Hot stone massage gets rid of the tension, increases metabolism and circulation, and eases muscle stiffness. Every one and a half hour hot stone massage session promotes deep muscle relaxation by using of water-heated, smooth stones at the key points in the body. The professional massage therapists incorporate also a customized massage through using hot stones that offers improved benefits.
Below are some of the benefits of getting hot stone massage:
Reduces Anxiety and Stress
According to American Massage Therapy Association, massage therapy can be very effective for stress relief. Research also supports their opinion. Based on the 2015 study, it was found that people who undergone abdominal colorectal surgery had less anxiety, tension, and pain after getting post-operative massage.
Helps Relieve Muscle Pain and Tension
Heat has been used to ease muscle pains and tensions many years ago and it helps boost one’s blood flow to the affected area. This could also increase flexibility as well as range of motion and reduce muscle spasms. Cold therapy may also help relieve inflammation. Depending on the symptoms, alternating cold and hot stones during your massage can be helpful.
Helps Relieve Symptoms of the Autoimmune Diseases
One of the benefits of hot stone massage is that it can relieve painful conditions like fibromyalgia, which is a condition that causes chronic, widespread pain. Based on a study in 2002, people who are suffering from fibromyalgia who get a thirty-minute massage slept on a longer period of time, had reduced substance levels, and had fewer trigger points in comparison to those who have condition and underwent relaxation therapy. However, more research is required before massage becomes the standard fibromyalgia treatment.
Promotes Sleep
In a 2006 literature review, it was found that massage can be an alternative to sleeping pills in adults who are experiencing insomnia. Research also showed that back massage promote sleep and relaxation. A 2001 study also shows that infants who have sleep issues were given with a fifteen minute massage by their parents went to sleep quickly. They’re also more active, alert, and positive after they woke up. Massage is also thought to help people enjoy more restorative sleep, even if it isn’t completely understood why. Based on a 2013 study, it was also found that people who have rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from moderate-pressure massage like hot stone massage. Participants in this study experienced greater grip strength, less pain, and greater motion range after a month of hot stone massage therapy.
Improves Immunity
Hot stone massage can give your immune system an instant boost. Based on a study, even a single session of this massage had acute and positive impact on one’s immunity. The blood samples taken after and before the massage showed a reduction in arginine-vasopressin, which is a hormone that helps regulate water retention and blood pressure.
Helps Decrease the Symptoms of Cancer
A big, 3-year study published examined how the hot stone massage affected fatigue, pain, anxiety, depression, nausea, and stress with people who suffered from cancer. The results show that this massage can improve the cancer symptoms even in those who have substantial symptoms. Aside from that, researchers also believe the comforting use of the human touch plays a role.