The benefits of hot stone massage are not only for getting rid of stiff pains

Massage with hot stones (hot stone massage) is a type of massage therapy that has been trending in recent years. The stones used are not just any stones, you know! A professional hot stone massage station usually uses basalt, a type of volcanic rock that can retain heat over a long period of time.

It turns out that this massage technique is not only good for getting rid of sore aches, but also useful for reducing your risk of cancer. How come?

What is it like to have a hot stone massage?

During the massage, some hot, mashed stones will be placed in certain points of the body, such as along the spine, above the stomach, on the chest, face, palms, feet, and toes. The massage therapist who handles you can use a variety of massage techniques using these stones, starting from longitudinal movements such as when scraping, circular, vibrating through special tools, tapping the body, or movements such as kneading dough.

Sometimes, cold stones are also used in this therapy. Cold stones are usually placed after the hot stone has been removed, the purpose of which is to soothe the skin and blood vessels that are dilated due to the heat.

Various benefits of hot stone massage

1. Reducing muscle aches and pains

Heat has long been known to reduce various complaints of muscle stiffness and pain. Heat can increase blood flow in tense areas.

2. Reducing stress and anxiety

A 2001 study showed that 10 minutes of exercise can increase heart response. While other research shows that massage for 15 minutes on a massage bench at work can reduce stress significantly compared to 15 minutes of rest without massage. The American Massage Therapy Association also states that massage therapy is an effective method of relieving stress.

3. Make you sleep soundly

Massage is known to help you enjoy better quality sleep, although it's not entirely clear why. A literature study shows that massage can be an effective option besides sleeping pills for people with insomnia. The research shows that massage on the back can help promote relaxation and promote sleep. Other studies have also shown that babies who have difficulty sleeping when given a massage for 15 minutes by their parents, will be able to sleep faster. In addition, they will also be more active and refreshed when they wake up.

4. Relieves symptoms of autoimmune diseases

Hot stone massage can provide pain relief from medical conditions such as fibromyalgia. A study shows that fibromyalgia sufferers who get a 30-minute massage will sleep more nights and experience a decrease in substances that can trigger pain. Other studies have also shown that hot stone massage can provide benefits for people with rheumatism. The study participants experienced reduced pain intensity, better grip strength, and were able to move more freely after 1 month of massage therapy.

5. Reducing the risk of cancer symptoms

A large study conducted over three years showed that massage can reduce stress, anxiety, depression, nausea, and fatigue in cancer sufferers. The study shows that massage techniques commonly used in hot stone massage can help sufferers deal with cancer symptoms. Researchers believe that the soothing touch of humans plays a role in this.

6. Increase endurance

A study in 2010 showed that massage can increase endurance immediately. Blood samples taken from study participants before and after the massage showed decreased levels of arginine-vasopressin, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure and water retention.

The risks that you need to know before massaging with hot stones

Hot stone massage is generally safe when performed by a trained therapist. However, there are several medical conditions that should be of particular concern. Consult your doctor first before doing hot stone massage if you have:

• Blood disorders or taking blood thinners
• Skin burns
• Open wound
• History of blood clots
• Operation history in the last 6 weeks
• Fracture or severe osteoporosis
• Low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia)
• Diabetes

To avoid skin burns, it is common for your skin to be covered with a towel or cheesecloth before placing the hot stone. Also ask the therapist how they heat the stone. The stone should be heated with a special tool for massage. Never use a stone heated by:

• Microwave
• Slow cooker
• Hot disc (hot plate)
• Oven

For optimal results, make sure you are only having a trained massage. If you experience pain during or one day after the massage, tell your therapist right away. This may occur due to too much pressure, which affects the deeper layers of the body's tissues.