Hot Stone Massage - The Cool and Hot Way to Relax

Nowadays, there have been many ways and means that spas and clinics utilize in order to establish pain relief and elimination of stress. One of the newest is the hot stone massage. Swedish or other types of massages practiced in the spa can be even more relaxing, and combined with the effective techniques of a skilled massage therapist, a treatment incorporated with hot stones proves to be more successful, satisfying, and pain-free.

The origins of hot stone massage can be traced back to the ancient Romans, Chinese, and Indians who used stones that are heated manually at high temperatures. The heat from the stones is transferred to the body to stimulate physical and psychological relaxation. Lighter-colored stones are also utilized for cold stone therapy, to soothe and refresh the muscles of the back. It also relaxes the body on a hot day, preventing hot flushes and symptoms of fever or malaise.

Hot stone massage therapy has gathered positive reviews in such a short span of time because majority of individuals who are into massage often have it incorporated with their regular massage sessions. And a large proportion of people with back or neck problems who are regularly visiting their massage therapist also ask that stone massage be included in their treatment plan. These two therapeutic techniques may very well become effective in easing pain, tension, and stress.

Hot stone massage works by:
• Improving blood flow
• Decreasing tension and depression
• Relieving pain
• Lessening joint stiffness and muscle spasms
• Non-invasive, all-natural techniques
• Increasing flexibility

When you go into a massage clinic or a spa, you go with the hope that you will feel better and look better, and that is one of the most important goals of any massage, which stone massage therapy efficiently delivers. Using hot stones over the spine, legs, and other parts of the body enables the body to lay back, relax, and heal on its own. A set of heated stones are arranged along the spine while the legs are stroked gently using a smooth hot stone. Also, stones are placed on the areas of the body that are not being massaged. A relaxing technique that stone massage therapists also do is to have the individual hold a stone in each of his palms while the arms are being rubbed with heated, healing stones. What a great way to start and end a day!

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