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Hot stone massage therapy is among the most popular alternative wellness treatments practiced around the world. The mental and physical benefits of this approach often goes overlooked. Hot Stone Therapy in Exeter has the potential to improve sleep, relieve stress, ease muscular pain and promote an individual's overall wellbeing. This ancient massage technique involves placing heated stones on the patient's back. The heat emitted from these stones are able to penetrate the skin and loosen the muscular knots enabling the massage therapist to work better on these areas. Despite all that the majority of people are unaware of how hot stone massage benefits them, hence are unable to search for a suitable massage centre or therapist who provides this service.
Reading this blog would help understand what aspects to look for when searching for the hot stone massage specialist in your area.
What is a Hot Stone Massage?
To put things simply, the overall treatment of hot stone therapy implies the application of smooth, flat stones over the patient's body. These stones are usually heated although cold stones are also used in certain scenarios. Massage therapists often blend both approaches to yield maximum relief.
This massage technique is generally applied in two approaches:
[1] Stones are either placed on the patient's back while they are lying down in supine position or underneath them. The positioning of the stones depends on the type of therapeutic effect the patient is opting for. The heat released from the stones is able to penetrate the various layers of the patient's musculature, providing a therapeutic effect which is further enhanced by the weight of the stones on the client.
[2] An alternative approach implemented by the massage therapist is using the stones as a massage tool. A trained massage therapist is able to use the stones to apply pressure on the client's muscles transferring energy and removing fatigue.
The technique behind hot stone therapy tends to vary depending on the physiological or energy systems the therapist is adhering to. In some instances, the therapy uses hot stone massage therapy as a means of activating the patient's meridian channels as followed in traditional Chinese medicine. These are also referred to as Chakras in Ayurveda. In medical practices, hot stones are effective in targeting the client's muscular, lymphatic and central nervous systems.
In other words, hot stone massage therapy can be applied in a variety of ways. The therapist can even choose to follow both the physiological and energetic goals of this massage modality. It all boils down to the intent applied through the treatment.
How does Hot Stone Therapy Benefit You?
As discussed earlier, during a hot stone massage smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on specific parts of the patient's body. These stones can be comprised of basalt or any other type of volcanic rock capable of retaining heat. These stones are heated between 130 to 145 degrees on average.
These stones are placed on the following areas of the body:
· Along the spine
· On the chest
· On the Stomach
· On the Face
· On the Palms
· On the Feet and Toes
The massage therapist can also choose to hold the stones in their hands while using the stones to apply therapeutic movements like:
· Kneading
· Vibration
· Tapping
· Long Strokes
· Circular Movements
In some cases, cold stones are placed following the application of hot stones to help calm swollen blood cells. It is also effective in smoothening the skin.
Here are some of the advantages of attending a hot stone massage session:
Relieves Muscular Tension and Pain
Heat has been universally applied to help ease muscular tension and pain. It helps increase the flow of blood to the areas under stress. It is effective in reducing muscular spasms, increasing flexibility and range of motion. Alternatively, cold stone therapy is known relieve muscular inflammation. The choice of treatment can vary depending on the symptoms the patient is experiencing.
Helps Reduce Stress and Anxiety
A study conducted by the American Massage Therapy Association observed that ten-minutes of hot stone therapy instantly improved cardiovascular responses in the body. In fact, this form of therapy has been found to significantly reduce stress in an individual.
Promotes Healthy Sleep Patterns
Hot stone massage is also an effective treatment that can help improve sleep patterns. Infants struggling with sleep were able to sleep faster and better after just 15 minutes of massage therapy. They also felt more active and alert throughout the day, thus implying that hot stone massage therapy cam affect a form of positive awakening. It enables an individual to enjoy the full effects of restorative sleep.
Counters Autoimmune Diseases
Hot stone massage has been found to alleviate chronic health conditions like fibromyalgia. A study done in 2002 revealed that by receiving 30 minutes of hot stone therapy, the patient was able to sleep better, and had fewer painful triggers. This form of massage is able to reduce the secretion of the substance P in the body which is known to transmit pain signals.
Boosts Overall Immunity
Experiencing the hot stone massage is able to give the immune system a significant boost. It can have an immense effect on the body's immune system as it helps regulate blood pressure and water retention.
Choosing a Quality Spa that provides Hot Stone Therapy
While considering a spa or massage centre for hot stone massage therapy, it is important to review what other services do they provide. Such spas usually have their services enlisted on their website along with price listing. Reviewing these services and comparing them with that enlisted in other spas will help justify the price of the center one is opting for.
Keep in mind that the price of services does not determine the quality of the treatment or its effectiveness. Although in some cases, a higher price may indicate better quality of services however they also need to accommodate their client's expectations.
The massage should be executed by an experienced massage practitioner, preferably someone with several positive reviews. It is also important to check whether the massage practitioner possesses the appropriate license. However, the validity of the license or certification tends to vary with the state. It is okay to call the spa and enquire whether their massage practitioners are certified experts and which institute did they acquire their license from.
The performance of a massage therapist can also vary. Some masseuses are able to locate the exact spot where their patient is experiencing discomfort. They may need to visit the spa to get a firsthand experience of what to expect.
Conclusion
Overall, hot stone massage therapy helps provide profound benefits to an individual's body and mind. Research is still going on to ratify its various benefits. To find the best massage therapist in Exeter one could call around nearby spas and request a consultation. The ideal therapist would take time to furnish a potential client with all the details they need to opt for hot stone therapy.
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