Stone massage implements are the flexible means of therapists by which they improve the palliation through the union of heat or cool therapy with the mere manual techniques. Usually, the heat (around 120°F to 150°F) is imparted to smooth basalt stones—what are excellent for their heat retention— and in the several ways during a session, the stones are applied.
Firstly, the stones are made to lie on the main parts of the body such as the back, shoulders, hands, and feet where they give the deep and penetrating heat. This heating is the cause of the muscles relaxing, the blood circulating, and the tension, which thus makes the subsequent massage strokes more effective.
Massagers also use stones as they hold them in their hands to work the muscles by means of the long gliding strokes, circular motions, and kneading. With the stones, they are the extensions of their hands, which enables them to meld the pressure with calming heat. This dual action greatly helps the relaxation of muscles and the reduction of pain, which is especially the case for the chronic tension or soreness.
Sometimes the cold stones are used to cool down the inflamed areas, and also, they stimulate the circulation system, and give a freshening effect. Besides, warm and cold stones may be used alternately by therapists to harness therapeutic benefits to the utmost, such as swelling reduction and relaxation induction.
While performing the massage with stones, it is imperative to put enough oil on the skin for smooth gliding and stones should be at a temperature which is not injurious to the skin. Besides, stones empower the therapists in hand-saving as they are sharing the workload, hence, allowing for deeper, more comfortable massages.
Other hot stone massage techniques can additionally involve static pressure, that is holding a stone on a trigger point for the release of muscle knots, and vibrational tapping, when one stone tapping another on the skin.
In general, massage stones are the effective means, which the therapist’s touch they extend, targeted heat or cold therapy they deliver, circulation they enhance, and deep muscle relaxation they promote, thus, making the massage experience more healing and luxurious.
Such a combination of procedures gives the clients better pain relief, less muscle tension, and a comforting sensory experience which is beneficial both physically and mentally.