The benefits of getting a hot stone massage when visiting a spa

A visit to the spa is a great way of relaxing and de stressing after a stressful week in the office. With so many different spa treatments available it can be hard to know which ones are the best when it comes to helping you achieve this. If you have been considering a hot stone massage as part of your trip to the spa, but are not sure what it is or what the benefits are, read one as we look at hot stone massages in detail.

What is a hot stone massage?

Let’s first take a look at what a hot stone massage actually is. As the name suggests, it involves the use of hot stones. These are smooth stones that retain heat very well and are heated by your therapist to the correct temperature. The stones are then placed on the body at specific points. These points are either guided anatomically or are energy points, which are believed to assist in balance and flow within the body. The stones can be left in place and the therapist may also use them to perform a range of different Swedish massage techniques, including long smooth strokes, kneading and rolling.

Why is a hot stone massage good for you?

The most obvious benefits of a hot stone massage are, in fact, similar to those of any other massage. It helps to ease back pain and can also reduce tension and anxiety. However there are some benefits that are unique to hot stone massage. These are:

The heat goes deeper into the tissue

One of the major benefits that you will get with hot stone massage is that the heat from the stones offers benefits at a deeper level. This comes in the form of intense muscle relaxation that allows your therapist to work much deeper without using the same kind of pressure they would need to use for a deep tissue massage.

Heat is great as a natural pain reliever

If you are struggling with tension behind the pain or ache you are struggling with, then heat can be very effective as a way of releasing the tension that will then help to ease the pain. This occurs as a result of increased blood flow to the region. The heat can also help to reduce spasms and enable muscles or joints to flex gently in order to regain mobility and movement.

Heat helps with sleep

One huge benefit of a hot stone massage is that it can help to lull you into sleep that is deeper, more restful and very restorative. A study has shown that this type of massage can be beneficial for menopausal women when it comes to helping with insomnia.

Immune boosting

Hot stone massage uses many of the same techniques as Swedish massage, and it has been shown that Swedish massage can have a positive impact on the immune system. This indicates that hot stone massage will also offer the same benefits.

Heat can help manage chronic pain

Chronic pain conditions such as Fibromyalgia can be debilitating. It has been shown that massage can actually offer very positive effects in the pain management of these types of conditions. This occurs as a result of there being lower levels of Substance P in the body. This is part of the way in which the body gives out pain signals. The same can also be said for those who have Rheumatoid Arthritis that is painful. They may experience less pain as a result of the application of therapeutic heat.