Hot Stone Therapy is not new. It has, in fact, been around in some form for thousands of years. It entails the use of hot stones placed on the back and body to loosen muscle tension and to improve blood circulation. It also can include the use of the stones being used by the masseuse to aid in the massage process at pressure points. But, does hot stone therapy really work, and why use that instead of regular massage therapy?
First, of all, yes, hot stone therapy really works to release tension and help with blood circulation. It is good for both men and women. Hot stone therapy allows for deeper penetration and loosening of the muscles. The heat helps to “melt” the tension away, and lets therapists reach deeper levels of tissue. Knots and sore muscles relax and loosen with the heat, providing a calming sensation and relaxed body in more than just the places the therapist is working. The heat from the stones warms the skin, which helps with absorption of the massage oils.
The stones might also be used to help with penetration as your massage therapist holds them and uses them in their hand to work out knots and release tension in your back and body or at specific pressure points, and to reach deeper tissue. Regular massages are good and can have wonderful calming effects for stress, tension, backaches, and other pains. Hot stone therapy also does this while providing an especially relaxed atmosphere and using thermotherapy to heal.
*Note: hot stone therapy is not right for all people. If you have diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, are on blood thinning medication, or have high blood pressure, hot stone therapy is not recommended.
