The greatest benefit from receiving a Himalayan Hot Stone massage are the stones ability to promote deep relaxation. The heat activates the Parasympathetic Nervous System. Our nervous system can be broken down into two parts: the Sympathetic Nervous System and the Parasympathetic Nervous System.
Think about these two different nervous systems as two different roads that your nerve impulses can take. The Sympathetic Nervous System is the “fight or flight” response. The Parasympathetic Nervous system is the “rest and digest” response. In the past, our Sympathetic Nervous System was used to protect us from dangers, such as running from a bear or a lion. Nowadays, our Sympathetic Nervous System is activated by stress from the fast paced society we live in. When we are feeling an overwhelm, or feeling stressed out, our Sympathetic Nervous System is activated. Therefore, the same mechanism that was once used to protect people from bears and lions is now being activated almost constantly, making it hard for people to rest and relax. This could lead to many different diseases, muscle tension, and feeling fatigued or exhausted.
This is why rest and relaxation is fundamental to our health. When we are able to rest and relax, we are able to rejuvenate. When we are rejuvenated we are able to be the best versions of ourselves. We are able to perform better physically and mentally, and we are able to be calmer, happier and live a more vital life. When the stones are applied to the body, the heat sends the signal to the brain to take the road of the parasympathetic nervous system. It turns off the stress state of being and turns on the relaxation state of being. When our nervous systems are able to switch into the relaxation state of being, this allows not only our minds to relax, but our muscles begin to relax as well. When our muscles are able to relax, the massage therapist is able to get problem areas to release more readily.
What makes Himalayan Salt Stone massages different from the regular hot stone massages?
Himalayan Salt Stones contain 84 naturally occurring minerals. The minerals provide a gentle exfoliation on the skin, making the skin feel smooth and soft after your massage session. Himalayan Salt Stones give off negative ions. What does this mean? When there are too many positive ions in the body it leads to inflammation. Therefore, being massaged with the stones helps balance the positive ions with negative ions. This can help reduce inflammation. Another way to balance ions in the body is walking barefoot on the earth. The minerals in the Himalayan Salt stones assist in the detoxification process of massage. Massage alone is detoxifying because it is moving the blood and the lymph around in the body. It helps to circulate the toxins out of the body. The minerals in the stones help to draw out the toxins even further. Himalayan salt can even used in footbaths and baths to help draw out toxins!
How do the therapists use the stones during the massage?
Depending on the therapist, the therapist may use the stones as an extension of their hand, or they may use it to warm up certain parts of the body, taking them off and then massaging the body.
Benefits of Himalayan Salt
- Promotes healthy blood sugar
- Helps lower blood pressure
- Supports a healthy respiratory system and sinuses
- Boosts bone health and prevents muscle cramps
- Improves circulation
- Relieves anxiety and addresses insomnia
- Lightly exfoliates the skin and is highly relaxing
- Emits negative ions when heated, delivering a myriad of health benefits—from higher mental alertness to protection against germs in the air
During the massage, therapists use warmed Himalayan salt stones to apply pressure, using Swedish massage techniques. During the course of the treatment, the minerals are absorbed through the skin. The effect is a profound sense of well-being.
A Himalayan Salt Stone Massage can also zero out the body’s electromagnetic field. Electronic devices such as phones and computers can disrupt natural energy flow within the body. The stone’s neutral structure and natural resonant frequency help to realign energy pathways and restore balance to the central nervous system.
