Stone massage is performed in massage and beauty spas. This type of massage promotes relaxation and improves metabolism and the overall condition of the body.

What is stone therapy?

The name of stone therapy comes from the English word “stone,” which means “rock.” The whole point is that the massage is performed using smooth heated stones. The stones are heated to a specific temperature and placed on various areas of the body. Because they give off their warmth, a person relaxes and their muscles warm up. Stone therapy is suitable for men and women of all ages.

Each massage stone should be placed on a specific area of the body. In addition to this, certain massage movements are performed with the stones. Sometimes hot and cold stones are alternated to achieve greater contrast.

During a hot stone massage:

biologically active areas of the body are stimulated;
deep kneading and bodywork are performed using warming or cooling;
vibromassage is applied.

If you want to try this pleasant and useful procedure, visit a good massage center, where you will receive decent attention and professional services.

Types of Stone Therapy (Stone Massage)

As of today, there are several unique techniques for performing stone massage:

Hot – the stones used are heated to a temperature of 40-55 degrees Celsius.
Cold – the stones, on the contrary, cool down to a temperature of 0 degrees and below.
Contrast – cold and hot stones are combined.
Massage using precious stones (e.g., jade massage)

Based on their purpose, massages can be divided into the following:

classic
modeling
energy
aromatic.

What types of stones are used for massage?

The effectiveness of stone therapy largely depends on the correct choice of massage material. It is believed that properly chosen stones can energize a person with life force due to their natural properties.

Volcanic stones of different types are used for the work:

Jade
White marble
Basalt; Jadeite
Rock crystal
Large pebbles
Turquoise
Hematite
Aventurine
Sea
Rose quartz

Due to their smooth shape and porous structure, volcanic materials cool down more slowly and, consequently, release heat for a longer period. They are also rich in magnesium and iron.

Hot stone massage

For this type of stone therapy, flat and smooth stones are chosen that can retain heat. They are lubricated with an aromatic mixture and heated to 54-62°C, after which they are placed on the body in the areas of massage points. Typically, warm stones are placed along the spine, on the abdomen, chest, palms, and also between the toes. Warm minerals create deep tissue heating, including muscles and bones.

Contributes to:

Pain relief;
To improve blood circulation;
Stress relief;
Sleep normalization;
To improve the body’s condition.

Cold stone massage

This stone therapy is less well-known, but it is effective for relaxation and health improvement. Specifically, cold stone therapy helps with headaches and sinus diseases. Small, smooth stones are usually used, the temperature of which is significantly lower than room temperature (it can be from +10 to 0°C).

The procedure helps:

To relieve the symptoms of sinusitis;
Relieving headaches;
Relieving discomfort from injuries;
To improve mood.

The main stages of the stone therapy procedure

The procedure involves several stages:

It all starts with moisturizing the skin using aromatic oils;
Laying stones along the spine, as well as on the abdomen, arms, lower back, shoulders, and other parts of the body to achieve maximum relaxation of the body;
When using stones, they are distinguished by size and placed on the body in proportion to the active points;
Stone massage of the skin by alternating hot and cold stones, starting with the feet and gradually moving up the legs, hips, arms, and other parts of the body.

Massage technique

The massage lasts about an hour, sometimes longer depending on the area being treated. It’s important to create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere. The room always has relaxing music playing, the lights are often dimmed, and relaxing scents and oils are used.

All stones are disinfected and then heated or cooled in a special device.

First and foremost, the therapist warms up the client’s body with special massage oil. Then he places the stones on the biologically active points on the back, lower back, legs, and arms. To stimulate the acupuncture points, the massage therapist presses, rubs, or strokes specific areas of the body. Sometimes massage can be performed on the abdomen, chest, neck, or face.

After the session is over, the patient is covered with a towel or sheet and left to lie down for a while longer.

Advantages and benefits of stone therapy

The effects of stone massage last for a long time, rather than disappearing within a few minutes.

The main effect is weight loss and body shaping, but other positive effects after stone therapy should also be noted:

Blood pressure, breathing, and pulse return to normal;
Mood and performance improve, and the emotional state stabilizes;
Thermoregulation processes are enhanced in hot and cold weather; An effective way to relieve stress and reduce anxiety levels;
Muscle spasms decrease;
Headaches, migraines, and dizziness disappear;
Appetite normalizes, and the tendency to overeat decreases;
Metabolic processes are activated;
Toxins are eliminated;
The skin’s natural elasticity is restored;
The figure is corrected, contours become more defined, and cellulite, on the contrary, decreases.

The combined effect of cosmetic procedures, essential oils, incense, and massage will bring an incredible effect and rejuvenation to the entire body.

What is stone therapy? Types, execution techniques, descriptions, and benefits