Hot Stone Massage History

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Hot stone massage might look and feel fashionable to most people who experience it. However, the use of hot stones is not a simple fashion statement. Gemstones and other types of stones were used for healing purposes. The practice dates back to about thousands of years ago.

A Little Part Of Its History

The history of hot stone massage is confirmed both in written and verbal form. About over 2,000 years back, the ancient Chinese people used hot stones in order to enhance the function of various internal organs. Stones were also utilized for healing in Africa, Egypt, Europe, India, North, and South America. Various traditions used stones in different ways. One method involve laying stones on different patterns of a person’s body. Others involve wearing or carrying stones for protection and health. Stones were also used to diagnose and treat various diseases. Finally, these objects were also used for ceremonial purposes including medicine wheels and sweat lodges.

A Healing Source

Healing practices of the so-called curanderas (Spanish for the word “healers”) and even female caregivers involves working with pregnancy, childbirth, and diseases. These traditional healers utilize stones heated to reduce menstruation discomfort. In addition, cold stones were also used to reduce bleeding experienced after labor. Other sources also say that in certain cultures, the females believed that carrying stones during childbirth enhanced their endurance and strength to cope with the pain. Ancient cultures of Greeks and Romans have a historical record of various techniques when it comes to bodywork and massage. For instance, the Roman Empire that dates back from 27 B.C. up to that of 476 A.D. is famous for its invention of the relaxing Roman baths. This tradition still lives up to the present and is found in practices of modern hydrotherapy. In addition, Romans even utilized stones within saunas. They have practiced the art of combining hot baths which involve immersion to that of the cooling effects of cold pools and marble stones.

Revival Of An Ancient Technique

In 1993, Mary Nelson introduced LaStone Therapy. This revived the use of hot stones within massage therapy. Since then, massages utilizing stones have gradually progressed and blossomed into a big industry. When hot stone massage is implemented correctly, it can be a very relaxing form of therapy. A person can experience a multitude of benefits. Due to its popularity, hot stone massage and the use of stones in various relaxation techniques progressed throughout the world at a quick pace. Hot stone massages which involve the entire body has grown to include hot stone facials, manicures, pedicures, and meridian therapy. It also include work with regards to specific deep tissues. Due to their powerful energy, stones are utilize in reiki, cranial sacral work, and polarity therapy. Therapists are not all the same though. Each has a different variation of hot stone massage. For instance, one therapist might simply place stones on the body. While another might incorporate deep tissue massage along with. Whatever hot stone massage therapy technique is used, it is important to take note of two significant safety factors. These factors apply to the entirety of hot stones with regards to massage. First, placing a hot stone within bare skin should not be done without moving it. Second, it is highly advised to utilize a barrier (e.g. towels, sheets, and textile products) in order to protect the person’s skin.

Progression Of Businesses Which Supply Stones

With hot stone massage growing in massive popularity, there came a need for the supply of its materials and equipment. That’s why multiple companies which supply stones have gradually progressed all throughout the years. A challenge involves heating the stones in preparation for the therapy. Options such as electric skillets, crock pots, and warming trays, became obsolete since they have the possibility of overheating stones and burning the person’s skin. These devices are actually used in the kitchen. They are not professional heating equipment or appliances created specifically for spas, massage therapy clinics, and chiropractors’ offices. However, multiple businesses collaborated in order to provide the best possible equipment with regards to heating stones for massage therapy.

Putting Everything Into Stone

Therapists and patients have seen the value of hot stone massage therapy. However, there needs to be high-quality certification and licensing standards with regards to the use of hot stones and applying it to therapy. As a patient, it is your duty to research the credentials of the spa and therapist you are working with. You wouldn’t want to get burnt by hot stones, do you? That’s why we recommend that you find a licensed massage therapist to help you handle those heated stones! [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]