The Magical Healing through Hot Stone Massages

Regular hot stone massages not only help muscles to relax but also prevent certain debilitating body condition.

At Tranquility Spa, Hotel Radisson, Kathmandu 

The trend of being conscious about one’s health has increased drastically over the years, and it has encouraged a great number of people to indulge in a healthy lifestyle, whether it is eating healthy, going to the gym, doing yoga and many more. Among all these healthier life choices, most people don’t include getting a massage because they associate it with a “luxury” that they deserve only once or twice a year. This concept of massage that people hold is quite understandable given the way massage makes you feel. It makes you feel pampered and relaxed and gives you emotional contentment. But along with its benefits on your mood, massage provides numerous benefits to your physical health and well-being. With so many people stuck in monotonous desk-bound work, where they need to stay in the same place in the same position for hours at a time, it is no wonder that many of them have health problems.

Such circumstances often result in the blockage in blood flow to your muscles. In the short-term it can lead to aches and pains in your muscles, and in the long-term, if untreated, to arthritis. In order to get relief from stress, anxiety, muscle pain, circulatory problems and many more, you can choose different types of massages based on their healing approach. My personal favorite has been the hot stone massage at the Tranquility Spa, in Radisson Hotel Kathmandu where I recently experienced a world-class service.

Being greeted by such friendly smiles and a warm welcome, I felt out of place just being there. The ambience there added warmth to the mood which was too serene to be true. I was led to a cosy space where calming music was playing in the background. I was wrapped in a luxuriously soft robe, and the aroma of herbs there made my mind and body feel at ease. The massage therapist started with gentle motion on my back using herbal oil, which immediately made me feel like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. What I loved about their service was that the massage therapist made sure to check if the pressure was too light or heavy on my body and communicated in a way that made me feel comfortable being there. It portrayed their extraordinary mannerisms and professionalism. After massaging my whole body with oil, the masseuse then placed a hot stone on my back which was the highlight of the whole experience. It felt like all the stress and tension in my back had been lifted away like a spirit from my body. Then using circular motions, the masseuse massaged other parts of my body with the hot stones, using different techniques like tapping, long strokes and circular motion. Then the hot stones were placed on my stomach, my palms, chest and toes which helped me feel rejuvenated. Other than making my body feel de-stressed and relaxed, I also got to take advantage of many other benefits of hot stone massage. Research suggests that hot stone massage helps to increase the blood flow in your body, and reduce your muscle spasms. It helps to alleviate insomnia, and promote better sleep. In addition this type of massage has been proven to play a key role in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Athletes who suffer from injuries can also benefit from this massage. Since the massage aids in proper blood flow, it also helps people who suffer from Raynaud’s syndrome, where the fingers or toes (sometimes nose and ears) turn color and become numb due to interruption of blood flow to the extremities due to vasospasm. This is usually caused by cold temperature or continuous stress. The associated pain can be relieved through hot stone therapy which brings back the blood flow. If this condition is left untreated, it can lead to arthritis and fibromyalgia. In order to prevent them you may want to start taking hot stone massages now and then, especially in cold winter when you become susceptible to catching cold due to poor and low metabolism. Hot stone massage also helps to improve metabolism and immunity power.

Thus, regardless of age, whether you are a 60-year-old person with joint ache problems, a middle-aged man who sits working on the computer and lacks movement and is more likely to develop a backache, or a teenager facing pressure from school, or a child who cannot sleep, a hot stone massage is bound to relieve your stress and promote better body movement, and help prevent diseases that are likely to occur if your body continuously experiences stress and aches. Rather than spending countless money eating out, buying stuff, you don’t need, it is important to set your priorities straight, and get a massage now and then. “Treat and pamper yourself with a hot stone massage more than just once or twice a year to maintain good health and wellness that will benefit you in the long run.