The History of Hot Stone Massage and Modern Alternatives

History dictates that the Chinese used heated stones as far back as over four thousand years ago. It was used to increase the function of internal organs to their optimum health. Native Americans and Egyptians go back to their ancient ancestry as well, where they would lay stones out in patterns over the body for specific recovery needs or they would wear them around their bodies for protection. Ceremonial rituals would be held, as well as treatments of diseases by various other cultures including some in India and Europe. The ancient Greeks and Romans used warmed stones as a form of massage. Hydrotherapy is borne from the practice of the Roman bath. Romans also introduced the practice of saunas to the world.

Many cultures used hot and cold stones as therapeutic healing sources, and these stones were frequently incorporated into the healing rituals. Today the hot stone massage's therapeutic effect can be found in the heated seats and backrests of a massage chair as they mimic almost perfectly the experience of receiving a professional hot stone massage. Although the rollers are cold, they don't directly contact your skin, so all you'll feel is the warmth of the seat and the pressure of the rollers kneading and stretching up and down your relaxed back. The robotic massage of the chair will alleviate the stress of your body.

The positive effects of hot stone massage include cardiovascular health as the blood will better circulate, musculoskeletal systems as it wears away the tenseness and the nervous system benefits from the relaxation you will experience.

Hydrotherapy is the ancient use of heat and cold to the body that produced restorative effects to the individual. As we try to maintain a constant body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, we can regulate that temp with this practice. You can be very specific in hot stone massage at the placement of the stones and the duration they remain in certain areas for optimum relief to ailments. The heat will increase circulation, metabolism, and inflammatory response. The heat will decrease muscle spasms, soften the tissues and raise the body temperature. The contrast of hot and cold causes blood vessels to dilate and constrict and that is what promotes good circulation. Massage chairs can do the same thing as you turn the heat on or off with the flip of a switch.

Ancient societies still use some of their practices today with the hot stone massage in the form of sweat lodges. The four elements of the world: fire, water, air and earth are used in the preparation of the ceremonies. Today in hot stone massage therapy the energy of the stones and elements combined connect the therapist to their clients in a universal way as the stones are used to massage with.

From India and their use of hot stones for the Marma points, to Japan and Anma techniques, to Hawaii's use of smooth and rough stones, hot stone massage continues on. Whether you are a massage therapist using the hot stones to massage with or you have found yourself a nice massage chair or robotic massage chair, the tradition goes on. People can benefit greatly from these ancient practices to continue living a good and healthy life.