Hot stone massage has been used for its health benefits for hundreds of years, but what is it? How does it benefit the human body? Similarly, will it benefit me?
If you’ve been asking yourself these questions, and debating hot stone massage therapy, then this blog post is for you!
I’m here to answer your questions as we lean into the benefits of hot stone massage together.
Read along:
What is Hot Stone Massage?
Hot Stone Massage Therapy entails a massage session where the therapist places smooth, hot stones on the body. The stones provide heat to the part of the body being targeted, and can also be oiled and used to slide over the body for a relaxing experience.
Stones are heated in hot water (often a hot stone heater) and replaced as they cool. Most stones used today are smooth and flat basalt rocks, a type of igneous (or volcanic) rock high in iron. The high amounts of iron in the rock allow them to absorb heat well!
My name is Francesco, and I’m a massage therapist based in West Edmonton! I provide massage therapy and acupuncture services, including hot stone massage. Read more about the types of massage available at my clinic here.
Top 5 Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
Hot stones have been used to heal ailments due to heat therapy! Heat therapy has many benefits, and we’ll be exploring some of those benefits here.
Relieves Muscle Pain
The combination of massage and heat therapy does wonders for relieving muscle pain and tension. I recommend heat for treating achy muscles at home too! (Or something like Tiger Balm, an analgesic heat rub you can use on your own)
When heat is applied to muscle knots, the muscle knots can become easier to massage and soothe.
Improves Circulation
Circulation has a great deal to do with pain relief! Both massage therapy and heat work to improve circulation in the body, and this increased circulation is the key to better overall health.
Your blood provides your body with essential nutrients and increased oxygen levels, and these nutrients are essential in repairing damaged muscle tissues. Improving your blood circulation also increases healing!
Increases Flexibility
You might be thinking, what do hot stones have to do with flexibility? Let me tell you.
Heat and massage both help loosen and relax tight muscles, and make it easier to move. A big part of flexibility is ensuring that your joints and muscles are not stiff! Maintaining your muscle strength and flexibility is essential, especially as you age, and hot stone massages can help with that.
If you require increased flexibility and circulation, check out my blog post “5 Stretches After Massage to Enhance Healing”.
Benefits Mood
One of the benefits of massage is increased and bettered mood, with lowered levels of stress and anxiety… and the same can be said for hot stone massages.
When I massage a patient, I apply pressure to various parts of the body. This pressure releases endorphins and relaxes muscles! The increased endorphins in the body help increase mood and decrease stress symptoms. (Think: happy hormones!)
Improves Sleep
My patients sleep better after a massage, and this pattern continues with regular massage treatments. Whether from reduced stress or anxiety, decreased muscle pain, or better moods, massage therapy helps you get better sleep!
Hot stone massage can help improve your sleep quality.
Want to more about the benefits of massage? Read: “The Surprising and Lesser Known Benefits of Massage Therapy”
Who Can Benefit from Hot Stone Massage?
Now that I’ve shared the top 5 benefits of hot stone massages, let me tell you which conditions can be treated with hot stone massage therapy.
Anxiety and depression
Back, leg, and neck pain
Carpal tunnel syndrome (repetitive strain)
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Dislocations
Fibromyalgia
Gastrointestinal disorders
Headaches
Inflammatory conditions (like arthritis and bursitis)
Insomnia
Scoliosis
Multiple sclerosis
Muscle tension
Osteoarthritis
Palliative care
Post-surgical rehabilitation
Sports injuries
Strains and sprains
Tendinitis
Whiplash
Stress and stress-related conditions
Note: if you are currently pregnant, on blood thinners, have medical conditions that provide a lack of sensation in the body, or have a suppressed immune system, then hot stone massages may not be for you! Consult with your doctor, or consult with me before booking a hot stone massage at my clinic.
Book Your Hot Stone Massage Appointment
Hot stone massages can have many benefits and can help in the treatment of many conditions.
Let’s recap:
The Top 5 Benefits: hot stone massage relieves muscle pain, improves circulation, increases flexibility, benefits mood, and improves sleep!
If you’re ready to see those benefits in your life, then a hot stone massage is calling your name.
You can book in to see me here, or if you still have questions about massage therapy, you can read through some of my FAQs.