La Stone Massage Therapy
Overview
The practitioner first heats the stones by immersing them in water, heated in an electric heating device. The stones are ready when they reach a temperature of between 54 and 63 degrees Celsius.
The massage usually begins with the client lying face down. The masseur oil applies on the client’s body and uses the hot stones to perform a massage by gliding them along the client’s body or applying pressure on certain points. The pressure of the massage can vary according to the client’s request or necessities. When the back massage is over, the same process is repeated on the front of the body.
In addition to using the hot stones as tools to perform the massage, the therapist can leave the hot stones in place for a certain amount of time on the receiver’s body. The hot stones are usually placed along the spine, between the toes, in the palms of the client’s hands and along the chakras.
Sometimes, if there is inflammation in the muscles, the practitioner also applies cold stones on the client’s body. This acts as a sort of exercise for the veins that alternatively contract and relax, thus helping the release of toxins. A hot stone massage usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Benefits of hot stone massage
The hot stones help the muscle relax, and this makes the massage more effective and soothing. Also, because the muscles are relaxed, the therapist does not need to use deep pressure during the massage. Hot stone massage helps to improve circulation and can help reduce stress, anxiety, tension, depression and insomnia.
Advantages:
- Relieve Back pain and aches
- Poor circulation
- Muscular aches, pains, sprains, and strains
- Rheumatic and arthritic conditions
Tips and thing to be careful about when receiving a hot stone massage
While the person receiving a hot massage, the following tips are to be keep in mind, are as follows
- Practitioners should always sterilize the hot stones by keeping them in water at around 150 degrees temperature and use gloves to pick them up. Be wary if these hygiene procedures are not followed.
- If the stones are too hot, speak up and do not endure a temperature that for you is too high.
- Technique is important; a therapist, who did not receive enough training, probably will not know how to apply the right pressure. A course in hot stone massage should last about five days.
- Massage is not recommended: for people who have infectious skin diseases, rash, or open wounds; immediately after surgery; immediately after chemotherapy or radiation; for those prone to blood clots. Pregnant women should check with their doctor first before getting a massage.
