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Stone massage is one of those arts of relaxation that has been around for quite some time now. From the word itself, the technique uses special stones (basalt stones) in massaging specific body parts for the purpose of relieving stress. The stones are either cooled or steamed depending on their planned use. For water-heated baSsalt stones, they are applied to specific key points in order to relieve stress and loosen up muscles that were put under extreme stress. The cooled version of this igneous rock is used especially for muscular injury. It has a stimulating effect on the body’s consciousness as it constricts blood vessels. The warm stones relax the nervous system and encourage self-healing. In most circumstances, hot stone massage is performed more frequently than the cooled marble stones for most clients. Reason being warm stones arerelaxing and soothe physical key points that are targets for relaxation.
1. How Is It Performed?
There are
several ways by which stone massage masseur’s work on using these lava
stones depending on the type of treatment appropriate for the clients and
their preference. The following bulleted information provides you a
general outline of how the therapy is performed.
- The stones are
either heated by steam or cooled in a freezer. Black basalt stones are
used for hot treatments while white lava stones are usually used for cold
treatments, although they can be used for hot treatments as well.
- The
stones are put on a towel and covered to maintain the desired temperature
needed for a specific treatment.
- The stones are placed along the body
lines, charkas, which are believed as key points in the elimination of
stress that tends to build up through various work activities.
- The
stones are used along with the therapist’s hands in order to get through
the muscle areas that hands cannot normally reach.
- As treatment is
carried out in other parts of the body, small heated stones are placed in
between the toes and on the eyes and along the length of the spine. Some
are placed on the forehead and the stomach as well.
- While employing
stones as an adjunct tool in the performance of massage, normal massage
therapy is also administered on other parts of the body.
2.
What Are The Benefits of Hot Stone Massage?
- Ease up
muscular pain (fibromyalgia - rheumatic condition characterized by pain on
skeletal muscles
- Relieves back pain
- Helps in the management of
Insomnia and other sleep-related illnesses
- Loosen up sprains and
strains
- Improves circulation
- Relieves symptoms related to
rheumatism and arthritis
- Promote overall well-being through its
relaxing effect on the entire human musculature
- Alleviate stress,
anxiety and depression
- Hot stone massages together with the use of
essential oils restores body and mind balance due to its sedative
effect
- Clients who have undergone several stone massage sessions have
observed physical rejuvenation and stamina free of pain and localized
muscle sores
3. Masseur Considerations:
Experience
and Functional Literacy
Massage therapist most of the time are
connected in an association that undergoes regular training. These
associations provide consultancy, workshops and education to stone massage
therapists interested in the latest developments about this treatment.
Appropriate Therapy
Stone massage is of two categories: one employs
hot stones and the other frozen, cold stones. Your stone massage
practitioner will most likely be asking you questions to determine the
type of treatment appropriate for you.
Massage Techniques
You will
be your best judge in finding which masseur is able to work best in the
kind of therapy employed in your body. Different masseur use different
techniques and their mastery on one technique may not prove beneficial to
you.
Know what you want
If you are into relaxation after a tiring
weekend, a light hot stone massage will be perfect. If you would like to
melt away the pain caused by muscle Injuries such as sprains, massage with
white, cold basalt stones are great for you.
Survey Medical
Condition
Thermotherapy like stone massage (hot and cold) is used for
specific relaxation needs which takes into consideration your preexisting
physical condition. Individuals suffering from thrombosis, blood clot and
other cardiovascular diseases should seek the advice of a health care
practitioner in your area to ensure safety before undergoing hot stone massage therapy.
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