A hot stones massage is a form of massage therapy where either heated or cooled stones are placed on the body for the purpose of pain relief, relaxation and therapy.
Dating back to ancient civilizations, hot stone massages were considered a form of healing therapy to provide physical and spiritual ease. Having evolved over time, the stone massage emerged in the late 1900s and quickly became one of the most popular massage techniques of the modern world.
But what does it entail, and why has this massage therapy become so important to our health, reaping many benefits? Â
The Massage Techniques
The hot stones massage incorporates techniques of a more regular massage alongside the heated stones. By resting these hot stones on top of your body, therapists can open up the muscles and work into the tissue to remove any tension.
In comparison to a deep tissue massage, through long strokes and circular motions, hot stones subsequently provide a deeper, more relaxing massage experience, with each stone known to pass on its unique energy to you.
The stones used for this massage are usually basalt stones. This is a smooth black rock or river rock made out of iron, helping it retain heat. These hot stones are then placed on different areas of the body, including your spine, stomach, chest, face, palms, feet, and toes.
The therapist will then use Swedish massage techniques to gently rub these stones into your body, subsequently creating what we know as a hot stone massage.
The Health Benefits of a Hot Stone MassageÂ
There are an overwhelming number of benefits that make hot stone therapy one of the most relaxing of its kind. Although it calms the muscles, this massage therapy takes us far beyond the spa and uncovers many numerous health benefits. Such benefits include:
Reduction of Stress and Anxiety
Through a hot stone massage, stress, and anxiety - especially among those with cardiovascular problems - is known to be improved as it is the ultimate relaxation massage. A study from 2001 showed that a ten-minute hot stones massage improved cardiovascular responses such as stroke volume, which is usually provoked by stress.Â
Relieves Muscle Tension and PainÂ
Hot stones therapy is also known to assist with pain, especially with patients experiencing autoimmune diseases. This is because it relaxes the body, reducing muscle tension and spasms. As the stones help to remove tension around the body, the blood flow and circulation further improve, there assisting with previous tension and pain.
Boost Immunity
It seems strange to think that a stone massage can help to improve immunity but it’s proven to be true. With its clear signs of increasing blood flow and stress reduction, a hot stones massage can further increase immunity levels; therefore helping your body fight off any diseases. In fact, according to a 2010 study, a single session of Swedish massage therapy had a positive and acute impact on immunity.Â
Reduce Cancer Symptoms
A study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management examined how stones massage affected pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety, nausea, and depression in 1,290 people with cancer. In many cases, hot stones massage therapy provides cancer patients with some sort of comfort during their medical treatment, decreasing anxiety, and depression, and promoting sleep.
Encourage Better Sleep
Body massages are known to promote more restorative sleep. However, a hot stone massage has been even more helpful in promoting this, especially amongst the older generations and those suffering more serious sleep disorders.  Through experiencing a hot stones massage, not only will patients be able to sleep better, but the quality of sleep will also increase. This allows patients to wake up feeling more restored and fully energised.
Enjoy a Hot Stone Massage in Malta
With all these benefits to experience, there is no better reason to enjoy a hot stones massage today. Sink your body into relaxation and indulge in a Hot Stone Massage at Carisma Spa.
Looking to pamper yourself even further? For a fully indulgent and luxury experience, we recommend you combine your Hot Stones Massage with our exclusive Indian Head Massage for a complete soothing treatment.
Following these two calming treatments, you will leave the spa feeling fresh and fully revitalized inside and out - and ready to face whatever 2020 has left to throw at you.
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