Stones Used For Massage Therapies By Chris Turley At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

A stone massage therapy is a practice of manipulating muscles and tissues using stones to relieve tension and muscle spasms. The stones used in this type of massage is either cold or hot stones. Its hardness allows the masseuse to work on specific areas with deeper pressure.

Darker stones such as the basalt stone have the capability to get hotter and retain heat for longer periods of time. These stones have the highest magnetic intensity and contain the most iron. Grayish stones can be very hot too but they do not get as hot as the dark ones. Because of its ability to get hotter, darker stones also have the potential to burn. The gray ones are safe because they can be manipulated and predictable enough to ensure the client’s safety. Therefore, it is essential to work with different kinds, colors and shapes of stones in a stone massage therapy.

The stones used in the massage therapy are used in many ways. The purpose is to transfer heat from the stone to the client. In this way, the client is still draped in a towel or sheet and the heated stones are placed on top of the client. The layout of the stones will be usually along the sides of the spine or along the chakra points. While the stones are delivering heat on the body, the masseuse will continuously massage the client with heated stones held in the palm. The therapist will also apply effleurage strokes along the muscles of the arms, legs and torso areas.

A hot stone massage is not just gliding the warm stones on the surface of the skin but it is used as a tool to deliver effective muscle massage in a specific pressure level comfortable for the client. The pressure of the massage will depend on the client’s preference. It may either be light, medium or deep pressure. The hardness of the stones makes the massage easier on the joints of the masseuse’s hands.

The heat of the stones helps the muscles relax and improves blood circulation. It allows the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients to vital organs of the body and the tissues. Thus also accelerating the healing capacity of the body and improving recovery time from injuries. The massage and the heat of the stones also aids in mental relaxation helping the client experience a meditative sleep.

These stones are heated in clean sanitized water between 120 to 150 degree Fahrenheit. There are gloves or tools used to remove the hot stones from the water. This is to avoid growth of bacteria in the water. Ideally, the water is changed every session and the stones cleaned properly.

Finally, stones are not just conductors of heat; they are also reflections of the disposition and personality of the therapist. The type of stone used in the massage therapy will really depend on the therapist. It is his responsibility to use the right kind and use it in the most therapeutic way in order for the client to experience the overall benefits of the massage.

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