Hot stone massage therapy is one of the most popular treatments all over the world. It is a unique form of full-body massage that uses ancient techniques along with a wide range of physiotherapy techniques that are used in many cultures. You can look for the best ‘hot stone massage near me’ to have an amazing experience. But before that, let us explore the history and some less-known facts behind this amazing technique.
Origin and History
Using stones for therapy have been used in many cultures around the world. Its practice dates back almost two millennia. Hot stone massage therapy has been seen throughout history in Asia, Africa, Europe, and Egypt. You can also enjoy this ancient relaxing technique through a simple Google search of the ‘best hot stone massage near me’ to have a rejuvenating experience and relax your body.
The origin of hot stone massage therapy is said to be from China, where hot stones were laid on the skin right above the internal organs to heal injuries. Just like most of the healing processes of ancient civilizations, many proto-therapies were related to religious ceremonies and steeped in mysticism and folklore. But now we know the actual neurological and physiological effects that hot stone therapy can provide.
Facts About Hot Stone Massage
In the modern world, hot stone massage became popular in the early 90s and has ever since been used in the Western world. The therapy uses a classic style and basalt lava stones as a tool of their choice. The stones are first warmed in a hot bath and then placed on key areas of your body. The stones are heated around 110-130 degrees, which is hot enough to cause a reaction but not hot enough to cause pain or damage to your skin. The stones are smooth and often black, and when heated, they can trigger your body to relax, thus releasing any tension and tightness in your muscles and joints. This is the beginning of the healing process.
But what makes these stones so special? The rocks used for providing hot stone massages are formed from the lava flows of volcanoes and are smooth, round, and flat. The shape can vary according to the philosophy of the therapist since some professionals use stones in a variety of shapes to create precise sensations in the body, while others prefer stones that have a natural shape.
The basalt stones are also polished and are extremely well-suited to heat retention due to their color and density. This means they must be heated plenty of times during the massage session. These make great sources of heat in the body. Their steady radiating prevents any damage to the skin tissue.
The stones turn rich black in color when rubbed in oils, which gives them a nice appearance; however, the color does not affect their ability to retain heat. They will retain heat and can be effective as long as the stones have plenty of silica and iron. Mostly, the stones are placed on the stomach, back, chest, palms, face, feet, legs, and other extremities.
Summing Up
Hot stone massage therapy has numerous benefits. It helps to focus on mindfulness and meditation. It causes a relaxing feeling in your body, eases tension, and loosens the muscles. This can be great for anyone working to focus their energy on meditation.
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