What is a Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy that has been trending in recent years. The stone used is not just any stone, you know! Professional hot stone massage places usually use basalt stone, a type of volcanic stone that can maintain heat for a long time.

Apparently, this massage technique is not only good for getting rid of rheumatic aches, but also beneficial to reduce your risk of cancer. How come?

What is it like to be massaged with a hot stone?

During massage, some mashed hot stones will be placed at certain points of the body, such as along the spine, above the abdomen, on the chest, face, palms, feet, and toes. A massage therapist who handles you can use a variety of massage techniques using these stones, starting with the elongated movements when scraping, circular, vibrated through special tools, tapping on the body, or movements such as kneading the dough.

Sometimes, cold stones are also used in this therapy. Cold stones are usually placed after the hot stone is removed, the goal is to soothe the skin and blood vessels that are dilated due to heat.

Various benefits of hot stone massage

1. Reducing rheumatic aches

Heat has long been known to reduce various complaints of muscle stiffness and pain. Heat can increase blood flow in the tense area.

2. Reducing stress and anxiety

A 2001 study showed that pjiat for 10 minutes can improve cardiac response. While other studies show that a 15-minute massage on a massage bench at work can significantly reduce stress compared to a 15-minute break without massage. The American Massage Therapy Association also states that massage therapy is an effective method for relieving stress.

3. Make you sleep well

Massage is known to help you enjoy a better quality sleep, although it is not yet fully known why. A literature study shows that massage can be an effective choice besides sleeping pills for people with insomnia. The research shows that massage on the back can help improve relaxation and help sleep. Other studies also show that babies who have difficulty sleeping when given a 15-minute massage by their parents will be able to sleep faster. In addition, they will also be more active and refreshed when they wake up.

4. Relieves symptoms of autoimmune diseases

Hot stone massage can relieve pain due to medical conditions such as fibromyalgia. A study shows that fibromyalgia sufferers who get a massage for 30 minutes will sleep more late and experience a decrease in substance that can trigger pain. Other studies have also shown that hot stone massage can provide benefits for rheumatoid sufferers. The participants of this study experienced a decrease in pain intensity, better grip strength, and were able to move more freely after undergoing 1 month of massage therapy.

5. Reducing the risk of cancer symptoms

A large three-year study showed that massage can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, nausea, and fatigue in cancer patients. The study shows that the massage technique commonly used in hot stone massage can help sufferers in dealing with the symptoms of cancer. Researchers believe that soothing touches from humans play a role in this.

6. Increase endurance

A study in 2010 showed that massage can increase endurance immediately. Blood samples taken from participants before and after massage showed a decrease in levels of arginine-vasopressin, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure and water retention.

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