Heat Therapy Massage Treatment (Hot Stone) 

Massage therapy has become a mainstream treatment for common ailments like back pain, stress and anxiety. Now that the public has become more comfortable with massage as a form of health care, some of the lesser known forms of this ancient art begun to gain notice, such as the Hot Stone Massage technique. Also known as Heat Therapy Massage Treatment, this massage technique can be incorporated into the more familiar forms of massage such as Deep Muscle, Swedish or Shiatsu. Although some might believe stone massages to be a new spa fad, the technique of using stones dates back to 2700 B.C. in China. In "The Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine," the use of massage and stones for the health of internal organs was noted, as well as in the traditional healing methods in ancient Europe, Africa and Americas.

In a Hot Stone Massage, the masseuse heats smooth basalt stones heated in water to degrees over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. With a sheet or other material in place to prevent burning, the massage therapist places the stones over specific points on the client's body, either sore areas or acupressure points, to deepen the client's relaxation or flow. The stones are typically left in place for several minutes or some masseuses will use the stones in their hands as they massage the body. Both styles bring focused heat to targeted areas for a deepening of the soothing, relaxing effect of massage therapy.

As with all massage bodywork, the Hot Stone technique helps to relieve aches, tension and pains. Massage can also lower blood pressure, reduce headaches or migraines and can help shed the body of toxins. Heat Therapy massage has been found to be particularly effective in the treatment of carpal tunnel symptoms, muscle sprains, acute bursitis, sports injuries and bruises. The technique also helps alleviate knots from long-held tension that the prolonged heat can help release. The popularity and effectiveness of the Hot Stones technique has also given rise to using the treatment in conjunction with facial and foot massages for their ability to deepen the bodywork with heat.

References:

Web MD - http://www.webmd.com/balance/massage-therapy-styles-and-health-benefits?page=2

National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork - http://www.ncbtmb.org/consumers_massage_facts.php

American Massage Therapy Association - http://www.amtamassage.org/articles/3/MTJ/detail/2204