Hot stone massage, as the name suggests, uses smooth hot stones by placing them on different targeted areas of the body during a massage session. This ancient practice of using hot stones for pain relieving finds its origin in the ancient Asian and Egyptian practices. Indians used hot river stones, Chinese used shaped stones called Bian to treat diseases and in Hawaii also people used heated lava rocks to relieve pain. This ancient practice was formally introduced in massage therapy in 1993 as LaStone Therapy. Overtime, that came to take the form of what we today know as Hot Stone Massage. 

Things required for a hot stone massage

Hot stone massage needs some preparations beforehand. Things needed for a good hot stone massage session include:
  • Massage table
  • Clean towels and sheets 
  • Smooth stones of various sizes
  • Boiling water 
  • Tongs (or something to pick up hot stones)
  • Oil for massage
The stones should be heated only with boiling water. Never place the stones directly on a stove or a frying pan. The stones should just be the right temperature (138-145 degrees) hot enough to be held in hand. Too cold stones will not make the massage effective and too hot stones will burn the skin. 

Procedure of a hot stone massage

The procedure of hot stone massage is simple and effective. Hot stones are placed  on different areas of your front body like forehead, cheeks, chin, palms, sternum and collar bones. With another hot stone oil is applied and massage is done on the front side of the body. After some time, this procedure is repeated on the backside of the body with fresh hot stones.  

Technique of hot stone massage

Hot stone massage uses the technique of heat and pressure for pain relief. It uses hot stones for the application of heat and putting pressure with the weight of stones at specific joints or knots. It also uses other massage techniques like keading, circular movements, vibrations or long strokes. Hot stone massage can also be incorporated into other types of massages like Swedish massage or Deep tissue massage. With smooth stones, this massage uses the element of earth among the five different elements for therapeutic purposes. 

Benefits of hot stone massage

Some benefits of hot stone massage are as follows:
  • Promotes muscle relaxation
  • Aids pain relief
  • Helps in depression
  • Improves blood circulation
  • Improves sleep
  • Reduces inflammation
  • Improves flexibility
  • Reduces anxiety and stress
  • May help in relieving symptoms of autoimmune diseases and cancer

Contraindications of hot stone massage

Hot stone massage is one of the safest massage techniques. But, if you have one of the following conditions, do not try hot stone massage therapy without consulting a doctor:
  • Open wounds
  • Burns of the skin
  • A history of blood clots
  • A bleeding disorder 
  • If you take blood thinners
  • Surgery in last two months
  • Severe osteoporosis 
  • Fracture
  • Diabetes
  • Low platelet count
 

Hot stone massage in Newport RI

If you want to experience a rejuvenating session of hot stone massage in Newport RI, contact Kenji Omori Massage. With our professionally trained and certified massage practitioners, we stand out providing the best massage therapists in and around Newport RI. At Kenji Omori, we believe that a therapeutic touch has the power to restore and activate the body's natural healing power. We provide both Eastern and Western Massage Therapies by dedicated professionals. Every individual’s condition is first evaluated and then an appropriate massage therapy is suggested to suit the requirements and conditions of the individual.  So, next time if you, your family or friends experience pain, stress or anxiety in Newport, contact Kenji Omori for the best Hot Stone Massage Therapy in Newport, RI. 

Conclusion

Hot stone massage is one of the Eastern massage techniques which originated from the ancient Asian and Egyptian practices. It uses hot smooth stones to massage. These stones are heated using hot water and placed along specific body points. The heat and pressure of hot stones promotes relaxation. Then other massage techniques are used with oil and hot stone to massage the body.  There are multiple benefits of this massage type. Few important ones which give it the nature of a therapy are: it promotes relaxation, relieves pain and improves sleep and blood circulation. But if you have certain conditions as mentioned in the post above, it is better to consult the doctor before booking a hot stone massage therapy session.  If you have a nagging pain in some muscle or are tired of life in general, hot stone massage will give you instant relief. Book your session now, and experience the benefits immediately!

Frequently asked questions

How do you heat stones for massage?

The only and the best way to heat stones for the massage are professional massage stone heaters using hot water. They should not be heated using microwaves, hot plates, cookers, ovens or frying pans.  

What type of massage is a hot stone massage?

Hot stone massage is an Eastern massage therapy which uses hot flat massage stones for applying heat and pressure during the massage. It relaxes the tired muscles, reduces stress and anxiety and promotes sleep.   

Who should not have a hot stone massage?

People with the following conditions should avoid a hot stone massage:
  • Open wounds
  • Burns of the skin
  • A history of blood clots
  • A bleeding disorder 
  • If you take blood thinners
  • Surgery in last two months
  • Severe osteoporosis 
  • Fracture
  • Diabetes
  • Low platelet count
If they want to undergo this massage, they have to consult the doctor before booking the session.

Is a hot stone massage for the full body?

Hot stone massage is for the entire body from head to toe. It harmonizes and rebalances the energy points located throughout the body. 

Does hot stone massage burn fat?

Hot stone massage improves blood circulation, which in turn helps to reduce fat and cellulite. It will definitely speed up your weight loss journey. 

How long should a hot stone massage last?

A hot stone massage may last up to 40-70 minutes. 

What happens after a hot stone massage?

A hot stone massage increases the lymphatic flow and thus helps the body to detox and heal naturally. It is advised to drink plenty of water after the massage session to help flush out toxins.