What is a Hot Stone Massage and How Does it Benefit the Body?

What is a Hot Stone Massage and How Does it Benefit the Body?

A hot stone massage is a type of table massage that uses warm stones for pain relief, stress relief, and relaxation from muscle tension and spasms.  However, the use of warmed stones during a massage has many other surprising benefits. Read on to learn about the unique health benefits associated with hot stone massage.

What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage

Smooth flat stones often made of volcanic rock, that retain heat, are heated to a temperature typically between 130°-145° F. The hot stones will then be strategically placed on your body. Common locations for the placement of the stones may include the spine, stomach, chest, face, feet, and palms. The stones will remain on the body during your massage treatment. Depending upon the type of massage you’ve booked, the stones may also be moved along the body in sweeping, therapeutic motions.

What to Expect: Health Benefits Associated with Hot Stone Massages

A hot stone massage can provide both physical health benefits and mental health benefits. Some of the most common results that patients experience from this type of massage therapy are as follows.

Pain Relief

Heat has long been used to soothe aching or painful muscles. Consider that heating pads, and sports creams that warm when applied to the skin have long been used to soothe aches and pains. Likewise, a soak in a hot bath or jacuzzi tub is regularly recommended for professional athletes. The reason? The heat helps increase blood flow. Oxygen and nutrient-rich blood help to heal small tears in muscles responsible for pain. Hot stone massage, therefore, helps to increase blood flow, which can reduce muscle spasms, promote healing, and nourish your muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

Anxiety and Stress Relief

Studies have concluded that massages activate the body’s parasympathetic nerve system (PSNS). The PNSN is your body’s network of nerves responsible for helping you to calm down following stress, or real or perceived danger. Just 10 minutes of massage has been proven to help stimulate this system.

Reduction in Inflammation

Inflammatory diseases and conditions, including autoimmune diseases, lead to both joint pain (rheumatoid, psoriatic arthritis) and widespread generalized pain (fibromyalgia). A multitude of studies has linked massage therapy, including hot stone massage and trigger point massages with relief from pain.

Improved Sleep

Because massage is known to reduce anxiety and stress, it can also help those who struggle to sleep fall asleep faster. Experts also suspect that massage may play a role in experiencing more restorative sleep.

Immunity Boost

Studies analyzing blood samples before and after receiving a massage found that massages may boost your immunity, by decreasing the level of a hormone called arginine vasopressin. Moreover, as circulation is boosted through massage, the body is also nourished with oxygen and nutrient-rich blood essential for warding off disease.

Depending on your unique pain, tension, or injuries, your therapist may use a combination of these and other therapies including sports massage, trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy, and more.

Book Hot Stone Massages in Eugene Today

Hot stones may be added to a variety of massage services in Eugene, including Swedish massage, sports massage, myofascial release, trigger point therapy, neuromuscular therapy, and others. Book an appointment online or call 541-484-3055 to schedule a massage at our top-reviewed massage and acupuncture clinic in Eugene.