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What is a Hot Stone Massage?
A hot stone massage is a unique type of massage session or enhancement. It’s used to help you relax and ease tense muscles, improve circulation, and help damaged soft tissues in your body. This type of massage involves the use and placement of basalt River rock on different points of the body. The rocks are heated before use and the massage therapist can use them on troubled areas during your massage.
How Do Hot Stone Massages Work?
When undergoing the massage, the masseuse would be placing hot stones on specific parts of your body. The placement of the stones is going to vary from person to person since not everybody will have the same muscle pains. The stones are commonly smooth and about three to four inches in diameter and are put in heaters designed specifically for massage sessions. A professional heating vessel must be used so that the temperature could be properly controlled. Although the stones are going to be control-heated, you should still tell your therapist if the stones end up being too hot for you. The stones are usually placed on parts of your body that undergo daily stress, such as the length of your spine, your legs, abdomen, feet, and sometimes even the palm of your hands. Aside from these general areas, your therapist could also place smaller stones on your forehead and in the spaces between your toes.
What is the Rock Temperature in a Hot Stone Massage?
Stones that are too hot may cause burns, while stones that aren’t hot enough may not have the desired effect. The American Massage Therapy Association recommends that the only way you should heat hot stones is in water. The water should be between 110° F and 130° F, and the water should completely cover the stones. One of the best ways to do this is with a professional massage stone heater. This device looks a little like a slow cooker and allows you to control the temperature of the water. Despite this, also use a calibrated thermometer to test the temperature of the water. You should be able to hold the stones comfortably in your hands. If you can’t, they’re too hot to use. Never warm them with heating pads or frying pans. These only heat the surface and won’t heat the inside of the stone as water does.
What Kind of Stones Are Used for Hot Stone Massage?
Basalt river rocks are the most commonly used stones during this type of massage because they are smooth from the river’s current and they hold heat well. They are typically made of volcanic rock which enables them to heat quickly and retain that heat for an extended period.
What Do I Wear to a Hot Stone Massage?
Luckily, it’s not hard to dress for a massage of any kind. The most important thing is that you dress in clothes that are comfortable and that you can relax in. If you prefer to stay fully clothed during your massage, wear as few layers as possible so your masseuse can work on deep tissues. If you’re planning to strip down to your underwear, choose something comfortable that isn’t too bulky or ornate. For back massages, if you normally wear a bra, a sports bra may be easier for your massage therapist to work around rather than a standard bra with a hook and eye clasp. If you wear any jewelry or accessories in the area that you’re having massaged, remove those things if possible.
Which is Better Deep Tissue or Hot Stone Massage?
The hot stone massage type of massage therapy uses smooth, heated stones that are placed on specific points of the body. Under this technique, the heat helps to relax the muscles, allowing the therapist to manipulate the muscles more deeply than with a traditional massage. Deep tissue massage is a type of massage therapy that focuses on realigning deeper layers of muscles and connective tissue. It is especially helpful for chronic aches and pains and contracted areas such as stiff neck and upper back, low back pain, leg muscle tightness, and sore shoulders.
Both hot stone massage and deep tissue massage can be beneficial to those seeking relaxation and relief of muscle discomfort. However, deep tissue massage is generally better for those seeking a massage to target areas of tension and pain. Hot stone massage can be more soothing and relaxing but may be less effective in targeting specific areas of tension.
Is Hot Stone Massage Safe in Pregnancy?
Hot stone massages should not be administered to pregnant women without a doctor’s approval. Only during the early phases of pregnancy should hot stone massage be employed, as it is possible for the woman to rest on her back without posing any risk to the baby. The massage is avoided in the advanced stages of pregnancy, as the health risks associated with lying on the back or stomach can disrupt the flow of blood to the fetus. A pregnant woman should only receive hot stone massage therapy from a trained therapist, as incorrect placement of the stones on certain areas of her body may cause preterm labor.
Do Hot Stone Massages Hurt?
The hot stone massage isn’t painful at all! The stones are warm, but not hot, and the warmth will feel pleasant and emit a tingling sensation along your spine, or wherever they are used. Your massage therapist will use a specialist heater for the stones, which is set to a precise temperature. This ensures that the stones do not become too hot and cause discomfort or burning.
The massage itself is a little deeper than a regular massage, simply because the warmth allows the muscles to relax and your massage therapist can then apply a little more pressure to work out those muscles and release any tension. However, your therapist will always ask you whether the depth and pressure are okay for you, and if you feel like it’s too much, simply let them know and they’ll adjust accordingly. You will feel completely relaxed and energized by this massage, with no pain felt in the slightest.
So if you’re asking yourself ‘What is a hot stone massage like’, the best way to describe it is relaxing and serene. The heat and the pressure, combined with the effects of the massage, help you to drift away to a place where care doesn’t exist. You might feel like you’re floating, and some people even fall asleep!
How Does Hot Stone Massage Differ from Regular Massage?
The main difference between a hot stone massage and a regular massage is that the focal point of a hot stone massage is the use of stones to apply heat during the massage therapy session to promote relaxation. The heat from the stones can also help improve blood flow and relax muscle tension. Regular massages do not use stones to massage the body, they focus on pressure points and muscles. In a regular massage, the massage therapist uses pressure from their hands to massage different areas of the body.
Is a Hot Stone Massage Worth it?
Definitely! The hot stone massage is an incredibly relaxing and therapeutic massage experience. Improved circulation, reduced inflammation, pain, and improved overall well-being are all hot stone massage benefits The heat of the stones combined with the massage techniques can provide an incredibly therapeutic and healing experience. Overall, a hot stone massage is definitely worth it for anyone looking for a relaxing and therapeutic massage experience.
How Much Does a Hot Stone Massage Cost?
The cost of a hot stone massage typically falls within the range of $85 to $150 or more, depending on various factors. One primary factor influencing the price is whether the session includes additional enhancements such as essential oils, special towel wraps, or other treatment add-ons. Enhancements further enhance the relaxation and therapeutic benefits of the massage but may come with an added cost.
Hot Stone Massage History
The practice of using hot stones for therapeutic purposes has been around for centuries. It’s thought to have originated thousands of years ago from Ayurveda, the ancient Indian medical system that takes a natural and holistic approach to health. River stones were heated for healing and massage.
Hot stones were popular throughout ancient Asia. About 4,000 years ago, the Japanese used hot stones to warm the abdomen and improve digestion, while about 2,000 years ago, Chinese medicine used hot stones to improve the function of internal organs.
In North America, indigenous Americans used hot stones in sweat lodges, to heal ailments, and to relieve cramps. Hawaiians have used hot stones to increase circulation.
Hot stones were introduced into modern methods of massage in 1993 by way of a technique called LaStone Therapy. From there, hot stone massages have grown in mainstream popularity.
Who Can Benefit From a Hot Stone Massage?
Physicians believe that hot stone massage can help manage several conditions, including:
- Anxiety
- Autoimmune diseases (may need special considerations based on the disease)
- Chronic headaches
- Depression
- Digestive problems
- Exercise-related injuries
- Fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Insomnia
- Lymphedema
- Low back pain
- Muscle spasms
- Multiple sclerosis
- Osteoarthritis
- Post-surgery pain (massages should not be done within six weeks after surgery unless okayed by a doctor)
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Sciatica
- Sports injuries
Who Should Not Get a Hot Stone Massage?
Some people should avoid hot stone massages or may need extra considerations when getting a massage. Conditions may include:
- Cancer
- Clotting disorders
- Diabetes
- Epilepsy
- Heart disease
- Neuropathy
- Osteoporosis
- Pregnancy
- Recent surgeries
- Skin conditions
6 Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
All massages generally fall under the alternative medicine umbrella. They’re becoming a popular complementary therapy for many conditions. Here are some advantages of getting a hot stone massage:
1. Helps relieve muscle tension and pain
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. Cold therapy helps relieve inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, alternating hot and cold stones during your massage may be helpful.
2. Reduces stress and anxiety
It’s the position of the American Massage Therapy Association that “massage therapy can be effective for stress relief.” Research supports their opinion. A 2001 study showed that a ten-minute massage improved cardiovascular responses such as stroke volume. A 1997 study found that 15-minute, onsite chair massages in the workplace significantly reduced stress compared to a 15-minute break without massage. A 2015 study found that people who underwent abdominal colorectal surgery had less pain, tension, and anxiety after receiving post-operative massage.
3. Promotes sleep
A 2006 literature review found massage may be an alternative to sleeping pills in adults with insomnia. The research showed that back massage helped promote relaxation and sleep. A 2001 study showed that infants with sleep problems who were given a 15-minute massage by their parents went to sleep faster. They were also more alert, active, and positive upon awakening. Massage is thought to help you enjoy more restorative sleep, although it’s not completely understood why.
4. May help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases
Hot stone massage may relieve painful conditions such as fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread, chronic pain. According to a 2002 study, people with fibromyalgia who received a 30-minute massage slept longer, had fewer trigger points, and had decreased levels of substance P (a substance involved in transmitting pain signals) than people with the condition who received relaxation therapy. More research is needed, however, before massage becomes a standard fibromyalgia treatment. A 2013 study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from a moderate-pressure massage, such as a hot stone massage. Participants in the study experienced less pain, greater grip strength, and a greater range of motion after one month of massage therapy.
5. May help decrease cancer symptoms
A large, three-year study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management examined how massage affected pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety, nausea, and depression in 1,290 people with cancer. The study showed massage, especially Swedish massage, improved cancer symptoms, even in those with substantial symptoms. Researchers believe the comforting use of human touch played a role.
6. May boost immunity
Massage may give your immune system a boost. According to a 2010 studyTrusted Source, a single session of Swedish massage therapy had a positive and acute impact on immunity. Blood samples taken before and after the massage showed a decrease in arginine-vasopressin, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure and water retention.
How to Prepare for Hot Stone Massage
So, if you plan to indulge in a hot stone massage, you must be aware of some important things. Here is an easy guide to help you!
Let’s explore the five steps to prepare for a hot stone massage & body treatment :
1. Take Your Doctor’s Advice
You might think that taking a hot stone massage is a great way to pamper your skin; however, this massage treatment is not suitable for everyone. A hot stone massage is not recommended for people with health conditions, pregnant women, and people who have sensitivity to heat. Thus, it’s better to take an experienced doctor’s advice before getting a hot stone massage. If you are in the right condition to take the massage, you can understand the benefits and risks of this treatment.
2. Stay Hydrated
It is best to keep yourself hydrated before taking a hot stone massage & body treatment. So, it’s important to drink plenty of water before and during the massage. One major benefit of a hot stone massage is that it removes toxins such as free radicals from your body. Thus, an adequate water intake supports the massage’s ability to draw out toxins from your body. Staying hydrated also ensures that a lot of moisture goes into your body and skin. When your skin is moisturized, it further enhances the beautifying effects of hot stone massage. Also, you must avoid eating heavy meals and instead go for a light snack like salad or vegetables.
3. Wear a Comfortable Dress
It’s better to avoid wearing multiple layers of clothing when you visit a professional salon for a hot stone massage & body treatment. The massage therapist will cover you with a blanket during the hot stone therapy session, which exposes only a part of your body that is being treated. If you feel uncomfortable in your clothes, you can ask your therapist to make the necessary arrangements to make you feel calm.
4. Relax During the Hot Stone Massage
You might be experiencing stress and anxiety due to a busy work routine and other important commitments. But don’t worry! You can practice some easy relaxation techniques during the hot stone massage. The relaxing music in a calm environment helps to ease all your worries and stress. You can even engage yourself in a light-hearted conversation with the therapist to gain clarity of thought. Also, you must focus on your breathing for a few minutes, starting by taking a deep breath in, and then exhaling out. Meditation is also a great way to transform your mind into a blank state.
5. Take Care of Yourself after Taking the Massage
You can follow some simple steps after taking a beauty spa to feel relaxed for a longer time. Thus, increasing your water and salt intake is best after getting the hot stone massage. The hot stones lead to the loss of fluids from your body due to sweat. So, it’s a good idea to rest soon after a massage. You can also take a relaxing bath one or two days after your massage. In addition, indulging in physical activities such as relaxation methods and stretches can help to relax your muscles and improve their flexibility.
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 are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat. According to the University of New Hampshire Health Services, hot massage stones are heated to between 130 and 145 degrees.
The stones may be placed:
- along your spine
- on your stomach
- on your chest
- on your face
- on your palms
- on your feet and toes
Massage therapists may hold heated stones as they massage your body using Swedish massage techniques such as:
- long strokes
- circular movements
- vibration
- tapping
- kneading
Sometimes, cold stones are also used during a hot stone massage. Cold stones may be used after hot stones to calm any engorged blood vessels and to soothe the skin.
What to Do After Getting a Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage therapy is special and therefore if you want to reap its full benefits you have to strictly follow some aftercare tips. One of the first things to understand is that hot stone massage therapy has a strong detoxifying effect on the body which means it drains out all toxins from the body through sweat, making your body light and a little vulnerable. Thus, one of the first things you need to do after getting hot stone massage therapy is to drink a lot of water. Avoid coffee, smoking, vaping, lattes – basically, everything that has caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco.
Secondly, avoid going for any strong kind of workout after getting hot stone massage therapy, and lastly, avoid taking showers. The shower will lower your body temperature and eventually, you’ll lose the heat which is supposed to heal and treat you. Moreover, the shower will also remove the oil which was applied by the massage therapist. For hot stone massage therapy to work properly, it is important that the oil seeps and goes deep into the skin.
Risks of Hot Stone Massage
Despite the many benefits associated with hot stone massage, it is not an appropriate therapy for everyone. There are some people who should not have a massage, and more specifically, a hot stone massage. For hot stone massage, some of the contraindications, or factors that mean a person should not have a particular treatment, are listed below.
1. Breaks in the skin
Anyone with injuries or breaks in the skin should avoid a hot stone massage until those injuries have healed. Recent or severe bruising, cuts or scrapes, sunburn, or varicose veins increase the risk of further tissue damage or injury. They also raise the chance of infection being introduced via bacteria from the massage oils or stones.
2. Infection or illness
This may sound like common sense, but anyone with a fever, cold, or flu should avoid a massage until they feel better. Someone with a fever may spread their germs, and they will have difficulty regulating their body temperature, as well. This will leave them feeling more uncomfortable when hot stones are put on their skin.
3. Heart disease
Heart disease can cause swelling or other problems in the veins or arteries of the legs, both of which can be negatively affected by a massage. A person should always tell the massage therapist about any health issues they have so that they can be aware of potential risks.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes influences how well the nerves and blood vessels function in the fingers and feet. People with diabetes can lose feeling in their hands and feet, making them unable to feel if an injury, such as a burn, occurs. When it comes to massage, they may not be able to tell if the massage therapist is using too much pressure, or if the hot stones are burning their skin.
5. Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Drugs and alcohol do not mix well with massage. Both impair the ability to give feedback if necessary and also affect judgment and a person’s self-control over their impulses. Furthermore, having a massage can leave someone feeling light-headed or wobbly. Drinking alcohol will compound and worsen these feelings.
6. Pregnancy
Prenatal massage can be very relaxing and beneficial for many women, during their pregnancy. However, some practitioners feel uncomfortable with using hot stones on a pregnant woman.
How to Give a Hot Stone Massage At Home
PERFORMING A HOT STONE MASSAGE:
1. Place your 5 stones into your crockpot with heated water.
2. Have your participant lie face-down on a table or bed. Make sure you have access to their entire back and arms.
3. Once your stones are thoroughly heated, remove the largest sacrum hot stone and two smaller, palm-sized hot stones from the water and place them beside the crockpot. We suggest placing them on a towel to dry them off.
4. While your stones are cooling down slightly, apply oil to your hands and glide them over your participant’s back.
5. Retrieve the largest stone and place it directly over the sacrum on the lower back. Make sure there is something in between the stone and the skin so it does not become too hot during the massage.
6. Apply some more oil to your hands and grab your two palm-sized stones. Begin to turn them in your hands, applying oil to the surface for easy gliding.
7. Starting at the neck below the occipital bone, place the flat side of the stone on either side of the spine (NEVER directly on the spine), begin to apply pressure, and move downward towards the sacrum on either side of the spine.
8. Once you reach the sacrum, move outwards along the hip bones and then drag your stones along the side of the body and back up to the starting point at the base of the neck.
9. Our next move begins by turning the stones to the side so we can use the edge of the stone.
10. Begin just above the sacrum with the edge of the stones on either side of the spine.
11. Apply pressure straight down and move stones from the side of the spine outwards in small movements.
12. Continue this move all the way up the back until you reach the base of the neck. This works the erector spinae.
13. While you still have the stones in this position, our next move begins by placing the edge of the stone along the outside of the scapulas.
14. Starting below the scapula, apply pressure outwards in small, even movements, moving along the outer edge of the bone.
15. Repeat this move, only this time going inwards towards the scapulas. Make sure to move around the entire scapula.
16. Turn your stones flat again and place them on top of the scapula. Applying light pressure, move the flat stones in a circular motion over the bones.
17. After that, begin to move the flat stones onto the arms, moving down the back of the arms, lifting slightly over the elbow joint (ALWAYS use light pressure over joints), down the forearm, and ending in the hand.
18. Bring the stones back up the arms and end at the base of the neck.
If your stones become too hot at any point, flip them over to the other side and continue massaging. If they become cold, place them back in the water and retrieve your other two heated stones. Please check in with your participant regarding the pressure and temperature of the stones while massaging them.
Repeat these moves as often as needed to alleviate stress, tension, ease strained muscles, and promote a deeper sense of relaxation.
How to Find a Massage Therapist
Like choosing other healthcare professionals, it's essential to be a conscious consumer when selecting a massage therapist. Ask your primary care provider or someone else you trust to recommend a reputable business or therapist.
Don't be afraid to ask a potential massage therapist questions such as:
- Are you licensed, certified, or registered?
- What are your training and experience?
- How many massage therapy sessions do you think I'll need?
- What's the cost, and is it covered by health insurance?
A skilled therapist has a vast toolbox of techniques that can be incorporated based on your needs, and he or she will respond and modify these techniques based on your feedback. Massage therapy is safe and effective for people of all ages. It's not only a feel-good way to indulge or pamper yourself. It's a powerful tool to help you take charge of your health and well-being, whether you have a specific health condition or are looking for a stress reliever.
Sources:
Massage Liability Insurance Plus
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.
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