Stone Massage Therapy

The benefits of stone massage therapy.

Most stone massage therapy has many benefits. In the past few years, it has grown rapidly in popularity. Both hot and cold stone techniques have their own benefits.

The benefits of hot stone massage

Hot stone massage is not only a relaxing massage method, but it also has many healing properties. The use of hot stones allows a therapist to give a deep, penetrating massage without putting excessive stress on his or her own body. Additionally, the stones will heat the skin, open the pores, and prepare one's skin to better absorb massage oils. They, therefore, increase the benefits any given oil will provide.  The use of massage stones is also a great way to increase circulation in and around the area being massaged. Increased blood flow will help clear out toxins and assist in healing an injured or strained area.

The benefits of cold stone massage

Cold stones are excellent because they promote circulation and act as a powerful decongestant for the body. By promoting circulation, a cold stone treatment can ease inflamed tissues, decrease muscle spasms, and can reduce swelling or fluid build-up (for example, as manifested in dark circles under the eyes). Unlike with the use of ice, cold stone treatments will not severely desensitize the skin. The overall effect of a treatment is the reduction of tension with a simultaneous feeling of invigoration.

Using both techniques in one routine can be very beneficial to your partner assuming that you give them stone massage therapy. Switching between cold and hot applications causes blood vessels to alternately dilate and constrict, leading to increased movement of fluids within the body, increased removal of toxins and increased healing. However, this type of treatment is not recommended for people with circulatory problems because they may be too sensitive to the sudden, increased circulation.

Choosing stone for massage therapy

Many different types of stones can be used for stone massage but there are a few that are generally favored across the massage industry. You may a stone set where all the stones are shaped to be specific sizes and shapes. Having a set like this can make it easier to add precision and develop a routine. However, naturally shaped stones may be preferred by some people because it creates a more natural look and feel.

Hot stone massage: Basalt stones

Basalt is the ideal material for hot stone massage. The composition of this volcanic rock (high silica and iron content) makes it hold heat longer than most stones. Using a different type of stone may mean that you have to switch stones in and out of the warmer quite often or they will become too cool for treatment.

Some people think that basalt stones should be a deep black color. The color does not necessarily determine how well the massage stones can hold heat. Most basalt stones are actually gray when dry, but they normally turn black when using with oil. Trace elements influence the color of a stone, but as long as the stone has high silica and iron content, it will retain heat well. There may be some other variation in the color of our stones but they are all excellent at retaining heat.

Cold stone massage: Marble stones

Marble stones are considered the best option for cold stone therapy. The reason that basalt is good for hot stone therapy is that you can massage a person's body for a long time before they cool. Basalt is also acceptable for cold stone therapy but not as good as marble. Marble stones have proven to be the best at retaining coolness. They do not heat up rapidly during a massage and can draw heat from the body.