Understanding the 4 Benefits of a Hot Stone Massage
A hot stone massage is a popular complementary therapy for a ton of conditions. During a hot stone massage session, smooth, flat and heated stones are placed on certain parts of your body. It’s used to help people relax, easing tense muscles and damaged soft tissues. To prevent burns, there’s always a sort of barrier between the hot stones and the skin.
The stones used during a hot stone Davao massage session are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that, due to its high iron content, is able to retain heat for a long time. Basalt is a type of volcanic rock that retains the heat on the rocks. To give you an idea of how hot these rocks can get, they’re usually heated to between 130 and 145 degrees.
There are times when cold stones are also used during this kind of massage, usually after the hot stones to help ease engorged blood vessels and sooth the skin. Now, to help you learn more about this massage treatment, here are some of its benefits:
Helps Relieve Muscle Tension and Pain
Heat has long been used to help ease muscle tension and pain, as well as increase blood circulation to the affected area. It may also help lower muscle spasms and increase flexibility and range of motion. On the other hand, the cold in cold stones help relieve inflammation.
Depending on your symptoms, alternating between hot and cold stones during your massage may be helpful.
Lowers Stress and Anxiety
Any kind of massage therapy, not just a hot stone massage, can be effective for stress relief. A 2001 study proved that a ten-minute massage helped improved cardiovascular responses such as stroke volume.
On the other hand, a 1997 study showed that a 15-minute, onsite chair massage in the workplace significantly reduced stress, compared to a regular 15-minute break.
Helps Promote Better Sleep
A massage is found to be an alternative to sleeping pills for adults who are suffering from insomnia. Experts proved that a back massage helped promote relaxation and sleep.
Another study conducted in 2001 proved that infants with sleep problems were given a 15-minute massage by their parents and they went to sleep faster. They also became more alert, active, and positive upon waking up. Overall, massage is thought to help restore your sleep, although the reason why is not completely understood.
May Help Decrease Cancer Symptoms
A study examined how a massage affected pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety, nausea, and depression in 1,290 people who were diagnosed with cancer. The study showed that a massage – particularly a Swedish massage – improved cancer symptoms, even for people who are experiencing substantial symptoms.
Researchers also believe that the comforting use of the human touch played a huge role.
These are just some of the benefits you can experience during a hot stone Davao therapeutic massage session. It’s also best to ask your doctor first before you try out the therapy. There are certain people who’re not allowed to take this kind of therapy.
August 7, 2017