stone massage

Practices similar to modern stone massage, involving placing objects of various temperatures on the body, have been used in the past for healing and therapy. Some sources suggest the practice originated 5,000 years ago within the ancient Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda. Cultures in North America, Hawaii, Japan, and various South Pacific nations have employed similar methods for therapeutic or ceremonial purposes. The traditional Hawaiian practice of Lomilomi massage may involve the use of warmed Lomi stones to increase blood flow to areas of the body, which proponents claim support relaxation and the circulation.{{Cite book|last=Davidson|first=Tish|title=The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine|publisher=Gale|year=2014|edition=4|volume=3|location=Detroit|pages=1464–1466}} Similar practices in China dating back 2,000 years involved the use of heated stones, said to stimulate internal organ function and improve energy flow. Such traditional practices might have influenced modern stone massage methods.

In 1993, modern stone massage techniques gained renewed attention when Mary D. Nelson, an American massage therapist, developed a form of massage using hot and cold stones, referred to as "LaStone Therapy." This form of massage became popular and commercially successful.{{cite web |last1=Mayrhofer |first1=Pat |title=The History of Hot Stone Massage |url=https://www.massagemag.com/the-history-of-hot-stone-massage-7334/ |website=Massage Magazine |date=17 May 2010 |access-date=22 March 2025}} Numerous modern forms of stone massage incorporate techniques from Swedish massage and deep tissue massage.{{Cite journal |last=Nelson |first=Mary |date=2010 |title=(Don't feel the burn): hot stone massage can be a real benefit to clients. The stones are at a safe temperature if the therapist can comfortably hold the stones in their bare hands for more than five seconds at a time. But, a massage therapist needs to make sure they fully understand this modality |journal=Massage Therapy Journal |volume=49}}

File:Hot stone massage.jpg

Volcanic stones, such as basalt, are typically submerged in hot water, usually between 38 and 60 degrees Celsius (100 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit). They should not be warmed using mediums other than water. Stones can also be placed in chilled water to achieve a temperature between -5 to 25 degrees Celsius (25 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit). A sheet or towel is often placed on the client's body as a barrier between the stones and bare skin to help prevent discomfort from temperature changes or burns from excessively hot stones. Stones may be placed on the client's back, legs, arms, or feet, depending on the treatment area. During the massage, the therapist may hold the stones and use them to apply pressure to muscles, effectively acting as an extension of their hands.{{Cite journal|last=Mertz|first=L|date=2007|title=Therastone: Advanced Stone Massage Therapy Foundations & Spa/Clinic Relaxation Myofascial Instant Release Technique: Upper & Lower Extremities|journal=Massage Therapy Journal|volume=46|pages=29}}

Some therapists may also perform a Swedish massage while applying stones to warm and relax muscles.{{Cite web|title=Hot Stone Massage Techniques, Benefits, & How To|url=https://fremont.edu/hot-stone-massage/|date=2017-09-25|website=Fremont College|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-27}} The duration of stone massages typically ranges from 60 to 90 minutes, varying based on the technique used and client needs. Stone massage is often combined with complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy, to enhance its effects.

Reported benefits of the practice include stimulation of blood flow in the circulatory system through the heat and movement of the stones. Stone massages are also reported to ease muscle pain, tension, and spasms.{{Cite web|title=Hot stone massage therapy: 5 benefits|url=https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317675|website=www.medicalnewstoday.com|date=29 May 2017 |language=en|access-date=2020-05-27}}

Some proponents claim that stone massage may offer mental benefits such as relaxation, mood improvement, and an enhanced sense of well-being. A study conducted at the Urmia University of Medical Sciences found that basalt hot stone massage therapy can contribute to improving the sleep quality of some individuals.{{Cite journal |last=Ghavami |first=Haleh |date=2019 |title=Impact of Hot Stone Massage Therapy on Sleep Quality in Patients on Maintenance Hemodialysis: A Randomized Controlled Trial |journal=Journal of Research in Medical Sciences |volume=24 |issue=1 |page=71 |doi=10.4103/jrms.JRMS_734_18 |pmc=6734672 |pmid=31523257 |doi-access=free}}

There are potential dangers and risks associated with stone massage therapy. One risk is burns, which can result from placing high-temperature objects on the skin.

Certain medical conditions can be adversely affected by receiving a stone massage. Conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, some skin conditions, heart disease, and neuropathy are considered contraindications for stone massage. Clients with cuts, burns, bruising, or varicose veins are advised to avoid stone massages, as the practice has the potential to increase injury or tissue damage. Such conditions or minor injuries also pose a risk for increased chances of infection from exposure to bacteria from the stones, massage oils, or the masseuse.

Being under the influence of drugs or alcohol significantly reduces the safety of stone massage therapy. Clients' reactions to the temperature of the stones may be desensitized by drugs or alcohol, increasing the risk of burns.{{Cite web|title=Alcohol and Massage is a Dangerous Combination|url=https://www.integrativehealthcare.org/mt/alcohol-and-massage-a-dangerous-combination/|date=2013-02-26|website=Massage Professionals Update|language=en|access-date=2020-05-29}}

Some massage therapists may make claims about medical benefits that are not scientifically supported. Some forms of stone massage incorporate concepts such as chakra alignment and energy flow,{{Cite web|title=The History Of Hot Stone Massage|url=https://www.massagemag.com/the-history-of-hot-stone-massage-7334/|date=2010-05-17|website=Massage Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2020-05-27}} but these concepts are not typically supported by science. While some individuals may find stone massages pleasant or relatively harmless, it is important to consult with a relevant medical professional for proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of any pain or medical concern.

• Bamboo massage

{{Reflist}}

{{Massage types}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Manual therapy

Category:Massage therapy

Category:Alternative medicine