Hot Stone Massage Therapy for Fibromyalgia
Hot stone massage has been practiced since ancient times. It's still popular today, as it was at the time it was first introduced. The hot stone massage is basically a type of massage therapy. It involves applying rough, heated rocks to certain parts of the body. The massage therapist can also use their hands to hold the stones and place the rocks on various sensitive areas of the body, while giving massage.
The most well-known type of massage using hot stones in the US is done at home using basalt that is heated in a microwave or an outdoor propane stove. Marble, granite and soapstone are common types of basalt. The heated basalt stones are placed on top of muscle tissue or the skin and gently heated.
The application of hot stone therapy dates back to the early Egyptians who believed that applying warm compresses made of hot rocks to the aching areas of the body could relieve tension and promote healing. In addition to that mummification priests frequently carried around pieces of hot stone therapy equipment with them. The practice is now less popular due to cheaper and gentler forms of massages, like acupressure, that are available. This is now replaced by hot stone therapy since the warmth from the rocks does not cause harm to muscles as hot baths and other types of physical therapy do. Massage actually relaxes muscles and improves blood circulation. This helps to relieve the pain in the muscles.
Both individuals and healthcare professionals can benefit from hot stone massage. Many medical conditions can be treated through using this technique such as chronic pain, migraines menstrual cramps, joint discomfort and other muscular problems. It can also be used to treat allergies or sensitive skin. Because of this, it is often used in conjunction with other therapies. It can be used to reduce anxiety and stress as well as to improve relaxation.
Before providing hot stone massages, the massage therapists must be aware of a few things. To be able offer this technique, they must first become licensed massage therapists. Certain states have specific requirements in regards to training and certification, so make sure that the therapist you choose to work with is licensed before they offer you the massage. Additionally, a competent masseuse will know about the numerous advantages of this kind of treatment.
A typical session may begin with a client lying down on an inflatable mattress or massage table with specialized equipment installed to their bodies. The therapist then uses warm oil to create a gentle heat that relaxes muscles that are tight and tensed. Specially heated stones are placed on the muscles in the body, gradually increasing the pressure as more volcanic rock are used. As pressure increases, smaller stones are removed until all the rocks are used. Sometimes, certain areas of the body may require more than one massage, because certain parts of the body don't respond to a single type of treatment.
After the first treatment, most people are feeling much better, both physically and mentally. Patients who are treated regularly often notice a reduction in stiffness and joint pain, as well as the disappearance of other ailments like fibromyalgia and RSD. RSD can cause patients to feel cold feet and hands. However regular massages with hot stones can aid in reducing her symptoms. This type of treatment is completely safe and natural. It can take several months before someone sees a significant change or for her symptoms completely to disappear completely.
The benefits of hot stone massage are evident in treating many conditions including fibromyalgia , arthritis and RSD. It is not designed to replace the services provided by a licensed massage therapist, but can be used as an adjunct to any other treatment. A licensed massage therapist can determine the right treatment regimen for a particular medical issue. The patient's physician should set the treatment program. If the patient is experiencing discomfort or severe pain following an appointment, a licensed massage therapist should consult.