Everything You Need to Know About Hot Stone Massages
What is a Hot Stone Massage?
Hot Stone Massage is a specialty massage in which the therapist uses smooth, heated stones as a tool for treatment. The massage therapist places warm, smooth stones on specific points on the body and also holds the stones while giving the massage. The hot stone massage is a popular massage method that can help to relieve stress, ease muscle tension, and boost circulation.
History of the Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage therapy has been practiced for thousands of years. “It’s a practice used over 5,000 years ago in India. 3,000 years later, the Chinese adopted the same method and started using heated, shaped stones to treat certain diseases” Coastal Day Spa.
Hot stones have been used in many cultures for their healing properties. In 1993, Mary Nelson pioneered and modernized the hot stone massage movement. Today, hot stone therapy is a multimillion dollar industry used across the globe.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
Relieve Muscle Tension
“Heat has long been used to ease muscle tension and pain. It helps increase blood flow to the affected area. It may also reduce muscle spasms and increase flexibility and range of motion. Cold therapy helps relieve inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, alternating hot and cold stones during your massage may be helpful” Health Line.
Improve Circulation
“Poor circulation causes muscle tension and overall fatigue. A good hot stone massage is a great solution answer to these issues. During the massage, your therapist places heated stones on trigger points throughout your body. The heat from the stones penetrates through muscle to open your blood vessels. As this happens, blood flows more freely through your body for better circulation. As your circulation improves, more oxygen reaches your muscles to help reduce aches and pains” Byerin Massage.
Stress Relief
“It’s the position of the American Massage Therapy Association that “massage therapy can be effective for stress relief.” Research supports their opinion. A 2001 study showed that a ten-minute massage improved cardiovascular responses such as stroke volume. A 1997 study found that 15-minute, onsite chair massages in the workplace significantly reduced stress compared to a 15-minute break without massage. A 2015 study trusted Source found that people who underwent abdominal colorectal surgery had less pain, tension, and anxiety after receiving post-operative massage” Health Line.
Are you ready to try out a hot stone massage for yourself? If not, check out some of our guest testimonials:
“The most AMAZING EXPERIENCE I came in for both a facial and a massage, and felt so comfortable and relaxed. I highly recommend the European facial, and also a Hot Stone massage! The staff was incredibly kind, and I would 100% return!!” -Emma T
“January 19th 2021, my daughter and I had appointments to visit ZZ day spa located at 5 West 35th street in NYC. The place was spotless. The staff amazing. Nadine was my masseuse, she absolutely was amazing, she recognized that I suffer debilitating pain in my extremities. She took her time with my massage, kneading, I also had the hot stones which I truly enjoyed. Nadine I will return!!!” -Robin S.
“Iwona gave me probably the best massage I've ever received; definitely opt for the hot stones.” -Victor A.
At ZZ Day Spa, we offer 25, 50, and 80 minute hot stone massages. To book your ZZ Day Spa hot stone massage, click here or call 646-956-1259.
