Stone massage
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A stone massage is a type of massage therapy classified as an alternative medicine massage, involving the placement of heated or cooled stones on the body intended to support relaxation or relieve discomfort.[1] Various cultural traditions employ different methods for the placement and application of the stones.[2]
Origin and history
In the past, practices similar to a modern stone massage have been used for healing and therapy.[1] Some historical practices have also involved placing objects of various temperatures on the body, and some sources suggest the practice originated 5,000 years ago, within the ancient Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda.[1] Cultures in North America, Hawaii, Japan, and various South Pacific nations have employed similar methods for therapeutic or ceremonial purposes.[2] The traditional Hawaiian practice of Lomilomi massage may involve the use of warmed Lomi stones to increase blood flow to areas of the body, which proponents claim support relaxation and blood circulation.[3] Similar practices in China dating back 2,000 years involved the use of heated stones, said to stimulate internal organ function and improve energy flow.[2] Such traditional practices might have influenced modern stone massage methods.
In 1993, modern stone massage techniques gained renewed attention when Mary D. Nelson, an American massage therapist, developed a form of massage using hot and cold stones, referred to as "LaStone Therapy."[1] This form of massage gained broader attention and commercial use.[4] Many modern forms of stone massage incorporate techniques from Swedish massage and deep tissue massage.[5]
Technique
Volcanic stones, such as basalt, are typically submerged in hot water, usually between 38 and 60 degrees Celsius (100 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit). They should not be warmed using mediums other than water, to prevent explosions or releasing gasses.[1] Stones can also be placed in chilled water to achieve a temperature between -5 to 25 degrees Celsius (25 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit). A sheet or towel is often placed on the client's body as a barrier between the stones and bare skin to help prevent discomfort from temperature changes or burns from excessively hot stones.[5] Stones may be placed on the client's back, legs, arms, or feet, depending on the treatment area. During the massage, the therapist may hold the stones and use them to apply pressure to various muscles.[6]
Some therapists may also perform a Swedish massage while applying stones to warm and relax muscles.[7] The duration of stone massages typically ranges from 60 to 90 minutes, varying based on the technique used and client needs.[7] Stone massage is sometimes used alongside complementary practices, such as aromatherapy.
Effectiveness
Benefits and Effects.
Reported benefits of the practice include stimulation of blood flow in the circulatory system through the heat and movement of the stones.[1] Stone massages are also reported to ease muscle pain, tension, and spasms.[8]
Some proponents claim that stone massage may offer mental benefits such as relaxation, mood improvement, and an enhanced sense of well-being.[2] A study conducted at the Urmia University of Medical Sciences found that basalt hot stone massage therapy can contribute to improving the sleep quality of some individuals.[9]
Risks
High-temperature stones applied to the skin can cause burns.[5] This risk is significantly higher if under the influence of drugs or alcohol as it can impair a person's ability to accurately gauge the temperature of the stones, increasing the risk of burns due to reduced sensitivity to heat.[10]
Certain medical conditions can be adversely affected by receiving a stone massage. Conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, some skin conditions, heart disease, and neuropathy are considered contraindications for stone massages.[5] Clients with breaks to the skin, bruising, or varicose veins are advised to avoid stone massages, as the practice has the potential to aggravate injures or cause tissue damage.[8] Such conditions or minor injuries also pose a risk for increased chances of infection from exposure to bacteria from the stones, massage oils, or the masseuse.[8]
Pseudoscience
Some massage therapists may make claims about medical benefits that are not scientifically supported. Some forms of stone massage incorporate concepts such as chakra alignment and energy flow,[11] but these concepts are not typically supported by science. While some individuals may find stone massages pleasant or relatively harmless, it is important to consult with a relevant medical professional for proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of any pain or medical concern.
See also
References
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