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Stone Therapy - Ancient Practice in Modern Times |
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Written by Adrian Wozniak
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Tuesday, 15 September 2009 |
 Little is it known that the use of hot stones for therapeutic purposes
has been practiced in different parts of the world centuries ago.
Chinese people have been known to use hot stones to relieve themselves of muscular pain. The Japanese people have been known to place warm stones in their bellies to aid in digestion.
A common variation of these in the recent years is the use of water bottles with hot or warm water or heating bags. This method has also been used to ease the pain of menstrual cramps. The Roman people have also been recorded to bathe themselves in warm water before lying on a bed of rocks, wriggling or rolling themselves on the rocks as they cool their bodies while getting a massage at the same time.
Marble was as common as salt even before but was often used as a cold stone rather than a hot one because it is unable to retain heat for longer periods. There were other stones that were tested, typically any smooth stone that has the right amount of weight can be used, but the effectiveness varies with the stone's ability to retain heat.
Hot stone therapy nowadays uses volcanic stones because of its excellent ability to keep heat. These stones can be commonly seen inside saunas. Volcanic stones can also be seen on some water purifiers. A good example of a volcanic stone is basalt. It is generally smooth because it gets rapidly cooled once it hits cold air or water. In its liquid form, it would generally be called lava. Rocks formed from lavas have high temperature retention, making them the ideal materials for hot stone therapy. However, extra care should be observed when dealing with these kinds of stones. Getting them too hot can burn something up. Imagine a very hot basalt stone touching bare skin. Ouch!
So what can hot stone therapy do to your body when properly done? The ample balance of hot and cold stones being glided or placed on key points on your body allows blood to circulate more. It also eases aches and pains and relieves muscle tension. The soothing movement of the stone over your body relaxes your body. However, it does not leave you feeling all weak, uncomfortable, and helpless. The overall effect of the therapy depends upon the varying degrees of hotness and coldness. Hot stones soothe and relax while cold stones rejuvenate and make your body tingle with energy. After each successful hot stone therapy session, you will feel relaxed yet brimming with energy. You will feel much pampered and you will have that certain glow of happiness in your skin.
These are the reasons why hot stone therapy has quickly risen to be among the top options that a customer can have when going to a spa. A spa could not be referred to as a complete spa if their services do not include hot stone therapy service.
In the United States, the Swedish massage tends to be the most common choice for clients needing to relax their minds and bodies. 
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