Radziejowski Paweł. Hot stone massage therapy - mechanisms of the influence on the human organism of selected methods of use.

Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2018;8(5):335-348. eISNN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1500598
http://ojs.ukw.edu.pl/index.phpohs/article/view/6322

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Received: 03.05.2018. Revised: 21.05.2018. Accepted: 31.05.2018.

Hot stone massage therapy - mechanisms of the influence on the human

organism of selected methods of use

Paweł Radziejowski

ORCID 0000-0001-8232-2705
[email protected]
Czestochowa University of Technology,
Faculty of Management, Institute of Health Science and Nutrition,
Armii Krajowej str., 19b, 42-200, Częstochowa, Poland

Key words: stone massage; dynamic massage; contrastive static and dynamic
massage; static massage.

Abstract. A stone massage as a relaxing treatment combines the benefits of a

relaxing massage, aromatherapy, thermotherapy and acupressure. The stone
massage is a form of impact on the body which uses mechanical stimuli, the
pressure on the tissue in order to induce physiological reactions. Therapeutic
effects of stones was used hundreds years ago in the Far East. Women from that

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area applied hot stones on the stomach to reduce menstrual pain and other
ailments. The 90's of XX century is a time of rebirth of hot stone massage,
which first became popular in the United States of America. A modern hot stone
massage is a treatment which perfectly complements physiotherapeutic activity
which goal is the restoration of the damaged organs. What is more, it is also
applied in wellness clinics, accelerating recreational processes, thus increasing
the body's ability to exercise. It is worth mentioning that exist several methods
of stone massage: dynamic massage, contrastive static and dynamic massage
(several varieties) and static massage (energetic). More and more often, the
customers enjoy also a foot and a facial massage.

A stone massage relaxing treatment combines the benefits of a relaxing

massage, aromatherapy, thermotherapy and acupressure. The stone massage is
designed to be a form of the impact on the body, which uses mechanical stimuli.
The form of pressure on the tissue is used in order to induce physiological
reactions. In addition, the hot stone massage affects the expansion of blood
vessels, increases blood flow to the muscle, speeds up the supply of nutrients
and simultaneously causes a more efficient elimination of waste products [1, 2].
The hot stone massage has become popular in recent years. The procedure
is performed in SPA and therapeutic centers around the world. Furthermore, it is
a very old therapy because of its tradition dating back about 5000 years ago. The
treatment has been used in Indian and Mayan culture. The stone massage had
been used in China, for thousands years in many diseases. It is known that in
those times inhabitants were treated in two types of therapy with heat or cold
[3].

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The history of hot stone massage hides methods that have been used
already by the so-called Indians (Native Americans) in ancient cultures. Because
of their activity, stone massage was used as a part of the purification rituals,
both physical (like sweating) as well as spiritual. Later, the hot stones were used
also for relaxation. The work that Native Americans put into the development of
this technique has been recognized and often it is said that they are 'the fathers
of hot stones' [4].
In Hawaii, the stone massage was used for the similar purposes. The fate
of stone was different since Hawaiians had access to Pohaku (the lava stones).
Hence, in their culture, they perpetuated stone massage as 'Pohaku' and this
name is using nowadays. What is more, the stone massage was also widespread
in Asia, although their using for therapeutic purposes was more important. To
add, it was believed that improve of physical health is extremely important,
especially when a person was seriously ill. Unfortunately, since the therapists
resorted to acupuncture and other therapies, stone massage fell outside [1, 3].
Therapeutic effects of the stones were used hundreds years ago in the Far
East. Women from that area applied hot stones on the stomach to reduce
menstrual pain and other ailments. The 90's of XX century was a time of rebirth
of hot stone massage, which first became popular in the United States of
America. Original, American methods of stones massage (Lastone) were
developed by Mary Nelson - Hannigan from Arizona, who was the founder of
the Lastone Therapy Corporation. Indeed, this method is very popular in Europe,
where it became well-known in the late twentieth century [4].
In Poland, the stone massage is a relatively new technique and it is not as
popular as the traditional massage. Especially because many people simply do
not know anything about it. Moreover, even if they know it, may find
difficulties in finding the right therapist. The one, who properly and safely for
the health, uses this technique.

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Nowadays, the hot stone massage is a treatment which perfectly
complements comprehensive physiotherapeutic activity which goal is to restore
the damaged organs. Being applied in wellness clinics, accelerate recreational
processes, thereby increasing the body's ability to exercise.
Undoubtedly, the best therapeutic effects are achieved with the help of
flat, oval volcanic stone (basalt), which exhibit excellent conductive properties
of low and high temperatures. What is more, during the massage also precious
or semi-precious stones are used to balance the circulation of the energy. That is
according to the Hindu concept which is based on the unity of body, psyche and
spirit. The whole procedure takes about 90 minutes, during which the therapist
performs a massage with hot and cold stones, while leaving some of them in
particular places on the body [5].
In fact, the hot stone massage is designed to stimulate blood circulation,
release muscle tension, to make an adequate level of energy and relax.
Obviously, the impact of the hot stones improves circulation and metabolism.
Moreover, it is an excellent remedy for stress. Among others it regenerates
mentally and physically, releases muscles aching, soothes and restores balance
in the body. The warmth coming from the stones and the energy of the Earth
contained in them, accelerates blood and lymph circulation, which in turn allows
body to clean of toxins - especially if massage is performed alternately with hot
and cold stones. The hot stone massage is not only incredibly relaxing, anti-
stressing and fatiguing but it also perfectly affects the circulation and improves
skin firmness and elasticity. As a result of massage with warm oils, the skin is
perfectly smooth. Because of a variety of hot/cold stones massage techniques
and the flows of positive energy, the effect of balance and deep relaxation is
achieved [6].
Therapy (with warm and cold stones) has a beneficial effect on the body,
helps relieve the pain. Moreover, the hot stone massage affects the expansion of

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the blood vessels and the cold marble stones have astringent features. To add,
the warm stones calm the nervous system and the cold ones stimulate it [4].
Generally, a person who is subjected to this treatment gets the feeling of
balance. In order to deepen the effects of the massage, the therapist can combine
the treatment with manual techniques. This may improve the flow of blood and
lymph throughout the body. During the massage, the therapist placed stones on
various parts of the body, which helps to restore balance throughout the body. It
has been shown that the use of hot and cold stones during one massage session,
accelerates such processes as treatment and healing. In addition, the massage
supports the cardiovascular system [4, 5, 6].
On the basis of thermal imaging and after analyzing the survey it found
out that the surface temperature of the back of the patient, increased after each
massage. Hence, the massage decreased tension of the back muscles. After a
series of massages pain from the spine and shoulder girdle decreased. Also, the
general state of mind of the subjects had improved [7].
Sets of stones massage - basalt stones (hot), marble (white - cold), semi-
precious stones (hot, warm, cold)
They are mined from the bottom of the oceans, where they were polished
by the sand and waves. They are sourced from specially selected, clean areas
with high volcanic activity (eg. Hawaii, the Philippines, Bali, Peru, Mexico,
Chile). Their surface is perfectly smooth and they are dimensioned to fit your
hand. The energy from the depths of the seas contained in them is beneficial for
our body. Volcanic stones are ideal for therapy because are famous for their
ability to hold the heat which makes it easy to slip on the skin. Differently -
sized stones are adapted to massage different parts of the body [1, 4].
During the treatment, the therapist may use different sets of stones, which
differ in the number, eg., there are sets of 38 stones so-called the basic kits; 52

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Hawaiian stones so-called the professional kits; 67 stones so - called the great
sets [3].
A set of 38 stones is usually used in a narrow range by a beauticians who
add this as a complementary treatment. Above featured set consists of:

- 6 stones weighing 200 - 400 grams,

- 8 stones weighing 100 to 200 grams,

- 6 stones weighing 50 - 100 grams,

- 8 stones weighing 50 grams or less,

- 10 tiny stones into the area between the toes and hands [3].

A set of 52 stones is used to treatment narrowed in terms. It is a quick

massage for one body part, for example – only back. 52 stones is not enough to
perform a massage on the whole body. Above featured set consists of:

- 8 stones weighing 200 - 400 grams,

-14 stones weighing 100 to 200 grams,

-12 stones weighing 50 - 100 grams,

-8 stones weighing 50 grams or less,

-One set of 10 tiny stones finger into the space between the feet and hands
[3].
Preparation for the treatment. Activation of an electrical heating device.
Stones heated in special heaters with a thermostat are used for body massage and
acupressure.
Bath heater may be filled up to a maximum of 2.5 cm below the top edge. Always
put the stones into the tub and then pour water. Never put hot stones on wounds, burns,
abrasions, sensitive skin or skin damaged in any way. Before starting the treatment,
stones’ temperature must always be checked with your fingers and then hold in your

340
hands before you put it on someone else. To avoid scalding, we use a special glove or
spoon to remove stones from the heater [3].
Indications for the treatments
For people without a serious health problem, procedure is recommended as a
remedy for stress and for a biological regeneration. The hot stone massage
regenerates after exercise, relieves tension and muscle fatigue, and has a
beneficial effect on hypertension. The strength and intensity in which massage is
performed are tailored to individual preferences.
Indications for stone massage [2, 3]:
 obesity
 convalescence period
 states after injuries of the central nervous system
 psychogenic neurosis
 cardiovascular disease
 constipation
 orthopedic injuries
 rheumatic diseases
 post-stroke states
 sciatica and sciatica arm
 Reynaud's disease
 Cerebral palsy (CP)
 paralysis and paresis
 The hot stone massage has a beneficial effect on the following symptoms
[2, 3]:
 Myalgia;
 Bad circulation
 Rheumatic and arthritic ailments;
 Back pain;

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 Stress;
 Insomnia.
The massage is recommended for people:
 After plastic surgery and other surgical procedures;
 With depression,
 Stressed,
 Tired,
 With an active lifestyle,
 Overtrained or with tired muscles
 Obese,
 With all kinds of personal injury,
 Those who want to prevent arthritis and spine,
 With muscle weakness or paralysis after a stroke.
CONTRAINDICATIONS for stones massage are similar to the contrary in
other types of massage [2, 3]:
 inflammations and allergic skin
 inflammation of the lymph nodes
 blood thrombus
 cancer
 fever
 aneurysms
 abnormal sensations, sensitivity to heat
 heart failure
 pregnancy and feeding time
 varicose veins and bursting cell
 third degree of hypertension.
 unstable heart disease

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Massage course
In combination with a soothing, relaxing music massage helps to focus
attention on the therapist’s touch. For 60 - 90 minutes body is in contact with a
hot ( about 40-50 degrees), respectively-selected stones.
The massage is performed with the romantic, dim light and relaxing music.
The massage is performed on naked body or body covered with towel.
There are several methods of stones massage.
Dynamic massage:
Massage involves the whole body; the first part of the procedure is carried
out on the back side of the body and the second part at the front in the following
order:
From behind - back, hands, pelvis, bottom limbs; From the front – bottom
limb, belly, chest (if necessary), face (if necessary).
Stone massage is performed by using such techniques:
Stroking – with stones adapted in size and shape to the body; this technique
uses classic massage stroking types (main technique);
Rubbing – with a circular motion;
Kneading – with two stones close to each other, until a fold of skin is
formed and the fold is gently kneaded.
Static and dynamic contrast massage (I):
The patient lies down on his stomach and stones are placed along his/her
spine. At a time when their gentle pressure and heat bring the patient into a state
of relaxation, the therapist performs massage of legs, first manually, and in a
moment with both hot and cold stones. Then the therapist pulls the stones of the
spine and massaging patient’s back. When the patient lies already on his back
with hot stones in his hands and spine on paravertebral zones, relaxation reaches
its apex. This treatment can be done also with an intense massage. In contrast,
during the treatment, the white, cold marble stones are used. They can be gently

343
applied and are also used as a tool specialized for a massage. The therapist can
use their manual abilities with stronger massages, which are indicated by the
large muscle tension.
The treatment lasts approx. 90 minutes and there is no indication as to the
frequency of use. Even one is enough to feel the effects.
Static and dynamic contrast massage (II): when patient is ready to
massage, the therapist leaves her/his alone in a warm office so she/he could dress
up in a towel and lie down. Then the therapist puts warm stones on various
acupressure points on the body, and use essential oils and aroma which enriches
the contact session. The relax is very deep for body and mind, so patient can drift
away in the sleepy state so they don't even notice where else the therapist put the
stones. The therapist uses various massage techniques in order to achieve the
effect of deep relaxation thanks to the flow of positive energy and creation
feelings of balance.
Massage is performed by hands and alternately the hot, basalt, volcanic
stones and by marbles which are much smaller. After some time, when the body
is embraced by a deep feeling of relaxation, the vast difference in temperature
between the stones is no longer visible. The therapist spread stones on the
patient’s back, on the front of the body, on the forehead and on the hands, or on
selected energy points that are gently pressing. Then begins the massage with
warm oil from the foot through the torso of the arms, from the front to the back.
The therapist slides stones on warm and oiled body. Next, lays the cold stones on
the neck. The procedure takes about an hour.
Static massage (energetic)
This treatment includes therapy using the hot stones with essential oils.
Massage involves the whole body; at the beginning of treatment, the patient lies
down in front, and on the back, neck (cold); in his hands, the therapist set stones
between the toes and on the lower limbs.

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We spread them in key locations on the body at the chakras and energy
flow areas. It is the impact on the energy centers called chakras according to
ancient Indian tradition. The chakras are points on the body receiving and
processing the energy that penetrates the human energy field and are responsible
for the proper flow through the whole body. Blocked chakras can cause poor
physical and mental wellbeing and even illness.
In the human body there are seven major chakras that are spread
from the base of the spine up to the head [4]:
1. The crown chakra is located on top of the head and is responsible for
the spiritual life.
2. The third eye chakra is located in the middle of the forehead and is
responsible for the imagination if it is lock/locked it may cause headaches and
vision problems.
3. The throat chakra is located in the neck and is responsible for the work,
and its blockade can cause asthma and sore throats.
4. The heart chakra is located on the chest and is responsible for the
energy of love, disturbances in the area may cause problems with pressure.
5. The solar plexus chakra directs our emotional life, its disorders cause
allergies, fatigue, digestive problems.
6. The sex chakra is located in the lower abdomen and is responsible for
the sexual life.
7. The root chakra is located at the base of the spine, near the tailbone and
is responsible for the immune system and vital energy, the blockade has an
impact on the formation of joint degeneration.
Stone therapy is based on the deployment of special chakras maps on the
body. During the massage, stones are arranged in the vicinity of chakras or
massaging these places in order to unblock energy channels

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The second type of therapy is the treatment of energy which uses semi-
precious stones and essential oils. It combines the action of stones with
aromatherapy. The following are the most commonly used types of stones: red
jasper, green jade, carnelian, crystal, aventurine , sodalite, amethyst, rose quartz,
chalcedony, tiger eye.
Foot Massage
One can also perform massage on the feet. Here, the small stones are used.
They are inserted between the toes which result is the release of stress and
stimulation of nerve endings in the feet. At the end, you can massage the foot
and the entire body by using a blend of vegetable oil or massage with essential
oils.
Facial stones massage (cosmetic)
The facial massage with semi - precious stones (crystal rock) and cold
marbles is a great therapy, excellent as the anti-stress, silencing and relaxing
treatment. Massage decrease face redness, increases blood flow and reduces
inflammation of the skin, eg. acne.
Perfectly affects the appearance of the skin.
- Stimulates micro-circulation
- Oxygenates and brightens the skin
- Reduces swelling around the eyes.
Infants massage with warm stones
In modern scientific literature one may find information about the use of
massage with warm basalt stones to infants [8]. As emphasized by the authors,
in the vast majority of children especially the youngest ones, eg. at 4.-6. week of
life, the reactions to the heat are positive. For excited, mewling children,
reduces the negative reactions. In addition, on carrying out the massage, parents
watching extra time for an afternoon nap while simultaneously mute during

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nocturnal sleep, decrease the digestive discomfort - the alleviation of bloating,
constipation and colic.
Warm stone base with greased oil (with avocado, coconut, sweet almond)
allows penetration into the skin of precious unsaturated fatty acid chains
containing omega-3 and omega-6, supporting the skin's natural defenses for
immature child who immediately after birth is often macerated. Stone as a
mechanical stimulus supports this process, help to improve nutrition, accelerate
blood and lymph circulation, which increases the baby's natural immunity.
It is important that the temperature of the room where massage is done,
must be slightly higher compared to the traditional treatment and amount to 25-
26 C. It is a prerequisite, because the child's body very quickly receives the heat
coming from the stone, so we have to prevent thermal shock caused by a sudden
change of temperature.
Massage begins with the work on foot. After delicate stroking of the foot -
from tumor heel, ending with the forefoot the reflexology is turning on. Instead
of thumb you can use a specially designed stones. The time of foot massage at
the beginning should not exceed 2-3 minutes on one leg. On subsequent foot
massage treatments could be extended to 10 minutes, then develop the entire
upper and lower limb. The last step of the treatment is massage of the back and
the abdominal wall. As we know, the newborns and infants often suffer from
ailments of the digestive system, manifested by constipation, bloating, pin and
seizures. According to the researchers very effective therapy (beside
pharmacotherapy) might be the application of the warm and smooth stone to the
small tummy. It can be combined with the performance of mechanical massage,
supports the movement of the contents of food and gas in the direction of anus
[8]. At the end of the treatment, massage of the back might be performed and it
is very positively received by the child. During the work on this area the
therapist performs stroking, especially with a warm stone, uses delicate

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grinding, technique of a soft finger clapping in the style of a piano or alternately
with a labile vibration [8].
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