Have you ever tried hot stone massage?
Maybe you’ve always been curious about it, but you usually stick with your familiar Swedish or deep tissue massage. Or maybe you’re already a fan of the treatment because it helps you relax, but you’re not sure if it does much more than that.
Either way, we’re here to shed some light on this popular type of massage therapy. The truth is that there are many hot stone massage benefits that go far beyond relaxation!
Keep reading to learn more, including where to find the best hot stone massage in Vail.
What Is Hot Stone Massage?
No one is sure of its exact origin, but experts believe it’s based on ancient healing practices from China, India, and the Pacific islands. Like other types of massage, hot stone therapy uses a variety of techniques to encourage relaxation and healing.
The most common type of stone used by therapists is basalt. This flat, smooth volcanic rock retains heat well and is believed to channel positive healing energies from the earth.
During your treatment, your therapist may place warm stones at key locations across your body, such as your spine, hips, abdomen, and feet. They’ll also hold the stones and massage your body with them using long flowing or kneading strokes.
3 Hot Stone Massage Benefits
This sounds great, but what does hot stone massage do for your physical and mental health? Consider three ways this unique treatment can help you.
1. Relief From Muscular Aches & Tension
Doctors recommend heat to ease pain for everything from arthritis to fibromyalgia to sports injuries. Why? Heat is known to stimulate healing by increasing circulation and promoting relaxation.
All forms of massage are good for easing muscle tension, but hot stone therapy takes relaxation to the next level. The penetrating heat soothes trigger points and loosens tight joints. You’ll feel a marked difference in your body when you stand up from the table!
2. Enhanced Blood Flow & Circulation
Massage strokes force blood and lymph to move throughout the body, increasing overall circulation. This helps soft tissue that’s tight from overuse or injury to “heal itself” from the inside out.
During your massage, waste products such as lactic acid get pushed from your muscles into the lymph system. This allows your body to remove these unwanted toxins and speed up the healing and recovery process. The heat offered by hot stones causes your blood vessels to dilate, further helping this natural process.
3. Reduced Feelings of Anxiety & Stress
After living through one of the most stressful years in history, we all need to find natural ways to relax and de-stress.
Massage therapy, especially with hot stones, is the perfect antidote to stress and anxiety. Massage triggers the release of dopamine and serotonin, two of your body’s “feel good” hormones. As a result, your mood and quality of sleep will improve.
Looking for the Best Hot Stone Massage in Vail?
As you can see, there are many hot stone massage benefits beyond warmth and relaxation. The added heat can do wonders for your muscles, joints, and emotional health!
Are you ready to experience the benefits of hot stone massage for yourself? At Apres Massage in West Vail, we proudly offer hot stone therapy along with other luxurious spa treatments.
Give us a call at 970-445-2114 or use our online booking form to schedule your massage session. We look forward to welcoming you to our boutique day spa in Vail!