Stay Warm This Holiday Season with a Hot Stone Massage or Warm Bamboo Massage

Stay Warm This Holiday Season with a Hot Stone Massage or Warm Bamboo Massage

Colder winter weather often makes us want to stay indoors with a hot cup of tea and a warm blanket. It can also affect our muscles, making it difficult for them to contract, which causes a feeling of stiffness and discomfort in the body. When looking for ways to warm up, why not consider a hot stone massage?

THE BENEFITS OF A HOT STONE MASSAGE

It is believed that hot stones were once used by Native Americans to relieve aching muscles or joints in the body. Stones were warmed by the fire and then placed upon specific points of the body. Today, the heated rocks used for hot stone massage act as an extension of the massage therapist’s hands. Using stones of varying sizes and with varying amounts of pressure, the massage therapist moves the stones over the body in a very specific pattern to achieve ideal results.

Usually, hot stone massage begins with the individual lying face down as stones are placed along the spine. This can help to relieve particularly tense muscles so that they can be more easily massaged. The warming heat from the stones penetrates deeply into the muscles, bringing about relaxation and normal contraction.

Hot stone massage can provide many of the same benefits as Swedish massage, with the additional benefits provided by heat. It can provide deep relaxation, relief for tired and tight muscles and a better elimination of built-up toxins. It has even been said that hot stone massage can help provide relief to individuals who suffer arthritis, bursitis, depression, and insomnia. That being said, hot stone massage is not recommended for individuals who suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure, who take blood-thinning medication or who are pregnant or menopausal.

The heat from the stones help to improve the energy flows in the body, allowing the body to repair itself more efficiently, among many other wonderful benefits. More specifically, hot stone massage can:

• Relieve muscle pain and tension. Because heat can increase blood flow, hot stone massage is often used to relax tight, sore, and painful muscles. It is also sometimes helpful in reducing muscle spasms and increasing range of motion.
• Reduce anxiety and stress. Hot stone massages are relaxing, and allow one to disconnect and take a break from those things that cause or contribute to their anxiety and stress. Their ability to improve circulation can also help the individual to better counter the physical effects of stress.
• Promote more restful sleep. Since hot stone massages allow one to relax more deeply, they can help the individual to experience deeper, more restful sleep.
• Help boost immunity. One study from 2010 indicated that even a single massage session may boost one’s immune system.

The benefits of hot stone massage are terrific for many and can bring your body great relief, plus relaxation! And if you’re looking for more types of tension reducing massage, consider the warm bamboo massage, which can deliver similar results! Instead of heated stones, the warm bamboo massage technique involves warmed bamboo that helps to massage and relax tense muscles.

As is the case with a hot stone massage, a warm bamboo massage provides the heat that is necessary to allow the massage therapist to work the muscles on a deep level, which leads to greater and longer-lasting results. During the cold winter months, few things may be more effective at warming your body, or more relaxing, than a hot stone massage. Try it for yourself and see! Call Botanica today to book your massage appointment or make it online for easy and quick booking!

Love,

Gen