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The Benefits of Hot Stone Massage

The Benefits of Hot Stone Massage

Recently, Healthline.com reported on the health benefits of hot stone massage. They began by defining the basics: “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,” they said. “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.”

At the Raven Spa, which offers hot stone massages in Santa Monica and Silverlake, hot stone massage provides a unique connection with nature. Our Los Angeles spas use smooth, basalt rocks of varying sizes gathered from deep within the earth, which are heated and placed on key points along the body. This deeply relaxes the muscles and the mind, creating a sense of comfort. Warm oil is then used in combination with long fluid strokes that connect the hand and stone.

The effect is unparalleled. You can feel your body releasing the tension it has stored while, at the same time, your mind and senses are soothed.

According to Healthline.com, this treatment is not only feels incredible, like all massage therapies, it also offers many benefits. This is what they noted:

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.

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 study, people with fibromyalgia who received a 30-minute massage slept longer, had fewer trigger points, and had decreased levels of substance P (a substance involved in transmitting pain signals) than people with the condition who received relaxation therapy. More research is needed, however, before massage becomes a standard fibromyalgia treatment.

A 2013 study found that people with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from a moderate-pressure massage, such as hot stone massage. Participants in the study experienced less pain, greater grip strength, and a greater range of motion after one month of massage therapy.

Reduces stress and anxiety

It’s the position of the American Massage Therapy Association that “massage therapy can be effective for stress relief.” Research supports their opinion. A 2001 study showed that a ten-minute massage improved cardiovascular responses such as stroke volume. A 1997 study found that 15-minute, onsite chair massages in the workplace significantly reduced stress compared to a 15-minute break without massage.

Promotes sleep

A 2006 literature review 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 study 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.

May boost immunity

Massage may give your immune system a boost. According to a 2010 study, 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.

If you would like to experience the healing benefits of Hawaiian Hot Stone Massage yourself, please call the Raven Spa in Los Angeles. We have two locations to serve your needs, including what has become known as one of the best massage places in Santa Monica, at 208 Pier Avenue

Our Silverlake spa, located at 2910 Rowena Ave., is also rated among the top spas in Los Angeles. For your convenience, both of our Los Angeles spas are open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.