Warm stones for massage therapy have been in use for centuries. Their benefits are scientifically documented and can be traced back to ancient Chinese and Korean cultures, which used stones made from various minerals to warm muscles, relieve stiff joints and improve blood circulation. To prevent illness or injury and stay healthy, many people choose to get a message once a month or even more often.
A certified massage therapy practitioner will use various techniques, including compression, friction, cross-fibre friction and warm stones, to unblock any obstructions that may be causing pain. From treating stiffness in muscles and helping them to relax to improving circulation in the body, warm stones offer many benefits when used by expert masseuses.
Reduces Stiffness and Discomfort in Muscles
Warm stones can help reduce menstrual discomfort and help keep the organs healthy. They also work wonders when used for massage to relieve menstrual pain and discomfort. Mainly, this technique relaxes the muscles to increase blood circulation, which helps suppress muscle pain and stiffness. In addition, the heat helps relax the muscles and increases blood flow to warm up the muscle tissues and release tension.
Strengthens Muscles
When warm stones are placed on a body part, they can strengthen weakened muscles by distributing pressure evenly on them while they slowly absorb heat from the surrounding air. The heat helps loosen body tissues, making it easier for them to move through their ROM (range of motion), which stimulates muscle contractions that stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage, thus strengthening every cell in your body, including those of your muscles. As a result, you will feel more relaxed, have increased energy and have stronger muscles after the massage.
Improves Circulation
Applying heat helps warm up and release tension in the muscle tissues, which increases blood flow to the area. It also improves lymphatic drainage and the distribution of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body, muscle tissues, and joints. Stimulating blood flow is important since it brings oxygen-rich blood to soft tissue injuries or areas with inflammation, which helps heal. It also helps fight infection by delivering more oxygen throughout your body, which improves immune system functions.
Increases Flexibility
Heat applied to the body helps increase blood flow, oxygen and nutrients, improving muscle tissue flexibility. Heat can relax muscles, making them more flexible. Warm stones used in massage therapy can help relieve muscle spasms and stiffness. Stones radiate heat throughout your body, increasing blood flow and providing extra oxygen to your muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints, contributing to increased flexibility.
Prevents Injury or Illness
Apart from preventing injuries, getting a massage with warm stones also boosts recovery from any injury or accident. When massage is used, warm stones can help increase blood flow through the body, which supports and repairs damaged tissues. In addition, the increased circulation of blood helps in removing waste products, toxins and waste buildup from organs.
A massage therapist works closely with you to relieve your pain using many techniques, including compression, friction, pressure and hot stones to unblock any obstructions that may be causing pain.
Are Warm Stones Effective for Massage?
Warm stones are most effective when used in tandem with massage to provide maximum results. However, they can be used by professional masseurs who have been trained extensively in the use of warm stones. It is estimated that about 70 per cent of people have experienced some benefits from using warm stones for massage.
While anyone can get a warm stone massage from trained professionals, you should find one certified and licensed to work on injured muscles. A massage therapist will be legally stated upon registration with their state.