(HealthNewsDigest.com) – A hot stone massage can melt away stress while at the same time softening muscle stiffness and tension. This massage provides a deep state of relaxation and is perfect for anyone that is feeling the effects of stress along with sore, muscular tension.

It is believed that this therapeutic treatment originated in China approximately 2,000 years ago. Since that time the technique of using healing stones has been adopted by many cultures across the world.

Hot stone massage therapy starts with the application of smooth and silky basalt stones, which have been heated with water, to different key points along the body. The stones may be placed on the stomach, the back, the feet, the hands or even on the face. In some cases massage therapists will hold onto the stones with their hands and use them as they are massaging. This allows the therapist to reach deeper muscle layers without having to apply more pressure.

The stones vary in size and create the sensation of warmth and comfort. The direct heat allows the muscles to relax so that a deeper and more intense massage can be accomplished.

Basalt stones are created from volcanoes and are the stones of choice for this massage based on their unique features. They are flat and contain a lot of iron, which helps them retain heat for extended periods of time. They are usually sold as a set in various sizes and come in a bamboo box. The different sized stones are intended to be used on certain parts of the body.

How Hot Stone Massages Reduce Stress

The hot stones create an expansion of the blood vessels, which pushes the blood, along with waste materials, throughout the body. This provides the nervous system with a type of sedative effect and the entire body starts to relax. As this occurs the feelings of stress start to decrease and in many cases the person can become so relaxed during the massage that they fall asleep.

As the blood continues to flow each cell receives an increased amount of nutrients and oxygen. The lymph flow also increases so that waste materials can be effectively removed.

Deep Muscle Massage

The full body massage with hot stones promotes a deeper muscle relaxation so that the massage therapists can reach the deeper layers of the muscles. The combination of the body massage with hot stones is incredibly therapeutic, relaxing and healing.

A hot stone massage can also help reduce muscle spasms that commonly interfere with day-to-day life. It helps to reduce the tension and inflammation within the muscles to ease the pain from muscle spasms.

Better Joint Flexibility

When muscles are tense they can make it painful and difficult to move the joints. Individuals with joint issues may find relief with this specific form of massage.

Indulge and pamper yourself with a Palm Springs massage at Desert Serenity to feel the deep relaxation that can only be experienced with a hot stone massage.