Relaxing massage – lava stones and their beneficial effects
Lava stone massage has a tradition of about 5 thousand years and is used for overall relaxation of the body, mind, blood circulation and overall regeneration of the tired body and relaxation of the muscles.
This type of massage can be indulged in if you need to relax, but it is also an alternative and complementary treatment for some ailments. It can help if you are often stressed, often feel tense, have trouble controlling your thoughts and have trouble relaxing.
Lava stone massage can also be helpful for muscle tension, aches and pains, and due to its calming effects, it makes it easier to fall asleep and improves the quality of sleep. In addition, there are studies that suggest that regular massage can help to boost the immune system.
How to use lava stones – a massage you’ll love
In addition to lava stones, other types can be used for massage, such as slate, granite, limestone, hematite, jade or quartz of various types (rose quartz, amethyst, citrine, etc.). As you can see, there are many stones that can be used for Hot Stone Massage. It is important that the stones are smooth, as this is the only way to give a person a safe and relaxing experience.
Ideal size and weight
As for the size of the massage stones, they should be adequately sized so that they fit well in the hand and the masseuse can give the client an effective therapy with the desired effect. For deeper tissue massage, stones with a higher weight are ideal, as they will effectively press on the skin and release tension in the muscles due to the pressure.
Hygiene comes first
New lava stones should always be thoroughly cleaned in warm water with a brush before first use. Some types may come from water areas with algae or bacteria, so it is advisable to leave them to soak in a solution of water and vinegar for 24 hours, or hydrogen peroxide may be used, and then ‘brush’ them thoroughly.
To achieve an extra smooth surface, the stones are polished with a special polisher and a small amount of coconut oil. Of course, cleaning after each client is a must, as dead skin cells tend to get trapped on the surface of the stones. Hygiene principles must be followed by every massage parlour.
How to heat lava stones
In professional salons, such as Lilawadi, a special heater is used to heat the lava stones, but if you want to treat a family member to this massage at home yourself, you can use a hot air oven. Just place the stones in any baking tin. Their temperature ranges from 38 to 70 degrees Celsius, so heat the oven to your desired temperature.
What if the stones are too hot at first? You can remove them from the oven using the special stone holders, but a kitchen glove or a thick towel will also suffice. If the temperature is unbearable, you can put them in cold water for a while, but be careful not to let them cool down completely. Now just dry them and you can move on to the massage itself.
Course of the massage
Here, in Lilawadi, it goes like this. The masseuse first massages the body with her hands with hot coconut oil and then with stones. She then places them on the meridians and energy centres (chakras). Due to an unhealthy lifestyle, most people have them blocked so that energy cannot flow freely through them. A lava stone massage, however, unblocks the accumulated energy, releasing it and allowing it to flow and nourish the whole body.
After a lava stone massage, one often experiences dizziness, so it is not recommended to exert oneself – physically and mentally. The body should be rested and overall regeneration and relaxation should be supported by drinking pure water or refreshing teas.
