties, these stones possess the smallest amount of vibration of any facet on the planet.
Heated stone massage is also known as “La Stone” massage. It’s a practice widely accepted and appreciated by both the healthcare and bodywork industries. Popular and progressive clinics, spas, fitness centers and other healthcare establishments are now incorporating heated stone massage into their regular massage therapy regime. People around the world are performing and reaping the benefits of this “new” technique.
History of Heated Stone Massage
While there is not a great deal of written history about heated stone massage, research suggests that this type of therapy originated from the ancient healing techniques of the Native Americans. Some evidence indicates that the origins can be traced back to Japanese therapeutic traditions, while others believe that therapy was a part of the Eastern Indian philosophy.
Despite variances in the historic roots of performing massage with heated stones, one undisputed fact remains; heated stone massage is again considered to be one of the most effective and widely recognized forms of healing therapy.
Many Benefits of Heated Stone Massage
Aside from the overall “feel good” benefits of heated stone massage, this type of therapy can also provide relief for many health concerns:
* Promotes deeper relaxation
* Reduces stress and tension
* Soothes and relieves stiff muscles
* Loosens tight joints
* Helps to calm the nervous system
* Helps to boost the metabolic rate
* Enhances the circulation
* Controls bloating caused by PMS
* Helps relieve chronic neck and back pain
* Helps to free the body’s blocked energies
Performing Heated Stone Massage
People performing heated stone massage use stones of all shapes and sizes. Before you arrive for your massage treatment, these stones will be heated to varying temperatures ranging from 0 to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit. To prepare your skin and body, you will be treated to an application of aromatherapy oils. This full-body application also helps to bring you to a relaxed state.
Your massage therapist will apply traditional Swedish strokes while holding a heated stone. As each stone cools, it is replaced with a fresh heated stone. Some stones will be left in place at certain points on your body, usually along the spine. Stones may also be placed on your hands or between your toes to enhance the body’s natural energy flow. Your therapist may also use cold stones, depending upon your personal condition and requirements.
During the heated stone massage procedure, you and your therapist may notice certain physiological changes taking place, including heart rate, body temperature and breathing rate. There will be rises and drops in your breathing and heart rates, and your body temperature will increase and decrease. Don’t be concerned; this type of massage with heated stones is used to indicate such changes.
The therapist may use this information to determine the flow of the blood, as well as the exchange of blood and oxygen in your body. The end result is an overall sense of health and well being.
Even if you’ve only just heard of this “new” health procedure, heated stone massage is certainly no fad. It’s a highly-respected form of therapy that’s been used to calm, soothe and pamper the body for centuries. Massage with heated stones is an ancient treatment that can make you feel like new again.
About the Author:
Essayist Selena Rymore contributes articles to a variety of popular Internet magazines, on healthy lifestyle and hair product topics. You can get a unique content version of this article.
