How Does a Hot Stone Massage Work?

When it comes to massage therapy, a number of different techniques are available to choose. The use of hot flat stones is an alternative kind of medicine that has been used since time immemorial. It is said that native Americans were the first using warm stones for therapeutic purpose and only about two decades ago the practice was rediscovered in the southwest. this kind of massage is said to be very relaxing and comforting.

Hot stone massage is different that it needs a more gentle touch and sometimes the therapist may just position the hot stones without even touch you. A nice hot stone massage can restore balance while giving you a luxurious experience regardless you are seeking for a remedial treatment to address pain or a relaxing full body massage. It means working smarter rather than working harder.

Alternating hot and cold has been known as a working technique to promote the body's healing processes for long time. Heat can reduce muscle tightness, increase circulation that tissue repair, and increase connective tissue's elasticity. Thus, the use of the heat in the stones makes sense. In fact, such application allows the stiff muscles to relax and enables general muscles to loosen up. This is why people who suffer from daily fatigue or insomnia are often suggested to have a hot stone massage.

The process of hot stone therapy usually requires time between 60 and 90 minutes. In applying this type of massage selecting the right size and type of flat stones is essential. The size of stone usually chosen for the stone therapy may range from very small to large. smooth basalt stones or very smooth river stones are preferable because they are usually smooth and rich of iron that can retain heat. These characteristics are beneficial for warming and loosening the muscles. To help setting good mood, the use of soft aroma therapy, music and lighting is essential for the client.

A hot stone massage usually begins by immersing the selected stones in heated water at particular temperature range. After that, the massage therapist will apply oil to your body that later will allow hot stones to smoothly glide along your muscles. The stones usually are placed at specific points on your back (the seven energy zones, which are thought to be the centers of body energy), between your toes or in the palms of your hands. If desired, deeper pressure can be given by the massage therapist using bare hands once your muscles get warmed and relaxed by the heat. After that, the hot stones could be placed back on to your body for a short period of time.

The hot stone massage can work to heal the body because the stones used have a strong magnetic field due to their composition of minerals (calcium and iron). Both substances are efficient at restoring the natural energy flow of the body, which is called Qi (Chi). Unuttered flow of Qi helps to promote overall feeling of well-being and a healthy mind and body.

The use frozen or cold marble stones sometimes is incorporated into the hot stone massage too. This technique will help especially when there is inflammation or swelling. It is widely known that alternating hot and cold helps much with circulation and detoxification of the body.

Considering how the hot stone massage works, the therapy is suitable for those who have cold feet or tend to feel chilly. It is also suitable for people who suffer from muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage. The heat stones help to make their muscles relaxed eliminating the need to apply deep pressure to the muscle. Among the most widely accepted advantages of hot stone therapy include pain relief, circulation improvement, strain and tension relief, osteoarthritis and arthritis pain ease, toxin release, anxiety and stress reduction, depression ease, and insomnia alleviation.

Unfortunately, like other types of massages, the hot stone massage is not for everyone. There are particular conditions and life events that may bring a health risk for both you and the therapist. For that reason hot stone massage should be avoided if someone is pregnant, is prone to blood clots, has recently undergone surgery, has recently undergone radiation or chemotherapy, has open wounds, or has an infectious skin disease.

Stalis Norma Ethica is an experienced article writer and a writer manager with science background. She specializes in writing informative articles in various niches.

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Why You Should Get Massaged During Pregnancy

Infant massage has so many benefits for new parents, massage has been shown to encourage bonding, alleviate constipation, and even reduce stress for both parent and child! However massage can aid Mom while baby is still in the womb. Several studies have shown the wide range of benefits prenatal massage provides. This includes combating prenatal depression, which is an issue affecting pregnant mothers all over the world.

49% of pregnant women experience prenatal depression which can be a significant threat to your unborn child. Potential complications of prenatal depression include prematurity, low birth weight and more incidences of intensive care at birth. This stress and depression greatly affects the infant both emotionally and mentally even causing motor delays during infancy. These emotional problems can follow them into childhood making the prevention and treatment of prenatal massage an important contribution to a healthy birth.

Pregnant women were randomly assigned a twenty minute massage or experienced relaxation therapy two times weekly. While both groups reported lower anxiety levels and less leg pain, only the massaged group reported reduced anxiety, depression and back pain, as well as, better sleep by the last day of the study. The prematurity rate was significantly lower in the massage therapy group versus the relaxation control group (0% versus 17%).

In another study, pregnant women who were diagnosed as depressed received a 20-min massage at home from their significant other twice per week. Throughout the course of the study, the massage therapy group had fewer symptoms of depression, fewer complications including a lower prematurity rate. In another study, pregnant women diagnosed with major depression were given 12 weeks of twice per week massage therapy by their significant other versus a standard prenatal care as the control group. A reduction in depression by the end of the therapy period and reductions in depression and cortisol levels during the postpartum period were some of the benefits seen in the massage therapy group in comparison to the control group. Their newborns had reduced rate of premature birth and low birth weight even performing better on orientation and motor scales.

While these studies focused on women who were currently depressed, the same benefits are transferable to all pregnant women. A great way to get ready for your bundle of joy is to practice massage before they arrive. You will be introduced to massage and be able to create a great tradition with your baby.. Luckily most massage therapists, are certified in both prenatal and infant massage making it easier to have a complete plan ready for you and your family!

Copyright (c) 2013 Liddle Kidz Foundation Infant and Children's Pediatric Massage

Want to find out more about massaging your baby and the many benefits that it provides? Check out The Liddle Kidz Foundation.  Tina Allen, founder of the nurturing touch non-profit The Liddle Kidz Foundation, with over ten years of experience Ms. Allen a plethora of resources for the interested parent.

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The Benefits of Shiatsu Massage for Pregnancy

Many women find it beneficial to get a shiatsu massage during their pregnancies. The overall benefits of shiatsu are good for any individual, but there are a number of ways that shiatsu massage can also promote comfort and well being during pregnancy. Here are some facts about the use of shiatsu for pregnant women.

What is Shiatsu Massage?

Shiatsu massage is an ancient Eastern traditional massage that works to restore the flow of energy in the body. Chinese tradition teaches that the life force, or the qi, is composed of energy that runs through the body and allows energy to function. Energy runs in channels through the healthy body, but sometimes the channels can become blocked. Disturbances in the flow of qi can be caused by stress, illness, or improper body care. When the energy is blocked, a person experiences disruptions in bodily function and decreased health.

A practitioner of shiatsu massage works to correct problems with the qi. Through the use of skilled touch, the masseuse is able to identify areas of blockage in the qi and focus attention on the blockages. Pressure techniques allow the practitioner to clear the blockage and restore a good flow of qi within the body.

Shiatsu for Pregnant Women

Shiatsu massage can be very beneficial for most individuals. As the stresses of daily life build up and health concerns begin to pile, many claim that this massage is a quick way to release illness and bad energy in the body. It also has some particular indications for women who are pregnant.

During pregnancy, many women experience aches and pains, especially in the lower back and legs. Women who receive shiatsu massages during pregnancy report that it eases these daily aches. Many women choose to get frequent treatments during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy in order to relieve discomfort. Note that shiatsu is contraindicated for the first trimester of pregnancy; women should consult a doctor to make sure that they are good candidates for shiatsu massage treatments.

Constipation and heartburn are also relieved by shiatsu massage. The additional bloating that can come with pregnancy can be reduced as well. Pregnancy is a time when the body is flooded with hormones, and the body is not used to coping with large amounts of these chemicals. When the body is simply feeling off or having a hard time dealing with the changes, shiatsu helps restore a feeling of well-being.

Massage as a technique for relaxation is an important tool for pregnant women. Women have fewer complications in their pregnancies and deliver healthy babies when they are able to remain calm and happy during their pregnancies. This is why it is important for women to develop strategies for keeping relaxed in the face of stressful experiences. Frequent shiatsu massage keeps women calm, comfortable, and well.

The use of shiatsu massage for pregnancy has many benefits. It can improve general energy and well-being as well as relieving symptoms of pregnancy such as aches and pains, bloating, and morning sickness. For these reasons, many women are choosing to incorporate shiatsu into their second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Finding a good massage therapist is important. Someone who has experience working with pregnant women will know how to deliver the best care. The massage therapist should understand the limitations and needs of pregnant women. When looking for a good massage therapist, it's important to ask about special treatments for pregnant women and the therapist's experience. Once a good massage therapist is found and a massage program is established, shiatsu can have wonderful effects on the ease and comfort of a woman's pregnancy.

Tanya Loo is a part-time massage therapist in Singapore and shares advice on massage as a healing body therapy based on her professional experience. To experience the best shiatsu massage in Singapore, she recommends www.healingtouch.com.sg.

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