Hot stone massage - for whom?

Massage is a well-known method for dealing with various ailments and a decline in mental condition for centuries. A particularly health-beneficial form of massage variation is the use of hot stones, which can achieve significantly better therapeutic effects than in the case of a classical treatment. During one session, the patient benefits not only from manual massage but also from thermotherapy. Additionally, masseurs often reach for essential oils used in aromatherapy, which have relaxing and calming effects. However, who will be most satisfied with the hot stone massage, and who should opt for a different treatment?

Hot Stone Massage – indications and course

The hot stone massage usually lasts about 90 minutes, during which the masseur rubs and kneads the muscles with basalt stones heated to about 50 degrees Celsius. Smaller stones are placed on the feet, hands, and face, while larger ones are used to apply pressure, for example, along the spine. The masseur usually attends to the whole body, although the greatest attention is paid to the areas that the person undergoing the treatment indicated as particularly painful.

This type of massage has a positive effect on the circulatory system, also improves skin elasticity. Furthermore, it promotes muscle relaxation and helps achieve a state of deep relaxation. Therefore, individuals who should consider such a treatment are especially those who:

• struggle with the consequences of injuries, e.g., muscle and joint pain;
• want to support their body in returning to full health after an exhausting illness;
• complain of back pain caused by sedentary work and an unhealthy lifestyle;
• are stressed, suffer from insomnia, and deal with excessive nervous tension;
• are looking for effective ways to reduce cellulite and improve skin condition, e.g., after losing weight.

Contraindications for Hot Stone Massage

Although stone massage is considered safe, not everyone can freely use it. In case of any doubts regarding the possibility of performing the treatment, it is necessary to consult a doctor, additionally, masseurs also conduct an interview at the beginning of the visit. The session should be canceled or postponed in cases such as: extensive skin lesions, certain cardiological diseases, active infections, tumors. Furthermore, it is important to choose only professional offices in SPA hotels, rehabilitation centers, or aesthetic medicine clinics, where individuals with appropriate qualifications to perform such treatments work. Conducting such a massage requires substantial knowledge and experience, e.g., because the stones must be heated to the proper temperature (too high will cause burns, too low will not allow achieving the desired results).

If there are no contraindications, it is worth at least once to choose a hot stone massage. A good idea is to refrain from demanding activities after the session – it is better to devote the rest of the day to rest and thus prolong the pleasant feeling of calm and relaxation.