Hot Stone Massage
Hot Stone Massage therapy utilises both hot and cold stones, incorporated with massage techniques, in order to bring about a feeling of deep relaxation and well-being. The hot stones are usually volcanic rocks such as basalt and cold stones are marble or cool sedimentary stones. The stones are heated or chilled to varying temperatures and come in all shapes and sizes. The stones are placed on the client according to their needs and, when used with massage, can provide benefits that are not possible through normal massage.
Stone therapy is a thermotherapy, using stones to provide both heat and cold and the combination of alternating temperatures can be very beneficial. The heated volcanic stones are used on key acupressure sites and the heat relaxes the muscles, allowing for a much deeper massage. Alternatively, the stones can be used as a kind of “place marker”, letting the therapist know where more specific massage or treatments are needed.
The stones come in different shapes and sizes and the therapist will select the stones according to your needs.[1]
Benefits
Here are some benefits[2] of getting a hot stone massage:
- Helps relieve muscle tension and pain
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Promotes sleep
- May help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases
- May help decrease cancer symptoms
- May boost immunity
At IC Sports Therapies
We are pleased to advise that we are able to offer Hot Stone Massage as an extra treatment modality at our clinic.
[1] http://www.naturaltherapypages.com.au/massage/Massage_Stone_Therapy
[2] http://www.healthline.com/health/hot-stone-massage#Benefits2
