Help yourself to heal with Geothermal Therapy

Geothermal Therapy – practically everywhere you go anyone offering any form of massage will display a picture of someone with stones laid out on them looking extremely pleased with their situation. Most of us will recognise this as hot stone therapy but what exactly does it do? What is the relevance of the stones?

Geothermal Therapy, more commonly known as ‘Hot Stone Therapy’, is a treatment whereby hot and cold stones are utilised within a massage. If you have ever had an injury it is often the case that the direct application of heat followed by cold will help to soothe and relieve. The theory is the same with hot stone massage.

The concept of massage therapy using stones has been practiced in different cultures for many years. Tribal Healers used rocks from the riverbeds and warmed them either in hot coals or hot water. By then placing the hot stones on cloth on the body and arranging them along the energy points of the body, this would help to relax the muscles and reduce pain or discomfort, and therefore support the healing process.

Geothermal Therapy uses heated stones and chilled stones to affect a chemical release within the human body. The placing of the stones is often followed by a holistic massage, which results in a deeper and more intense treatment.The therapist will place hot stones on specific points on the body and the localisation of the heat works to relax the muscles allowing them to apply deeper pressure to such areas without causing discomfort. If the muscles are tensed and reactive the pressure required to ease them would be uncomfortable.

The anatomy is generally the guide when it comes to the placement of the stones, however some therapists will also utilise points which balance the energy of the mind and body, using ancient theories and focussing on chakras and meridian lines. Most commonly the stone will be aligned on both sides of the spine, in your palms, on your legs, feet, chest and abdomen. Smaller stones may be applied to the forehead and toes. This may vary however depending on the client’s health history or current situation; if they have a sports injury or long term back problems, for example. 

Once the heat from the stones has had time to penetrate, the therapist will apply oil to the skin and holding stones in both hands, begin to move them along the muscles using a gliding motion long strokes, circular movements, vibration, tapping, and kneading. Typically a Swedish style massage will be applied to the back, shoulders, neck and legs, sometimes using the stones, or while the stones are still in place, sometimes they will have been removed, this will vary with different therapists.

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. A hot stone massage will generally take between 60-90 minutes.

The stones used in such therapy are usually smooth and vary in size and weight depending on where they are to be used. They are often taken from rivers as the current has eroded them to be smooth to the touch over time and they also retain heat well. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock. The temperature required for effective treatment ranges between 40-55 degrees celsius, they should be heated using a professional machine to regulate this. Any hotter and the skin would not be able to tolerate the stones.

Why choose Geothermal Therapy?

Relieve muscle tension and pain

As I mentioned before 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 in tending to specific muscular discomfort.

Reduce stress and anxiety

Research supports that massage therapy can be effective for stress relief by reducing tension.

Helps us sleep

Anyone suffering with sleep deprivation or insomnia will know that life is so much more difficult when you’ve had insufficient sleep. Research shows that massage helps to promote relaxation and sleep. It is also claimed that we are more alert, active, and positive upon awakening. Massage is thought to help you enjoy more restorative sleep, although it’s not fully understood why.

Relieve autoimmune disease 

Geothermal Therapy may relieve painful conditions such as fibromyalgia; a condition that causes widespread, chronic pain. Studies have pointed towards people, having had hot stone therapy, slept longer, had fewer trigger points, and had decreased levels of the substance involved in transmitting pain signals. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have also shown improved grip strength, and range of motion post hot stone therapy massages continued over a period of time.

Decrease cancer symptoms

A large study examined how massage affected pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety, nausea, and depression in 1,290 people with cancer. The research showed massage, especially Swedish massage, improved cancer symptoms, even in those with substantial symptoms. Researchers believe the comforting use of human touch plays a role in these results.

Boost immunity

Having a massage may give your immune system a boost, according to research, a single session of Swedish massage therapy had a positive and acute impact on immunity. Blood samples taken before and after the massage showed a decrease in arginine-vasopressin, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure and water retention.

Aside from all these potential benefits, a hot stone massage is incredibly relaxing and enjoyable, so that’s my reason for having one; why not?

Hot Stone Therapy Online Course

Here at the School of Natural Health Sciences we offer a distance learning diploma in Hot Stone Therapy. This course of 9 lessons will lead you through the procedure and teach you everything you need to know in order to become a professional Hot Stone Massage therapist. Visit our enrolment page to find out more.

• Looking for another type of holistic therapy course? We offer over 60! Visit our A-Z course listing page.
• We have some great deals going at the moment so don’t forget to check out our special offers!
• Contact us if you would like more information.

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