A stone massage is a type of therapy classified as a form of alternative medicine massage, involving the placement of heated or cooled stones on the body intended to promote relaxation or relieve discomfort. Various cultural traditions employ different techniques for stone placement, temperature, and handling. [1]
In the past, practices similar to modern stone massage have been used for healing and therapeutic purposes. [2] Some historical practices have also involved placing objects of various temperatures on the body, and some sources suggest the practice originated 5,000 years ago within the ancient Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda. [2] Cultures in North America, Hawaii, Japan, and various South Pacific nations have employed similar methods for therapeutic or ceremonial purposes. [1] Some descriptions of Lomilomi massage refer to warmed stones, with alleged effects including increased blood flow and relaxation. However, clinical studies validating those effects are limited or non-existent. [3] 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. [1]
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". [2] This form of massage gained broader attention and more commercial use. [4] Many modern forms of stone massage incorporate techniques from Swedish massage and deep tissue massage. [5]
Most practitioners heat volcanic stones such as basalt by immersion in water, typically between 38-60°C (100-140 °F), mainly because it offers precise temperature control. However, some contemporary protocols, including use of heated salt stones like Himalayan salt crystals, paraffin wax, or electric dry-heat units, exist and may differ in instrumentation or safety practices. Published professional guidelines generally warn that direct dry-heat or oil bath systems require additional safety testing to prevent overheating or burns. Although these guidelines are written for lab settings, the same concerns apply to spa environments where stones are heated in oil or dry-heat units, especially since skin contact is direct and prolonged. [6]
In many western spa practices, placement stones are usually set over a sheet or towel as a thermal buffer, and are not left in direct skin contact to help prevent discomfort from temperature changes or burns from excessively hot stones. [5] During the massage, the therapist may hold the stones and use them to apply pressure to various muscles. [7] Stones may be placed on the client's back, legs, arms, or feet, depending on the treatment area.
However, in some traditional massage rituals, such as certain variations of Lomilomi or salt-stone therapy, stones may be placed directly on carefully selected energy points along the spine, typically after the stones have cooled slightly. [8]
Some therapists may also perform a Swedish massage while applying stones to warm and relax muscles. [9] The duration of stone massages typically ranges from 60 to 90 minutes, varying based on the technique used and client needs. [9]
Some anecdotal sources suggest improved circulation, better sleep, decreased muscle tension, pain or stress relief, and increased flexibility. [2] [10] However, high-quality evidence (e.g., systematic reviews by NCCIH and AHRQ) finds only weak short-term benefits for massages generally, not for stone massages alone. [3] There is little scientific study into stone massages specifically and they are not yet backed by high-quality, long-term studies.
Without a barrier between the stones and the client's body, high-temperature stones applied to the skin may cause burns. [5] Practitioners are cautioned not to use this technique while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, as it can impair a person's ability to accurately gauge the temperature of the stones, increasing the risk of burns due to reduced sensitivity to heat. [11]
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 massages. [5] Clients with breaks to the skin, bruising, or varicose veins are advised to avoid stone massages, as the practice has the potential to aggravate injuries or cause tissue damage. [10] Such conditions or minor injuries also pose an increased risk of infection from exposure to bacteria from the stones, massage oils, or the massage therapist. [10]
Some massage therapists may make claims about medical benefits that are not scientifically supported. [12] Some forms of stone massage incorporate concepts such as chakra alignment and energy flow, [13] but these concepts are not supported by science. While some individuals may find stone massages pleasant or relatively harmless, if in doubt, it is important to consult with a relevant medical professional for proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment over any pain or medical concern that may interfere particularly with a stone massage. [14]
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