Massaging is an ancient practice that can help to relax, soothe, heal and in using some techniques has been known to help with severe nerve damage or issues with body weight. If you want to start giving massages to yourself or to others, you can easily start by using hot massages stones.
Using heated stones for healing purposes dates back to China over 2,000 years ago. The practice expanded into North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Egypt and India. They were used by just placing the stones in specific patterns on the patient’s body, where some practices involved kneading the muscles using the stones or even simply wearing the stones for protection and healing.
You can acquire a set of hot massage stones, they are typically oval and round flat and smooth black stones, the most commonly used stones are called Balsalt river rocks. You can heat your stones using an electrical heating device, i’ve used a small crockpot and had the stones soaking in water.
The stones can get very hot so test the temperature periodically and if you are massaging another person make sure you use caution when applying the stones, use a barrier like a cloth between the stones and their skin.
If you reduce the temperature on the stones, you can oil the body using sweet almond oil or coconut oil and gently massage it into the skin beforehand, it allows the stones to move more smoothly over the surface of the bare skin.
The heat helps to sooth and relax the muscles while breaking up the tension in them. It calms the nervous system and increases blood flow to those areas dissipating the tension. When we relax our stress hormones are reduced and it allows us and the practitioner to better feel what the body needs and where it is experiencing pain and tension.
Once the muscles are warmed, it is easier to give a less painful deep tissue massage. Apply the stones to the skin, gently placing them, this is a good technique if you have cramps caused by menstruation. You can also place them gently on other muscles on the back or shoulders, while hand massaging other parts of the body.
Use sweeping movements when massaging with the stones. These help to flush out the lymphatic system and improves circulation. This is where the help in weight loss and nerve damage comes in.
Using hot massage stones is great beginning guide to the art of massage. It is a great way to heal your own pain and tension and it is a great gift to give to a friend or significant other who may be experiencing stress and needs to have a good nights sleep.
