Pristine Spas Services Cold Stone Massage

Aromatherapy is often associated with holistic healing. It is a treatment that uses the essential oils extracted from plants to foster enhanced well-being. An all-natural treatment process, aromatherapy is frequently used in massage and other therapies to add another beneficial layer to the experience. Some might refer to aromatherapy as essential oil therapy. Whichever name you call it, it has positive effects on both the body and the mind. Increasingly aromatherapy is being seen as a viable part of holistic treatment.

Quite simply, a therapist will use stones that have been chilled and frozen and apply these to the surface of the skin during a massage treatment. A cold stone massage is often used as an accompaniment to other forms of massage therapy.

Why has a cold stone massage performed? The benefits of this technique are plentiful. The cold emanating from the stones used will, in essence, penetrate the skin through the different external layers and into the fascia. As this occurs, many experts cite a detoxification process that happens. Also, there can be a reduction in certain types of inflammation. The power of cold can benefit those suffering from pain and soreness.

According to those who practice cold stone massage, the cold can help to tone muscles and, in the process, strengthen the body’s immune system response. Often used in cases where soft tissues are inflamed, the cold stones have a soothing and healing ability that you cannot always get with massage alone.

Cold stone massages will sometimes be used in conjunction with hot stone massage. The hot stones will dilate blood vessels and accordingly have a sedating effect. When the cold stones are introduced, they stimulate the area in question. This “push/pull” effect goes a long way toward flushing toxins, decreasing inflammation, and spurring the body’s natural metabolism.

Perhaps one of the most popular areas for cold stone massage is the facial area. When done in facial massage and treatment, cold stone therapy can reduce puffiness and help certain contour areas of the face. Many people have noted that wrinkle reduction is among the many benefits of this type of treatment. In stimulating various facial muscles and the blood circulation in the facial region, wrinkles and puffiness (among other signs of aging) are diminished.

As with pretty much all massage therapies, the benefits you receive from cold stone massage are almost too many to mention. Beyond reducing inflammation and helping to soothe soreness and pain, some of the other key benefits of this type of massage therapy include:

• Relaxation of deep tissues
• Relief of stress
• Stimulation of the circulatory system
• Flushing out the lymphatic system
• Can help with sinus pressure and pain
• Eases muscles spasms
• Can lower heart rate and blood pressure
• Boosts serotonin and dopamine levels in the body
• Alleviates mental stress and exhaustion

Various stone types can be used during a cold stone massage. Your therapists will review your questions and expectations and determine the best course of treatment where this type of massage is concerned. If you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant, you will want to talk to a physician before receiving any form of massage therapy treatment. That said, cold stone massage has been known to help with a multitude of health issues and conditions to include:

• Arthritis; will often be coupled with heat for this
• Tendonitis, especially when it comes to chronic and long-term cases
• Bursitis also can be done in conjunction with hot stones as well
• Carpal Tunnel
• Sinusitis
• Fibromyalgia
• Edema

If you have open wounds or have had recent surgery, trauma, or broken bones, it is recommended that you consult a doctor before cold stone massage therapy. Again, the risks are minimal, but it is always best to err on the side of caution when receiving massage treatments of any type.

Beyond the soothing, relaxing, and de-stressing outcomes of cold stone therapy, this type of treatment has also been quite successfully used to connect certain forms of rehabilitation therapy. Not to mention, more practical everyday issues can be alleviated through the intervention of cold stone therapy; among some of the more regularly addressed concerns/problems are:

• Menstrual symptoms. This therapy has been found to work well in easing menstrual cramping, particularly when stones are placed on the abdomen and pelvic region.
• Boosting circulation. When strategically placed, such as on the hands and feet, cold stones can promote blood flow back to the core.
• For sports injuries. Muscle inflammation can be targeted with cold stones, and other painful areas are generally soothed with this type of treatment.
• Trigger point work. Cold stones may be used to certain numb regions and, in this way, reduce the pain felt by sensory receptors.
• Revitalize energy levels. Cold naturally lends itself to stimulation. The stones can also help to reduce bloat and, in turn, boost those energy levels in the body.
• Headache treatment. Quite commonly used for this purpose, cold stone therapy will shock the muscles that cause head-related pain and tension. It also directly addresses the pain felt by nerve receptors in this area.
• Help improve certain skin conditions. Cold stones can stimulate collagen production, which is highly beneficial for specific skin types/conditions. The detoxifying factor also comes into play when cold stones are utilized.

A cold stone massage is usually added to another massage or facial. For example, many people will get cold stone therapy in conjunction with microdermabrasion to add yet another element of skin tightening and rejuvenation to the equation. The process itself is incredibly soothing and, when done by a skilled and experienced therapist, results in a tremendous outcome and more youthful glowing skin. The key is to address any concerns with your therapist before your treatment.