Marilyn Bernice Mutsune Ndubi

Get Rid of Backaches, Insomnia, and Tension in Your Body A Hot stone massage sounds like a painful experience. Don’t let the term “hot stone” frazzle you or make your hair stand on end. That was my initial reaction when I first heard of this therapy. Nonetheless, I had to do something about persistent insomnia, backaches, and cramps. I’d tension in my lower back, and this was affecting my output at work. I must add my experience with hot stone massage is that it’s one of most indulgent massage therapy. I started the therapy five years back, and I don’t regret it to date. Origins My inquisitive nature caused me to find out a little more about this massage therapy. I’m a bit weary of jumping into things I don’t understand. Here is what I found out, this therapy dates as far back as 5000 years. It was used by Indians (Ayurveda) as a holistic way of healing. I intensified my research and found out Mayrhofer and Abendroth(2010) explain that for more than 4000 years, the Japanese place used warm stones on their stomachs to improve their digestive systems. I was amazed to learn that the same goes for the ancient Chinese. My research reveals that approximately, 2000 years ago the Chinese used heated stones to aid the functions of the internal organs. So, did the Native Americans (till today) use heated stones to release pain from the lower abdomen (cramps ) with the Hahana Massage. Historical evidence shows this therapy almost as old as the hills so it must be reliable and valid. Armed with all these information I was ready to give it a try. What is a Hot Stone Massage? The therapist uses smooth, heated stones, it is up to the therapist to place the stones on a particular part of the body as he/she works another part of the body. Alternatively, the therapist can use the stones as an extension of his/her hands. Sounds complicated but it is not, I relax and lose myself in the process. Stones and Equipment Basalt stone is the preferred stone as it is rich in iron. The iron heats quickly and retains the warmth needs for an effective massage and quick penetration of the muscles and soft tissues. The stones are collected from natural reserves such as rivers and oceans. The natural forces of erosion have the stones smoothened and ready for use. The therapist immerses the stone in hot water until they get heated to a certain temperature. Massage oil is used to ease the manipulation of the stones along the skin. Expect to see a foot tub (used to heat the stones), a thermometer to measure the temperature, hand towels, massage oil and tongs to pick the stones. Benefits  The hot stones promote health benefits as they relax my muscles and this further helps the therapist apply pressure to the hard-to-reach soft tissues and muscles.  An experienced therapist knows the pressure points that will release energy, this creates the right balance for my mind and body.  Deep relaxation, I no longer suffer from insomnia  Improves circulations and at the same time releases toxins  Reduces lower abdomen cramps, backaches  Eases medical conditions, the therapy relieves pain in the case of arthritis and osteoarthritis  Substantial relieves stress induced tension Hot stone massage therapy is something I look forward to largely because its benefits are holistic. When am through with my session I have a general sense of well-being. I notice that my senses are alert, I’m more vibrant and enthusiastic about life. I look forward to seeing my therapist when there is a lot on my plate, and my body is complaining. It works each time perfectly, I come out as if reborn. Resources Chandra, S. (2016). Ayurvedic research, wellness, and consumer rights. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, 7(1), 6-10. doi:10.1016/j.jaim- Lele, R. (2010). Beyond reverse pharmacology: Mechanism-based screening of Ayurvedic drugs. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine J Ayurveda Integr Med, 1(4), 257. doi:10.4103/- Mayrhofer, P., & Abendroth, I. (2005). U.S. Patent No. 6,972,029. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.