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Hot stone massage is an ancient practice going all the way back to the ancient Egyptians and Ayurveda in India where it is called sacred stone massage. Even Native American culture has used hot stones during “sweat lodge” ceremonies to cleanse the body and the spirit. The native tribes of Hawaii discovered that wrapping heated lava rocks in leaves and applying them to the muscles brought pain relief. The leaves were administered by medicine shamans calls Kahunas who are experts in the business of healing and making people feel better.

Hot stone massage is the practice of heating smooth stones and placing them on various areas of the body during a massage. They can either be left on tense spots or used by hand to aid in heating and relaxing sore muscles, and it feels nothing short of amazing. At Cheetahfit, we include a hot stone option with every member massage at no extra charge.

The hot stones used for modern hot stone massage are usually smooth and polished river or basalt rocks. The high iron content in basalt helps the stones retain heat for a longer period of time. The stones are heated to 130 degrees for the typical session. Hot stones should be hot, but should not burn or make you feel uncomfortable. Everyone has a little different temperature tolerance so if for any reason you don’t feel comfortable with the treatment you should tell your therapist immediately. They will typically combine the smooth stones with massage oils and steady pressure to warm up the muscles.

The direct heat and energy from the stones penetrates deep into the muscles and enhances the therapeutic benefits of the massage. It has a healing and balancing effect on our system. Using hot stones also allows the Cheetahfit Massage Therapist to work deeper faster because the heat helps to increase circulation. Poor circulation can build up fluid and decrease recovery in the musculoskeletal system. Increased circulation delivers more oxygen to the muscles thus helping tremendously with aches and pains.

The benefits of hot stone massage include deeper relaxation of muscles, help hydrating and flushing cells, blood detoxification, stimulating the immune system, improving digestion, lymphatic drainage and cleansing. The hot stones also expand blood vessels.

Entering a deep meditative state is or even falling asleep in a common response to receiving a hot stone massage session. The relaxation created by the massage plus the penetrating warmth of the stones place the body into a restorative mode. It is OK to sleep through the treatment because your body is still receiving the benefits. After the treatment it is recommended to allow at least one-hour of free time for the mind and body to process the benefits of the treatment.

Hot stone massage is safe for most clients and proven effective in treating conditions associated with pain from carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, strained muscles, chronic tension and fibromyalgia. A hot stone massage at Cheetahfit may also help with depression and anxiety disorders. Hot stones are not recommended for people with skin rashes, open wounds or skin infections, pregnant women, chronic high blood pressure, areas of varicose veins, people with cancer, liver or kidney disorders, lymphodema, people using blood thinners, osteoporosis and other conditions. It is important to let your massage therapists know if you have any of these or other conditions.

Take a tip from ancient wisdom traditions and let the power of heat take your next massage to a higher level of healing. Hot stones can be added to any massage and are included as a free option with every membership massage at The Cheetahfit Training and Massage Center. If you’re interested in scheduling a massage or have any questions, don’t hesitate to visit Boulder’s Cheetahfit Training and Massage Center online, or call (303) 475-4578 to get started today. 

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