What is hot stone therapy?
Hot stone therapy, often used with massage, is deeply relaxing. The slow release of heat from the stones stimulates and relaxes the circulatory system. This aids the muscles in releasing toxins and helps the body heal. It softens tense muscles, easing pain and spasms and bringing a feeling of peace and well-being. Relaxation spreads throughout the tissues, stress is released, and body, mind, and spirit are energized and rejuvenated.
What is a hot stone treatment like?
Since hot stone therapy aims to provide peace and relaxation, it is best experienced in a quiet space or with soft music playing. This allows the recipient to focus deep within and release all stress and tension. Often, recipients go into a meditative state or fall asleep. Deep sleep is a restorative state during which the body can perform healing processes. The heat of the stones, the relaxation of the muscles, and the sense of release combine to send the body into a restorative mode. After a hot stone massage, before sitting up, the recipient should take a few minutes to allow the body to integrate the treatment. A further hour of leisure time is recommended to allow the body to absorb the full benefits of the treatment. Other helpful actions include drinking lots of water for rehydration, eating fruits and vegetables, or sitting quietly before transitioning to daily activities.
Who should not receive hot stone massage therapy?
As a general rule, people who should not receive standard massage therapy, such as children or pregnant women, should not receive hot stone massage therapy. Hot stone massage therapy should not be applied to areas with varicose veins, wounds or open skin infections. It is not appropriate for people who have had bypass surgery, have pacemakers, are using muscle relaxants or blood thinners (such as Coumadin), have a negative reaction to heat, are experiencing menopausal hot flashes, or are very elderly. People in any of these categories should consult a physician and thoroughly discuss the possible effects of this therapy before buying or using this product. People with certain conditions should use hot stones or heated mats only at low to medium heat (90°-120°F). These conditions include chronic high blood pressure, cancer, lymphodema, cardiac, liver, or kidney disorders, organ transplants, a history of arrhythmia or epilepsy, anorexia, diabetes (exception: type 2 diabetes), osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, chronic muscle fatigue, vasospastic disease, chronic headaches, acute fever, or rheumatoid arthritis.