Heard about hot stone massage? Have you tried indulging into this kind of therapeutic practice? If not yet, then I bet it’s now time for you to know what a hot stone massage is and what it can do for you.

The concept of hot stone massage has become widely valued and accepted in the healthcare industry today and a few years back. Numerous reports have in fact noted that from the past four years, hot stone massage became the rage of therapeutic centers, spas, salons, and clinics all over the world. Today, the concept is widely recognized as one of the most effective enhancement to the regular and traditional massage therapy practice.

Origin of the Therapy
Contrary to the popular belief, the concept of hot stone massage was not first recognized in the desert of Arizona, or by the visions of saints as once claimed by the massage therapists. The truth of the matter is, hot stone massage’s origin can be traced back 5000 years to India, with the ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda. According to some researches, this therapy originated from those healers who have used rocks from the river beds and warm them in either hot water or hot coals before using them to treat any feeling of discomfort in the body. It is through this practice that the concept hot stone massage therapy was born.

The Basics

Hot stone massage, also known as heated stone or la stone massage, is said to be a unique sort of connection that people experience with nature. This labeling perhaps stems from the fact that hot stone massage involves the use and application of water-heated basalt stones of varying shapes and sizes to heal whatever sort of imperfections there is in your system.

The stones are usually placed on the key points of the body, like the spines or the hands, while the therapist is giving a deep massage. According to some experts, the heat on the stones, when directed to the key points of the body, creates dramatic and profound results as it relieves the tired and fatigued muscles. Aside from this, many of those who acknowledge the capabilities of hot stone massage claim that the warm stones will greatly encourage the exchange of lymph and blood circulation throughout the body.

The wonders of hot stone massage don’t just end there. Many have further said that hot stone massage will even calm the nervous system, relieve stiff muscles, open the tight joints, and free blocked energies in the body, allowing the body to function the way it used to be.

To sum it all up, here are the benefits that hot stone massage can give you:

* Improves circulation
* Stiff muscle relief
* Opens tight joints
* Soothes the nervous system
* Releases blocked energies
* Aids deeper relaxation

With all these benefits, it’s no wonder that hot stone massage is now deemed ideal for people who are highly sensitive to deep pressure. The technique is also considered as best for those who are affected by fibromyalgia with the heated stones gentleness and smoothness. And, since the stones provide relief from tired and fatigue muscles, the hot stone massage is no doubt great for those who have passions for skiing and hiking.

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Tags: Detox Program, History of yoga, Hot Stone Massage

More and more people are switching to vegetarian diets, regular exercise, healthy diets and detox programs. Gone are the days when detoxification was meant only for drug addictions; today healthy people enroll in detox programs as a regular feature.

Are Detox Programs a Fad or an Important Health Choice?

It would not be wrong to say that detox programs have become a fad today. However, being a fad need not have a negative connotation. ‘Fad” actually indicates fashion, or something that people are holding in high esteem and popularity and detox programs are exactly that. They are highly popular and they are important in the eyes of the common public as a method of keeping healthy naturally.
The Popular Water Fast

The most popular detox programs are usually water fasts – meant to cleanse the body totally by ingesting nothing but water for two to three days . It is important to note here that water fast cannot be undertaken suddenly. The body needs to be prepared for it by initially starting it with juice fasting and fruits. After a few days, gradually, the water fast can be introduced.

Do not undertake this type of fast without the supervision of a medical practitioner, since this can sometimes backfire badly. Living on only water can make a person highly lethargic; hence it is advisable that people who take up this fast sleep a lot during the day. This fast should not be continued for more than one week; and you should be prepared to forfeit it any time you feel the body is not coping up with it. This is where the advice and supervision of a doctor will prove invaluable.

Please note that the water fast is contraindicated for people who are diabetic, have heart problems, kidney disease and/or liver problems. Though water is actually a great detoxifier, sometimes such fasts can seriously backfire; when this happens, the health deterioration can be very fast – and hence, very dangerous.

Any signs of dizziness, fever, headaches, etc should be immediately referred to a doctor. These symptoms would most likely be the result of initial increase of toxins in the body and would disappear by the end of the second or third day. However, it is better to be sure by confirming it with your physician.

Another important aspect in the water detox program is that it requires only distilled water; this is because tap water may contain a number of pollutants and their ingestion will go against the interest of the fast. Most people find the water fast a very intense spiritual experience.

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Tags: Christian Yoga, Core Power Yoga, Detox Program, health choice, Kundalini Yoga, Types of Yoga