What’s the Deal With Stone Massage Kits? By Sara Ryan At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Stone massage is a massage technique that serves a variety of functions to treat the body and has become so popular that many companies offer stone massage kits to train therapists as well as to purchase for home use.

Before purchasing a massage kit it is important to know the basics characteristics of stone massage and what to look for in choosing a kit that is right for your needs. The heated massage stones are very effective at penetrating the muscles with warmth, which allows the massage therapist to perform a lighter massage. If the person prefers a massage with deeper pressure, the hot stones will improve the benefits because they have warmed the body before the therapist’s hands are used. Occasionally oils are used to coat the stones and help them slide over the body better or to massage into the client’s skin. Using stones during a massage, to help warm the body, allows the oils to be absorbed better by the skin and increases their effectiveness.

In addition to the proven effects of traditional massage, stone massage has several unique therapeutic benefits. Because the stones are gently heated in water, this technique provides a form of hydrotherapy for both the client and the therapist who places his or her hands into the water to retrieve the stones. Stone massage is also a form of thermotherapy for its use of a heat application to treat the muscles of the body. Improvements in circulation and blood flow in the body’s tissues are both benefits of thermotherapy. Using cold stones during massage also has its own benefits, including treatment of inflammation and use for toning body functions such as the immune system.

When purchasing a kit, all massage stones should be smooth and polished although it’s not necessary for them to be completely without blemishes. As long as they have no rough spots or sharp edges that will hurt the person receiving the massage then the stones are acceptable. Also, it is not necessary for all stones to be a uniform size and shape. Because massage stones are used on the back, face and all over the body, it makes sense that stones may vary in size. It’s important to use the size of stone that is appropriate for the area of the body being massaged, the level of pressure used and the muscles being worked.

Although it is best to visit a reputable school to take a live instructional course on the proper technique for stone massage, there are instructional materials available to help a person learn this technique on his or her own time. Educational videos can help teach the home user how to incorporate hot or cold stones into his or her massage routine. Some also demonstrate basic techniques on how to use stones for facials, manicures and pedicures and reflexology treatments. Although an at-home massage kit is not a complete substitute for live, hands-on training, it is a convenient way to learn and practice the art of massage. The benefits of stone massage are literally waiting on your own fingertips.

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