Employed During a Hand Stone Massage
During a hand stone massage, smooth, heated stones are used as a tool to help ease tense muscles and relieve stress. This type of therapeutic massage has been used in many cultures for thousands of years to provide a natural relaxation. Many people experience stress from work, home and family life, and a hand stone massage can be just what they need to relax and de-stress.
Typically, a hand stone massage involves the use of basalt stones that are heated to a comfortable temperature before the session begins. These rocks are typically found in nature and have a smooth, silky texture that holds the heat well. A professional massage therapist will usually place these stones on different parts of the body, such as the back, legs, arms and hands to help ease pain and tension.
The therapist will then rub the hot stones over the body in a soothing and gliding motion to ease muscles. The massage may also incorporate various massage techniques with the use of the stones to help with the overall relaxation and pain relief. This type of massage is often a favorite among those with chronic aches and pains, such as fibromyalgia or arthritis.
What Specific Techniques Are Employed During a Hand Stone Massage?
While the benefits of a hand stone massage are numerous, there are a few things that need to be kept in mind. It is important for a client to be hydrated before and after their massage, as the heat can cause dehydration. This is especially true if they are taking medications or have a condition that requires specific hydration. It is also a good idea for clients to avoid eating large meals before or after their treatment, as this can interfere with the massage and cause discomfort.
Before a massage session with hot stones, the client should fill out a comprehensive intake form to help determine what temperature would be appropriate for them. This is because each person has different sensitivity levels and medical conditions that could affect their reaction to the heat from the stones. For example, a pregnant woman may not want to receive a hot stone massage as the heat from the stones can put pressure on the organs and lead to a decrease in blood flow.
When receiving a hand stone massage, the client should lie down on the massage table covered with a sheet or towel. The therapist will then carefully lay the warm stones on the body, in particular, the areas that are most tense or painful. Once the stones are in place, the massage therapist will then use the hand and foot techniques to help relieve the tension and pain.
Getting regular hand and stone massages can increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, which can aid in the healing process. If there is an area in the body that does not get enough oxygen, it can cause a wide variety of problems, including breathing issues and severe chronic illnesses. Those who suffer from conditions that require more oxygen in their blood can greatly benefit from receiving this type of massage.