Like other types of massage techniques, a hot stone massage is a method used to relieve muscle tension and pain while easing mental stress. What makes this type of massage unique is the use of flat, smooth, heated stones, which help to promote circulation and induce relaxation. Several studies have shown that hot stone massage can increase flexibility, encourage sleep, ease aches and pains, and much more.
Though the benefits of a hot stone massage are plentiful, there are other ways to experience the power of a heated massage. The CERAGEM V6 is a thermal massager that replicates a hot stone massage through a combination of heat and pressure that rivals an in-person massage.
Find out more about what a hot stone massage can provide and how the CERAGEM V6 delivers the same benefits at home.
What Can I Expect From a Hot Stone Massage?
During a hot stone massage, a therapist places heat-retaining basalt stones on different parts of the body, such as the spine, chest, stomach, palms, and feet. The stones are typically heated to around 130 to 145 degrees, which is hot enough to penetrate muscles without burning the skin.
By placing the heated stones along specific pressure points, the therapist harnesses the power of heat to make the muscles loose and pliable. Then they massage the body with the stones using long strokes and circulation motions typical of a Swedish massage.
The Many Benefits of a Hot Stone Massage
From reduced muscle tension to better sleep, there are several benefits to getting a hot stone massage, all backed by scientific studies. Find out what you can expect from this type of massage and why it works.
Reduced Muscle Tension
Several doctors recommend heat therapy for muscle tension, spasms, and localized pain. This is because heat allows blood vessels to widen, which increases blood flow and circulation. This improved circulation more efficiently transports excess lactic acid and toxins away from tense muscles while encouraging flexibility. The heat from hot stones penetrates the muscles before the massage to make them more responsive to the healing treatment of touch.
Stress Relief
According to the Mayo Clinic, a massage effectively reduces stress and anxiety because it helps lower the amount of the stress hormone cortisol in the body. It also helps to boost the feel-good chemical serotonin, promoting a balanced mood. Add heat to the mix and the results are even more powerful. A 2011 study found that a combination of heat and massage safely and efficiently provided relaxation to the autonomic nervous system, which is one of the central neural pathways activated by stress.
Better Sleep
Hot stone massage has also been linked to improved sleep quality, especially in those who cannot sleep due to pain. According to a 2019 study of dialysis patients, hot stone massage significantly improved sleep quality by helping to decrease both pain and anxiety connected to the autonomic nervous system. Research also shows that massage doesn’t just make it easier to fall asleep, but it also increases the amount of deep sleep a person gets.
Immunity Boost
A massage a day keeps the doctor away? There’s some evidence that getting a massage can improve immunity. In one study over the course of five weeks, researchers found that massage was associated with increased white blood cells, which help the body fight off foreign viruses and bacteria.
Who Can a Hot Stone Massage Benefit?
Like all types of massage, a hot stone massage can benefit anyone experiencing muscle tension, stress, or poor sleep. This type of massage can be especially helpful for those suffering from muscle or joint stiffness, poor flexibility, or fatigue brought on by pain, spasms, and sciatica.
Though hot stone massage is generally safe, you should consult a doctor if you have a health condition, like diabetes, bleeding disorders, bone fractures, infections, or open wounds or burns on the skin.
How the CERAGEM V6 Replicates a Hot Stone Massage
Like a hot stone massage, the CERAGEM V6 utilizes a combination of heat therapy and massage to relieve muscle pain and tension, improve flexibility, and reduce stress and anxiety. Using specialized heated massage rollers, the CERAGEM V6 provides a concentrated and customized massage at your specific acupressure points. The massage bed automatically adjusts to your measurements by scanning and analyzing your spinal length and curvature and applying intensive thermal therapy at a soothing and deeply penetrating 149°F.
Cleared by the FDA as a Class II medical device, the CERAGEM V6 is unique in its comprehensive approach. Combining the benefits of acupressure, deep-tissue massage, stretching, and hot stone therapy, the massage bed addresses aches and pains on both your upper and lower body for an invigorating experience that transforms your living room into your very own spa.
Find out more about our in-home trials today!