I love the stone treatments!
What is it?
It is a treatment originating from the indigenous peoples of North America, practiced for thousands of years.
They frequently used it for men returning from hunting.
It consists of massaging the body with heated stones.
The stones are preferably of volcanic origin, for their thermal properties.
This massage allows a deep relaxation.
How does it work?
The stones are usually heated in water, around 100°C / 210°F.
The person receiving the massage lies down.
The pebbles are placed on the body once the temperature is adequate (between 35 and 60°C / 95 and 140°F). A towel can be used to avoid direct contact against the skin.
The masseur or masseuse uses different sizes of stones depending on the massage area:
- Back.
- Stomach.
- Chest.
- Face.
- Chakras.
- Arms and hands.
- Shoulders and back of the neck.
The stone can be simply positioned, or used in massage.
Each practitioner has his/her own technique:
- Circular movements.
- Vibrations.
- Tapotements.
- Scrubbing.
How to choose the stones ?
As a therapist, I can use my intuition or felt sense to select my stones.
Each client needs specific stones.
Indeed, each stone has distinct energetic properties: this is the principle of crystal healing.
Benefits
The vasodilation caused by the heat favors :
- Blood circulation.
- Harmonization of the energetic body.
- Relaxation of :
- Muscles.
- Nervous system.
- Body.
The relaxation.
For which symptoms?
The hot stones massages are mainly used to soothe the muscles.
They have shown promising results in cases of :
- Stress.
- Anxiety.
- Contractures.
- Depression.
- Plantar fasciitis.
- Cramps.
- Muscle stiffness or pain.
Contraindications
Heat therapy is not recommended in cases of :
- Diabetes.
- Inflammation.
- Infection.
- Open wounds.
- Fragile or damaged skin.
- Pregnancy.
- Vascular disease.
- Burns.
- Thrombosis.
- Low blood pressure.
- General tiredness.
- Atopic dermatitis.
- Fever.
- Kidney disease.
There is always a risk of burning the skin. It is advisable to be cautious about the temperature.
Emotions
The hot stone massage influences the physical, energetic and emotional bodies.
This is why the treatment can be intense.
It can be useful to combine this message with emotional acceptance, to avoid the reappearance of muscular contractures later on.
Conclusion
What are the benefits of hot stone massage?
It can be applied to many parts of the body.
Its main benefit is to relax the muscles and increase blood circulation thanks to the heat.