A growing number of people are becoming more conscious of the connection between the environment and their health, from going “green” to buying organic foods and now to using natural stones to heal the body. Heated stones are commonly used during a massage to help muscles release tension and relax. Hot stone massage is a specialty form that combines the technique of Swedish massage or other form of massage with the soothing effects of smooth, natural stones gently heated by water. When left to rest on the body, the heat from the stones penetrates the body and warms and relaxes the muscles more quickly than massage alone. Placing stones along the client’s spine, on top of the stomach or in the palms are all techniques that therapists may use during a massage session. Stones are used for several treatments, including deep tissue massage, facial treatments and to place on chakra points on the body. A black, volcanic rock called basalt is typically used for its ability to retain heat, but other kinds of stones such as marble are also used.
Cold stones can also be used to treat muscle injuries or inflammation. Besides common discomforts such as muscle injury and back pain, hot stone massage is sometimes used to treat even more serious conditions such as paralysis and for stroke and heart attack patients. It’s important that therapists who use stone massage are properly trained and have experience practicing the technique. Injury could occur from using too much pressure during the massage or heating the stones too hot.
Using stones to treat the body is an ancient technique practiced by several cultures dating back to ancient times. In Asia hot stone massage was used for therapeutic reasons, and Native Americans used stones in sweat lodges for. Hot stones were valued so much that Native Americans began calling them “grandfather stones.” Hawaiians used stones for similar purposes as Native Americans although they used the lava stones called “pohaku” that were more abundant on the islands. Historical records indicate that hot and cold stones were used by many ancient cultures for a multitude of reasons including easing pain during labor and childbirth, detecting diseases and to ward off evil spirits.
Hot stone massage was introduced in the United States in its current form in the early 90s. One of the first people to use it was massage therapist Mary Hannigan who created a popular technique called LaStone Therapy. Although acupuncture and other therapies are generally more common than stone therapy, hot stone massage is a technique that is revered for its therapeutic abilities. In addition to being offered by qualified massage therapists, now many companies make hot stone massage therapy available by selling massage kits and instructional materials for home use. When used properly, massaging stones are a proven method to help heal the body.
Now that you have this new wealth of information on massage stones, go get one yourself! What are you waiting for? Don t you think its time to reward yourself for all you do?
Author Resource:-
Sara Ryan regularly writes for http://www.tirmassagestone.com, the leading hot stone massage supplies provider. They provide massage stones and many other accessories in the massage industry.
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