As the winter drags on, we could all use a new way to ward off the cold. This season, try combining the benefits of traditional massage therapy with the heat of a hot stone massage for a healing experience that’s both warming and relaxing.
What Is Hot Stone Massage?
As you may guess from the name, hot stone massage uses heated stones to gently massage your muscles, relieving stress and tension. The soothing stones create a powerful heat that causes your muscles to both relax and loosen. The gentle heat not only warms your body on a cold winter’s day, it has some great healing benefits.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
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Relief for Pains and Strains. With the cold weather come many aches and pains. And as many people are aware, heat can be a powerful tool for relieving muscle soreness. Heat encourages your muscles and tendons to relax, relieving stiffness and increasing flexibility.
- Increased Circulation. Poor circulation is a common ailment during the winter when temperatures are down and physical activity is often reduced. Without proper circulation, your muscles can become stiff and lactic acid may build up. Hot stone massage therapy can help improve circulation by opening the blood vessels, making it easier for oxygen and nutrients to reach your muscles. Improved circulation also helps release toxins and supports lymphatic drainage and cell renewal.
- Stress Reduction. While there are many physical benefits of hot stone massage, stress relief is extremely beneficial to both the mind and body. The relaxing power of heat, combined with that of traditional massage therapy creates an amazing feeling of relaxation that lowers blood pressure, reduces anxiety, relieves insomnia, reduces fatigue and soothes symptoms of depression.
The power of hot stone massage can be combined with Swedish or deep-tissue massages for even greater physical and mental benefits. The warmth of hot stone massage combined with more intense forms of massage therapy is especially beneficial to those with extreme muscle soreness or deep tissue pain. When scheduling your next appointment, ask your massage therapist what type of therapy is best for you.