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How Hot Stone Massage Benefits Your Body

Jun 08, 2022

For many people, getting a massage is as much about relaxation and stress relief as it is about any actual physical benefits. Perhaps that’s why so many spa services these days involve massage techniques that focus on the more relaxing and tranquil senses of touch.

This type of massage, also known as hot stone massage, is one of the more unique variants. It combines the general principles of Swedish massage — in which a massage therapist uses pressure from their hands to work the body — with the use of hot stones to help relax those being massaged even further.

So what exactly does hot stone massage do for your body?

What Is a Hot Stone Massage?

A hot stone massage is a type of massage where the massage therapist uses smooth, heated stones to massage their client’s body. This is a trendy massage technique in spas and massage clinics worldwide. This massage is often confused with other types of massage, such as Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage and Indian Ayurvedic massage.

While all of these massage types use massage stones, only hot stone massage uses heated smooth stones. The entire massage is performed with smooth stones that have been heated to between 80 and 100 degrees Celsius. The massage therapist places the stones on the client’s body to help with muscle relaxation and pain reduction. The stones themselves provide a deep, penetrating pressure that promotes blood circulation and can ease muscle tension.

Why Use Hot Stones During a Massage?

Since massage is all about touch, it can be difficult to know how to combine the physical sensations of different massage techniques. Hot stone massage addresses this issue by combining the tactile feeling of a massage with the warmth of heated stones. Because hot stones are warm, they provide a soothing feeling that can help you relax even further.

At the same time, the comforting warmth of these stones can help relieve any muscle tension you may be feeling. Hot stones also happen to be great for people who have trouble staying still or are easily distracted during a massage. This is because the stones themselves are heavy, making it difficult to move them out of place. This means that the stones will stay on their original spot, whether it’s on your back, neck, or shoulders.

Health Benefits of Hot Stone Massage

There are many different health benefits that you can experience from getting this massage therapy.

Relaxation

One of the most obvious benefits of any massage is relaxation. When your muscles are tense, it can be difficult to relax mentally and physically. The heat from the stones helps to promote relaxation by reducing muscle spasms and tension.

Improved Circulation

Another benefit of hot stone massage is improved circulation. When your muscles are tense, blood flow can be restricted. This can lead to a build-up of toxins and a decrease in oxygen levels in your blood. Massage can help loosen tight muscles, allowing for better blood flow and an increase in oxygen levels.

Reduced Stress Levels

This massage therapy can also help to reduce stress levels. Massage releases endorphins, which are hormones that have a calming effect on the body. The combination of heat and massage can help even further to reduce stress levels. This massage therapy can also help to reduce stress levels. Massage releases endorphins, which are hormones that have a calming effect on the body. The combination of heat and massage can help even further to reduce stress levels.

Improved Sleep

This massage therapy can also improve your sleep. Massage is known to release serotonin, a hormone that helps promote relaxation and sleep. The heat from the stones can also help to promote better sleep by relaxing your muscles and relieving any pain you may be feeling.

Boosts Immunity

Hot stone massages can also help to boost your immunity. Massage also release lymphocytes and white blood cells that help fight infection. The combination of heat and massage can help to increase the number of lymphocytes in your body, which gives your immune system a boost.

Draw Toxins Out

The heat from the stones helps promote sweating, which can help flush out toxins from your body. The massage itself also helps to loosen any toxins stored in your muscles. Combined, these effects can help to cleanse your body of toxins.

Reduces Inflammation

Having this massage can also help to reduce inflammation. Massage release cytokines and proteins with anti-inflammatory properties. The heat from the stones helps increase circulation and promote healing, both of which can reduce inflammation.

Eases Pain

Hot stone massages can also help with pain relief. The heat from the stones helps to relax muscles and increase blood flow, which can relieve pain. The massage itself can also help to loosen any knots or trigger points that may be causing pain, and these effects can provide significant relief from pain.

Side Effects of Hot Stone Massage

There are a few potential side effects of this massage therapy that you should be aware of.

Dehydration

One of the most common side effects of this massage is dehydration. This is because sweating is a natural response to heat, which can lead to the loss of fluids. It’s important to drink plenty of water before and after your massage to avoid dehydration.

Burns

Another potential side effect of this massage is burns. This is because the stones are heated to a high temperature, which can cause skin burns. It’s important to ensure that the stones are not too hot before using them on your skin.

Allergic Reactions

This massage therapy can also cause allergic reactions in some people. This is because the stones are often made of marble, which can contain trace amounts of metals. If you have an allergy to metals, you should avoid this type of massage.

Pregnant women and people with heart conditions should also avoid this massage.

Should You Get a Hot Stone Massage?

Hot stone massages can offer a number of benefits, both physically and mentally. If you’re looking for a way to relax and relieve stress, this massage therapy may be right. Unlike deep tissue massage, hot stone massages are generally considered safe for most people. However, it’s important to understand the potential side effects before booking a session.

Pregnant women and people with heart conditions should avoid this massages therapy. Otherwise, this massages are safe for most people. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns before scheduling a session.

How to Find a Good Hot Stone Massage Professional

If you’re looking for a spa or massage clinic that offers hot stone massage, you should expect to pay more than you would for other, less intense massage techniques. Hot stone massage is a very hands-on service, so it requires a lot more effort and time on the part of the massage therapists.

Because hot stone massage therapy is such a popular service, you’ll be able to find a good massage parlor or spa in just about any major city. Hot stone massage is a fairly intimate service, so you may want to check out online reviews before visiting a particular massage parlor. This way, you can see what other people have said about their experiences and make sure you’re visiting a reputable clinic.

Bottom Line

A hot stone massage is a type of massage where the massage therapist uses smooth, heated stones to massage their client's body to provide a deep, penetrating pressure that promotes blood circulation and ease muscle tension. This massage is a very popular massage technique in spas and massage clinics worldwide. The stones' warmth can help relieve any pain you may be feeling in your muscles.

Additionally, the warmth of the stones can help increase your blood circulation, making it easier for your muscles to recover from injury. There are many health benefits associated with type of massage, including the ability to soothe sore muscles, help reduce pain, and increase blood circulation. Additionally, this massage therapy can be helpful for people who have trouble staying still and relaxing during a massage.

At OnSon, we offer hot stone massage as one of our many spa services. We also offer deep tissue massage, pregnancy massage, remedial massage and more. Our team of experienced and certified massage therapists will work with you to customise your session and ensure you get the most out of your massage.

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About Onson

At OnSon, our Vision is to offer a traditional Thai Culture based treatment combined with Western teachings. Our attentive and caring staff with qualifications in both Traditional Thai Techniques going back thousands of years, combined with Diplomas in Remedial treatments attained here in Australia.