The hot stone massage , also called geothermal therapy or "Stone therapy" is the use of soft stones rounded and free of pores, previously heated to a relaxing massage.

The most appropriate are volcanic basalt stones because their high density retain heat well. The heat distends itself and induces muscle relaxation and hardness of the stone allows the massage can be further deep; therefore very interesting in muscle spasms, stress and various tensions.

The touch of the hot stone, with smooth slide that gives the oil can be sublime, if it is also enriched with natural oils (aromatherapy) given its recognized therapeutic qualities is spectacular.

This type of massage can provide numerous benefits to the patient. Among others:

1. Reduces chronic pain
2. relieves tensions
3. Balances the neurological system
4. Dilates blood and lymphatic ducts favoring circulation, and thus the elimination of toxins and impurities
5. You can help insomnia problems through relaxation
6. Improves metabolism of internal organs.

It can be used statically, or dynamically performing massage maneuvers, or even combine both techniques.

Of statically it covers more subtle and stimulating the chakras and meridians or energy points bodily aspects.

Of dynamically for more physical aspects, such as the elimination of stress, promote blood and lymphatic circulation, or reduced muscle and joint pain.

It is applied in areas of muscle mass, avoiding joints and bone prominent areas: ankles, shins ... However, the pressure exerted to the stone makes itself prevent bone area, but is helpful in inserts to relieve muscle tension.

How is a session of thermal massage or hot stone

You can combine hot and cold stones (marble these preferably, for better retain the cold) for geothermal CONTRASTES technique.

Aromatherapy technique Hot Stone pair well, as it helps stimulate and regulate the altered emotional states, not only by smell but also and perhaps more for its therapeutic effects through skin coming in seconds by the bloodstream to the hypothalamus.

The technique of contrasts is fine if there is pain, swelling or inflammation in muscles and joints but only in chronic cases, never sprains or shock freshly made. And applied statically, not dynamic.

In principle, the technique of contrasts is "immersion", ie as a general or partial immersion bath alternating hot water and a cold in successive iterations, this principle applies to the stones, which cause in the area vasodilatation (hot stone ) and vasoconstriction (the cold stone), setting in motion between the two a pumping effect, the recommended time of each phase is two to three minutes hot and cold a minute.

You can also do at home to an elbow, knee, ankle or wrist (carpal tunnel); in these cases it is best to apply a towel with ice (never live to avoid frostbite) and a towel moistened with hot water, alternating as explained in the previous paragraph.

If a recent sprain not apply heat ever , only cold to cause vasoconstriction and reduce hematoma.

For any questions always count on the advice of the doctor or physiotherapist.

The cryotherapy (cold) decreases blood flow, favoring the vascular and lymphatic drainage, is anti - inflammatory and slows down cell metabolism, reduces swelling and pain.

The thermotherapy (heat) increases blood flow and helps arrival to the cells of oxygen and nutrients.

The technique of contrasts is recommended in Sprains (after the acute phase), tendonitis, muscle aches and bruises, being better start and finish with heat in proportion of 3/1 or 2/1.

This therapy only for mild cases, because if there phlebitis, varicose ulcers, thrombophlebitis or serious circulatory disease, always control doctor or physical therapist.