If you love a little luxury and self-care day, you should try a hot stone massage!
Perfect for tired, aching muscles, a hot massage is a great way to pamper your body and mind with the ultimate relaxation.
Here’s why our team of expert massage therapists swear by the benefits of a hot stone massage.
What is a Hot Stone Massage?
First things first, let’s get clear on a definition. A hot stone massage is a great massage therapy where, you guessed it, hot stones are placed on the body to relieve tension and promote relaxation.
Normally the massage therapist would start with a traditional massage, before adding the hot stones for additional benefits.
How Does Hot Stone Therapy Work?
The hot stones are usually made of basalt and heated to between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius, which means they radiate heat onto the areas of the body.
This is said to promote blood flow and help the muscles to relax, which reduces tension in the body and creates a calming experience.
The masseuse might let the hot stones simply lay on specific, tense parts of your body, or they may use the stones themselves to massage certain areas.
Does Using Hot Stones Cause Discomfort
50-60 degrees Celsius might sound painfully hot – but don’t worry!
That’s just the temperature the stones get heated to, they cool quickly and may be several degrees cooler by the time they reach your skin. They have to be cool enough for your massage therapist to pick up and handle them, so they won’t let you burn.
Stones are also placed on specific zones that can handle a bit more heat and are kept away from sensitive, easily damaged body parts.
Pros and Cons of a Hot Massage
With all the different types of massage out there, you might be wondering what sets a hot stone massage apart. Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of hot massages.
The Advantages of a Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is considered one of the best forms of massage therapy for relaxation, relieving tension, and releasing strained muscles. The heat from the stones is also a powerful form of pain relief, which is a bonus if you struggle with knots or concentrated areas of tension.
Because the stones are placed at very precise points of the body meant to balance energy, they can also leave you feeling relaxed and revitalised as you nourish your mind, body, and soul.
These little hot stones sure pack a punch – they make hot stone massage one of the most effective and efficient forms of massage. You can get a whole lot of benefits in a particularly short amount of time!
The Disadvantages of a Hot Stone Massage
As great as a hot stone massage is, it may not be for everyone. If you’re sensitive to heat or have a skin condition like rosacea, then this wouldn’t be the massage for you.
People with a history of blood clots are also advised to steer clear because it can add an extra risk factor.
Finally, you should also consider the type of massage you’re after. A hot stone massage is great for muscular care but is different from an aromatherapy massage or lymphatic massage.
If you have very specific goals in mind, then you’re best off doing a bit of research and picking a style of massage tailored to those.
5 Benefits of a Hot Stone Massage
So now you know some of the major advantages and disadvantages, let’s get into the nitty gritty of hot stone massage benefits.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
The process of getting a massage is deeply calming, with lovely essential oils and relaxing music playing.
Hot stones have a way of rapidly easing your muscles, body, and mind so that you experience more zen in less time.
Relieves Muscle Tension
Heat from the hot stones is a great way to get rid of knots and tension in your muscles so that they can relax and feel more limber.
Think of it as a reset for tense and tight muscles
Improves Sleep and Relaxation
You might find that after a hot massage, you sleep like a baby! This is because of the combination of mental relaxation, relieved muscle tension, extra circulation and a release of endorphins.
Boosts Immunity
By boosting circulation, promoting feel-good chemicals and helping to remove waste from the body, a hot stone massage can give you an extra immunity boost.
What a perfect way to warm up in those cold Winter months!
Reduces Inflammation
When the hot stones are placed on your body, they can dilate your blood vessels which allows fresh, nutrient and oxygen-rich blood to enter and removes waste buildup and inflammatory markers.
So if you think about it, a hot stone massage is the ultimate health hack!
Massage Services Offered by Wecasa
Is anyone else craving a good massage right about now? Well, the good news is that Wecasa can help bring the massage to you!
We work with local massage therapists and masseuses, who can come deliver a world-class massage in the comfort of your own home.
Book your massage through Wecasa for next-level luxury and relaxation.
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