A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy. It’s used to help you relax and ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout your body.
During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on specific parts of your body. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat. According to the University of New Hampshire Health Services, hot massage stones are heated to between 130 and 145 degrees.
石头可以放置：
- along your spine
- on your stomach
- 在你的胸前
- 在你脸上
- on your palms
- on your feet and toes
Massage therapists may hold heated stones as they massage your body using Swedish massage techniques such as:
- long strokes
- 循环运动
- vibration
- tapping
- 捏合
Sometimes, cold stones are also used during a hot stone massage. Cold stones may be used after hot stones to calm any engorged blood vessels and to soothe the skin.
All massages generally fall under the alternative medicine umbrella. They’re becoming a popular complementary therapy for many conditions. Here are some advantages of getting a hot stone massage:
1. Helps relieve muscle tension and pain
Heat has long been used to ease muscle tension and pain. It helps increase blood flow to the affected area. It may also reduce muscle spasms and increase flexibility and range of motion. Cold therapy helps relieve inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, alternating hot and cold stones during your massage may be helpful.
2.减少压力和焦虑
这是美国按摩治疗协会的位置，即“按摩疗法对压力缓解有效”。研究支持他们的意见。一个2001年学习表明，十分钟的按摩改善了脑卒中体积等心血管反应。一九九七年学习发现15分钟，工作场所的现场椅子按摩显着降低了应力，而没有按摩15分钟的休息。
A 2015
3. Promotes sleep
A 2006 literature审查found massage may be an alternative to sleeping pills in adults with insomnia. The research showed that back massage helped promote relaxation and sleep. A 2001学习showed that infants with sleep problems who were given a 15-minute massage by their parents went to sleep faster. They were also more alert, active, and positive upon awakening. Massage is thought to help you enjoy more restorative sleep, although it’s not completely understood why.
4. May help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases
Hot stone massage may relieve painful conditions such as fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread, chronic pain. According to a 2002学习，接受30分钟按摩的纤维肌痛的人睡得更少，触发点较少，并且物质P（一种涉及疼痛信号的物质）的水平比接受放松治疗的条件的人群。然而，在按摩成为标准纤维肌痛处理之前需要更多的研究。
A 2013
5.可能有助于降低癌症症状
A large, three-year学习published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management examined how massage affected pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety, nausea, and depression in 1,290 people with cancer. The study showed massage, especially Swedish massage, improved cancer symptoms, even in those with substantial symptoms. Researchers believe the comforting use of human touch played a role.
6.可能会增加免疫力
Massage may give your immune system a boost. According to a 2010
Anyone who is experiencing muscle tension and pain, insomnia, or stress may benefit from a hot stone massage. If you have a chronic condition that causes pain, talk to your doctor to see if a hot stone massage is a good option for you.
When performed by a trained therapist, a hot stone massage is generally safe. There are some circumstances where it should be avoided. Consult your doctor before getting a massage if you have:
- 出血障碍或血液稀释
- burns on your skin
- 开伤
- 血栓的历史
- had surgery in the last 6 weeks
- a fracture or severe osteoporosis
- a低血小板计数(thrombocytopenia)
- diabetes
A prenatal massage may help relieve stress and ease uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. Still, most massage therapists won’t use hot stones on pregnant women. If you’re pregnant, you should only get a massage with your doctor’s approval, and under the hands of a trained prenatal massage therapist.
To prevent burns, there should always be a barrier, such as a towel or sheet, between hot massage stones and your skin. Check with your therapist to see how they heat the stones. A professional massage stone heater should be used. Never use stones that have been heated with a:
- microwave
- slow cooker
- hot plate
- 烤箱
研究表明，热石按摩可能是减轻压力和焦虑，促进放松，缓解疼痛和肌肉张力的有用方法。对于各种条件和情况可能会有所帮助。
需要更多的研究来确定为什么按摩治疗具有如此强大的影响。它可能与人类触摸有很多关系。对于许多人来说，Touch提供了一种连接和安全感。
To make sure you have a positive hot stone massage experience, only use a massage therapist trained to work with hot stones. You may feel sore during your massage or the day after. This may be due to deep tissue manipulation and pressure. You shouldn’t feel pain. If you are uncomfortable or experience pain during your massage, let your massage therapist know right away.