Hot stone massage, or hot rock therapy, is a massage technique that alternates the body’s temperature (thermotherapy) through the use of hot and cold stones during a massage. Hot rock therapy produces both a relaxing and re-energising effect in the body.
During this type of massage, hot, warm, cold, and cooled stones are applied to the body in a variety of ways in order to relax the body at it’s deepest level. Hot rock therapy is a great way to create positive energy flow in the body, allowing the client to feel a greater sense of balance, peace, and harmony while having more energy.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
- feeling of deep relaxation
- increases blood circulation
- relieves pain and muscle spasms
- detoxification of the body
- promotes healing of inflamed muscle tissues
- more energy
- aids with PMS-related symptoms
- relaxes tight and sore muscles
- improves range of motion
- reduces swelling in the body’s tissues
- relieves chronic or temporary neck and back pain
- produces a sense of peace, harmony and balance in the body
History of Hot Stone Massage
Hot rock therapy has been around for thousands of years. Ancient healers from all walks of life and from around the globe have used both hot and cold stones on the body to bring about healing and relaxation.
Ancient shamans placed stones on or near the body to promote healing
Native American women used warm stones on their bellies to help during menses
The Romans would bathe in hot water and then rest on cool marble tables
The Pilgrims would put a hot stone at the end of their bed in order to warm their feet. Japanese priests would wear the stones during fasting to slow the digestive process.
Today, hot rock massage can be credited to Mary Hannigan, who started using the stones to work on a relative in the summer of 1993; this evolved into what is referred to as La Stone Therapy
Hot Stone Massage Preparations
- Perform full client history before treatment
- Put a light-coloured towel in the bottom of the warmer
- Make sure rocks are all the way in the water, or they may get too hot
- Set temperature to 120-135 degrees Fahrenheit
- Use a thermometer to monitor water temperature
- Keep a small bowl of cool water near in order to cool the rocks if necessary
- Be sure to remove excess water from the rocks before using them on the client
- Always use a cloth between the rocks and the client’s body
- Be sure to wash the rocks after every treatment with alcohol or anti-bacterial soap
Reasons to Avoid Hot Stone Massage
- Skin conditions that may be aggravated by heat or moisture
- Being diagnosed with Shingles, Lupus, Vasculitis, Psoriasis or auto-immune diseases
- Anyone on medications that could have side effects due to body temperature changes
- Persons with heart disease
- Any condition that would alter sensitivity
- Pregnancy
- Thin skin on the elderly
- Persons with varicose veins should avoid heat in affected areas
- Anyone with nerve damage or areas of the body where nerves have been cut
- Raynaud’s phenomenon
Hot stone massage continues to be one of the most requested forms of bodywork today. Many people find this therapy to be deeply relaxing and enjoyable. Hot stone bodywork is also designed to reduce the stress and strain a therapist feels in her hands, wrists, and arms, thereby making hot rock therapy beneficial for both the therapist and client.
