Hot Stone Massage
By Joey Burroughs-Wall, LMBT #3034

For the past several years the term “Hot Stone Massage” has become synonymous with a luxurious, spa-type treatment … but this ancient form of “earth medicine” can potentially be the most effective massage there is. Just because hot stone massage feels like pampering doesn’t make it any less therapeutic. Deeply comforting and extremely effective, the use of hot stones creates profound results as it relieves tired and fatigued muscles, detoxifies the body and soothes the spirit. It’s time to shed light on how beneficial this type of massage therapy can be.

Using stones of different temperatures on the body to facilitate healing is an ancient technique in many cultures. Native Americans used them in sweat lodges, and before then, up to 5000 years ago, the great healers of India used rocks from river beds warmed on hot coals to treat discomfort in the body. Today, the stones are immersed in water and warmed in an electric heating device, such as a roaster. The penetrating heat of the stones has always been used to heal and help the recipient find balance.

The concept of hot stone massage is simple: stones, preferably Basalt stones, are used throughout the massage on the entire body in conjunction with traditional myofacial release techniques. The therapist will massage some areas with the stones and strategically place others over various spots to promote healing. My favorite technique is to first warm a particularly stubborn area with a stone, such as the area around the shoulder blades, then progress to deep tissue work. This allows the deeper work to be more effective as well as more comfortable.

Thermotherapy is the term used to describe this technique and it is the most widely recognized aspect of this healing art. Thermotherapy refers to the enlargement of blood vessels and increased fluids in the area of focus. When blood  vessels within the muscle are dilated by the heat, then skillfully massaged, a pumping action is achieved that results in the drainage of toxins. This allows fresh oxygenated blood to flush the area and healing to begin.

Although it is common sense that heat applied to muscle will amplify the affects of therapeutic massage, most people don’t realize that there is much more at work – geomagnetism also plays a surprising role.

Simply put, all stones are magnets. The first magnets used by humans were of volcanic origin. After a volcanic eruption, cooling lava gradually solidifies, locking in the earth’s magnetism and forming stones that retain this quality. This is what affects our own electromagnetic field. We are all essentially “human batteries.” There is an endless electrical and magnetic exchange occurring throughout our bodies at the molecular level by the electrons, protons, and neutrons that are our building blocks. Stress, injury, and disease alter the ionic matrix of this field and create an overly positive ionic charge. Hot stones used in massage gently correct this imbalance. An eloquent example of how this works would be how much better we feel after a day at the beach. We assume this smell of the salt air relaxes us – and it does – but scientifically speaking, the abundance of negative ions in the air around a rapidly moving body of water help normalize all those positive ions. Another a great reason to take more time off ... and receive hot stone massage!

Indeed, our bodies instinctively turn to nature when it is time to heal. It is this innate wisdom that will guide the therapist through your treatment. While it is true that much can be done with hands alone, the use of hot stones greatly amplifies the effects of massage. All the amazing benefits of massage are present, but enhanced exponentially. You can expect the stones to: soften adhesions, mobilize connective tissue, calm the central nervous system, promote lymphatic drainage, and aid in the removal of toxins. As the effects are felt throughout the body, a shift through total health occurs. These benefits aren’t just physical – they are psychological as well. The role of stress in our health can not be overstated as our mental and physical health are forever linked. Stress related syndromes benefit enormously, especially panic and anxiety disorders. Improved sleep and general sense of well being are just the beginning with regular treatment.

Which conditions respond well to Hot Stone Massage?
            Circulatory Problems
            Arthritic Conditions
            Back Pain – especially spasms
            Stress and Anxiety
            Insomnia
            Depression
            Fibromyalgia
            Muscular Dystrophy
            Multiple Sclerosis

Pregnant women can also receive Hot Stone Massage on their upper back and extremities. But the hot stones should never be used on their belly or their low back – this could be harmful to the baby because it could raise the temperature of the amniotic fluid. Otherwise, when skillfully administered, hot stone massage can bring great relief to the expectant mother.

Since healing with thermotherapy involves the use of extreme temperatures, it’s wise to use caution in cases of cardiac or blood vessel disease. Extra care should also be taken with anyone with neurasthenia (decreased sensation) due to stroke, diabetes, or medication. Never receive hot stone massage if you feel nauseated, have a fever, have inflammation of lymphatic vessels, swollen glands, have had acute trauma (such as whiplash) in the past 48 hours, or have open wounds. Always make sure your therapist has had adequate training in this modality.

If you are ready to be pampered as you heal, perhaps hot stone massage is right for you. Comforting, relaxing, therapeutic ... hot stone massage is a wonderful treat for the body and soul. Budgeting for this treatment is an investment in your health with immediate rewards – time and money well spent on the most priceless gift ... your health.

Joey Burroughs-Wall, LMBT #3034, opened Vision Touch Therapeutic Massage in the spring of 2002. A career in respiratory and then veterinary medicine preceded her education in massage therapy, and contributed to her strong understanding of the muscular system. A passion for continuing education has led Joey as far as Thailand to learn the tools of her trade. A perpetual student, Joey enjoys incorporating all of this knowledge into her own unique style, seamlessly blending deep tissue, hot stone, myofacial release, stretching, and elements of Thai and Ashiatsu. Her office is located in the State Street Center for Renewal at 408½ State Street. And you can reach her at 336.337.1644. Health is Joey’s passion and she looks forward to being part of your wellness plan.