What is Hot Stone Therapy?

Hot Stone Therapy uses smooth water-heated basalt stones that are carefully place in specific points of the body. The direct heat on the body relaxes the muscle and dilates the blood vessel. This therapy is effective in enhancing good circulation. Different sizes of hot stones are used depending on the body parts they are placed on.

Before placing the stone, therapists apply oil on the patient’s body so the stones can easily glide and won’t hurt individuals getting it. Some therapists coated the basalt stones with fragrant oil to give a relaxing and calming ambiance. Most therapist apply both and cold stones alternately.

It is known that applying hot and cold alternately soothes the painful muscles and is very beneficial to those who have active jobs. Hot stones dilate the blood vessels while the cold ones constrict them. Hot stones also sedate the nervous system while the cold wakes it gently. The same principle it shared with alternate hot and cold shower, and why we enjoy cold pool after we stayed in the toasty sauna.
Some therapists begin placing alternate hot and cold stones underneath their patients’ lips, then cheeks and forehead. Others will start on the back, placing the stones on specific points on spine, on calf if possible, back of the knees, and underneath the buttock area. Some applies on the arm and toes.

The alternate application of hot and cold in the body eliminate toxins from the body and thus enhance its natural healing capacity. It also increases the lymph flows and wash out our body wastes. The muscles then, becomes calm and relax that allows the therapist in applying pressures to relieve congestion between the tissues and the joints. That’s why this type of therapy is typically part of Swedish or deep tissue massage.

Hot stone therapy does not require more touching unless your body requires it, so for those who never had massage or not comfortable with others touch, this therapy is recommended. It gives many health benefits and the application is very gentle.

The therapy is good for individuals with muscular pain, poor circulation, rheumatic and arthritic conditions, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis (MS), back pain, stress, insomnia and depression. Also, patients will not forget the good feelings of being pampered, nurtured and treated as special.

Some called the hot stone therapy as LaStone Therapy that was introduced by Mary Nelson. It is also common in UK spas. While in some spas, they offered “advanced” version of hot stone therapy.

Hot Stone Therapy is recognized in many countries across the globe as good and beneficial. It’s worth a try to those who never experienced it. It benefits both physical and psychological aspect of an individual and it is for long term. We only need to find a reputable spa and be comfortable with someone else to apply it for us. Let our body rejuvenate and experience the wonderful feelings the Hot Stone Therapy offers.