Hot Stone Therapy

Service Description

Many massages generally fall under the alternative medicine umbrella. They’re becoming a popular complementary therapy for many conditions. What happens during a hot stone massage? A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy. It’s used to help you relax and ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout your body. During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on specific parts of your body. The stones may be placed: *along your spine *on your stomach *on your chest *on your palms *on your feet and toes Heat has long been used to ease muscle tension and pain. It helps increase blood flow to the affected area. It may also reduce muscle spasms and increase flexibility and range of motion. Sometimes, cold stones are also used during a hot stone massage as cold therapy helps relieve inflammation. Cold stones may be used after hot stones to calm any engorged blood vessels and to soothe the skin. Depending on your symptoms, alternating hot and cold stones during your massage may be helpful. Benefits of hot stone massage *Helps relieve muscle tension and pain *Reduces stress and anxiety *Promotes sleep *May help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases *May help decrease cancer symptoms *May boost immunity Who may benefit from a hot stone massage? Anyone who is experiencing muscle tension and pain, insomnia, or stress may benefit from a hot stone massage. If you have a chronic condition that causes pain, talk to your doctor to see if a hot stone massage is a good option for you. Risks and warnings When performed by a trained therapist, a hot stone massage is generally safe. There are some circumstances where it should be avoided. Consult your doctor before getting a massage if you have: *a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners *burns on your skin *open wounds *a history of blood clots *had surgery in the last 6 weeks *a fracture or severe osteoporosis *a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) *diabetes A prenatal massage may help relieve stress and ease uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. Still, most massage therapists won’t use hot stones on pregnant women. If you’re pregnant, you should only get a massage with your doctor’s approval, and under the hands of a trained prenatal massage therapist.