A hot stone massage is a type of therapeutic massage. It is used to help you relax and relieve tight muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout your body.
During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on specific parts of the body . The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat. According to the University of New Hampshire Health Service, hot massage stones are heated to 130 to 145 degrees.
Sometimes it's cold stones, even during a hot stone massage used. Cold stones can be used after hot stones to soothe clogged blood vessels and soothe the skin.
Heat has long been used to relieve muscle tension and pain. Helps increase blood flow to the affected area. It can also reduce muscle spasms and increase flexibility and range of motion. Cold therapy helps reduce inflammation.
Depending on your symptoms, it may be helpful to alternate hot and cold stones during the massage.
The position of the American Massage Therapy Association is that "Massage therapy may be effective in reducing stress". Research supports his opinion. A 2001 study showed that a 10-minute massage improved cardiovascular responses such as stroke volume.
A 1997 study found that 15-minute chair massages at work significantly reduced stress compared to a 15-minute break without a massage.
A 2015 study Confidence The Source found that people who underwent abdominal bowel surgery had less pain, tension and anxiety after postoperative massage.
A 2006 review of the literature found that massage may be an alternative to sleeping pills for adults with
insomnia. Research has shown that back rubs help promote relaxation and sleep.
A 2001 study showed that babies with sleep problems who received a 15-minute massage from their parents fell asleep faster. They were also more awake, active and positive when they woke up. Massage is believed to help you enjoy a more restful sleep, although why is not fully understood.
Hot stone massage may relieve painful conditions like fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes chronic widespread pain. According to a 2002 study, people with fibromyalgia who received a 30-minute massage slept longer, had fewer trigger points, and had less substance P (a substance involved in the transmission of pain signals) than people with the condition who received one received relaxation therapy. However, more research is needed before massage becomes a standard treatment for fibromyalgia.
A 2013 studyTrusted Source
found that people with rheumatoid arthritis benefited from moderate-pressure massage, such as B. a hot stone massage can benefit. Study participants experienced less pain, increased grip strength, and greater range of motion after one month of massage therapy.
A large three-year study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management looked at how massage affects pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety, nausea and depression in 1,290 cancer patients. The study showed that massage, particularly Swedish massage, improved cancer symptoms, even in patients with significant symptoms. Researchers believe the calming use of human touch played a role.
Massage can boost your immune system. According to a 2010 studyTrusted source a single session of Swedish massage therapy had a positive and acute impact on immunity. Blood samples taken before and after the massage showed a decrease in arginine vasopressin, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure and water retention.