7 Benefits of Hot Stone Massage You Probably Didn't Know About

Most people only think that hot stone massage is a regular massage with some warm stones added for effect. A bit of a gimmick. I understand why the outside looks this way. In fact, the heat changes the effect of the treatment on the body, and the differences are greater than one might expect.

If you're considering a hot stone massage near Kenilworth and you cannot decide if it is worth paying the extra for the standard one, here are the things that usually make the first-timers surprised. Some of these benefits come to you within minutes. Others work in your body over the next couple of days without your even realising it.

1. The heat takes care of your warming-up phase

In a standard massage, the therapist usually spends the first part of the time trying to get the muscles to relax. Using warm stones achieves the same result in a much shorter time span. Since the heat penetrates and relaxes the muscles before the therapist applies any pressure, the rest of the session can be more thorough with less effort on the part of the therapist. It is in fact a warm-up that the muscles will be thankful for.

2. It eases deep tension without deep pressure

The heat from the stones penetrates the muscles at a deep level relaxing them and making it easier for the therapist to work on the areas of muscle knots and tightness which usually require fairly firm (and sometimes uncomfortable) pressure treatment. So if the reason you have always stayed away from deep tissue massage was that it hurt you, hot stone massage might be a gentler way of achieving the same effect.

3. A hot stone massage can do wonders for sleep.

Many clients come to us reporting that they had the best sleep when they had a hot stone massage done. It makes sense, doesn't it? The heat and slow rhythm help in lowering the activity of the nervous system which is the same change that occurs in your body just before you fall asleep. If you find yourself lying awake at night with thoughts racing through your head, then you should definitely give this therapy a try.

4. It melts the stress you've stopped noticing

Quite a few of us have been so accustomed to the feeling of stress that our jaw is clenched and our shoulders remain in a raised position near our ears without us realising it. The key to helping you switch off this kind of tightness is the combination of the warmth and the slow steady movements of the massage. Most of the people only discover how tense they were after the experience of their body and mind gradually relaxing.

5. It gets your circulation moving

Heat triggers the dilation of blood vessels close to the surface of the skin, making blood flow a tad faster while the stones are there. That is one of the reasons why after a session, your extremities feel warm, and why some people report feeling less of that heavy, slow sensation in their tired legs.

6. It can soothe aches that won't shift

Persistent lower-back tightness, that spot under the shoulder blade where there's a knot, the stiffness that gets worse after sitting for a whole day. Heat ranks among the most traditional treatments for muscle pain and the combination of heat with expert hands often gets to the layer of pain that a heating pad on its own can't.

7. It leaves your head clearer, not just your body looser

This is the part that's almost impossible to explain until you've experienced it. You do not merely leave the place physically relaxed. A quiet, somewhat light feeling of clear-headedness is what properly switching off for an hour brings, and for many it is this mental refreshment that really makes them come back for another appointment.

That doesn't mean hot stone is fantastic for all people or times. Then again, if the only image you have of a hot stone is a nicer version of a normal massage, then maybe it should get the proper treatment. Besides your shoulders, a good night's sleep might also be one of the benefits.

FAQs

How heated are the stones?

Quite warm and giving a sense of comfort, never burning. They are raised to a closely monitored temperature, and a masseur touches the stones to themselves as well as to the client before putting them in place. If a stone still seems too hot, voice it.

How long does a hot stone massage take? 

Typically 60 to 90 minutes. The longer-in-duration sessions provide time to allow the stones to warm the muscles deeply so that a minimum of one hour or even more usually results in the best effects.

Is a hot stone massage safe for all people? 

For many people around, yes. Yet, it is not advisable during pregnancy or if you have some conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or skin problems; it is necessary to check it first. Tell us about any health problems when you are booking, and we will arrange a consultation for you.

Will I feel sore afterwards?

Few people report a mild tenderness what comes next day, similar to what one may get after a massage. Most of the time, the feeling goes away after 24 hours, and keeping hydrated Yes helps.

What should I wear?

You will be draped with towels during the massage, and you will only undress to the level you are comfortable with.

How often should I book one? 

For general relaxation, most of the people find that once a month is enough. For dealing with present tension or stress, getting a massage every two or three weeks might work better.