A Himalayan salt stone massage is a type of therapeutic massage that utilizes warm, smooth stones made from pure, high-quality Himalayan salt. These stones are believed to hold healing benefits for the mind and body, as they are believed to be rich in beneficial minerals like magnesium, calcium, and potassium. The benefits of a Himalayan salt stone massage include improved circulation, reduced stress and tension, detoxification of the body, enhanced relaxation, relief from joint pain and inflammation, and benefits for overall well-being.
Himalayan rock salt is a type of salt that is mined in the base of the Himalayan mountains and salt caves of Pakistan. Pure Himalayan crystal salt is said to be more than 98% pure, making it one of the purest forms of salt available. The salt is pink in color due to the presence of trace minerals, and it has a coarse, rough texture. This beneficial salt is often used in spa treatments, including Himalayan salt stone massages.
A Himalayan salt stone massage is ideal for anyone who:
- has poor circulation or is seeking to improve it
- has problems with water retention or is seeking to reduce it
- works and is exposed to technology all day and is seeking to ground themselves
- has difficulty sleeping or has insomnia
- wants to detoxify their body
- is experiencing anxiety or stress
How does a Himalayan salt stone massage work?
Massage therapy is the scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body for the purpose of promoting relaxation and well-being. A massage therapist uses a variety of techniques to relieve stress, improve circulation and eliminate toxins from the body. One such technique is a Himalayan salt stone massage, which uses Himalayan rock salt to exfoliate the skin and improve circulation.
Related: Benefits of Himalayan Pink Salt for Adrenals
A traditional hot stone massage is a form of deep tissue massage that developed during the early 1700s in China and was later brought to India. These massage stones are known to provide deep relaxation as they are warmed and applied to the body. The hot stones penetrate deep into the muscles, promoting relaxation and easing tension.
With a Himalayan salt massage stone, you receive the same benefits as many Swedish massage techniques but you also reap the benefits of the stone’s natural salt properties. Positive ions in the Himalayan salts are balanced by negative ions in our bodies, helping to improve the parasympathetic nervous system and ease muscle cramps
Electronic devices, such as computers and cell phones, emit positive ions that can cause anxiety, fatigue, and headaches. Negative ions in the Himalayan salt stones help to balance these positive ions and restore a feeling of wellbeing. The negative ions are created when water molecules are split apart by heat. These negative ions are then absorbed into the body, where they help to neutralize free radicals and reduce inflammation.
Related: 11 Pros and Cons of Himalayan Salt Lamps
Himalayan salt contains 84 essential minerals and trace elements, including magnesium, potassium, and calcium. These minerals are said to be beneficial for the central nervous system and the immune system, and they can help to improve sleep quality, reduce stress, and increase energy levels.
11 benefits of Himalayan salt stone massage
1. Relieves Muscle Tension
Muscle tissue is constantly bombarded by toxins. These toxins build up over time and can lead to muscle tension and pain. These problem areas also tend to be the most difficult to reach with traditional massage techniques. Himalayan shot stone massage services help to break up these areas of tension and relieve the pain associated with them.
2. Boosts Circulation
Improved circulation is essential to overall health and wellness. A healthy respiratory system, skin, heart, and brain all depend on the steady flow of blood. High blood pressure and other circulatory problems can lead to serious health issues. Himalayan salt stone massage therapy can help improve circulation and boost overall health.
3. Improves Energy Levels
Natural energy comes from a variety of sources, including the sun, the earth, and the air. However, our bodies are constantly in a state of motion and stress that can cause different nervous systems to overwork. Energy pathways become blocked, and we can end up feeling exhausted. Himalayan salt stone massage therapy can help improve energy levels by unblocking these pathways and restoring the natural flow of energy throughout the body.
4. Reduces Stress
The practice of Himalayan salt stone massage therapy (and truly any massage experience) is a wonderful form of self-care. It encourages people to be in the moment and enjoy the peace and relaxation that comes from taking time for themselves. Stress reduction is essential to overall health, and this practice is an effective way to reduce stress and bring about peace of mind.
5. Reduces Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can be caused by various factors, including stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise. Massage has been proven to help reduce blood pressure by stimulating circulation throughout the body and promoting relaxation. Himalayan salt stone massage therapy is an excellent way to reduce blood pressure and improve overall health.
6. Aids in Detoxification
Aside from toxins that build up in the muscles and tissues, our bodies are also filled with toxins in food. A lack of exercise can cause these toxins to build up, giving us headaches and making us feel sluggish. Himalayan salt stone massage therapy can help flush out these toxins and improve overall health.
7. Improves Mental Function
Higher mental alertness and a sharper mind are two benefits of Himalayan salt stone massage therapy. Many people who practice this type of self-care experience higher mental function, including improved memory and concentration. This can be attributed to the improved circulation and increased oxygenation of the blood that comes from this type of massage.
8. Neutralizes Electromagnetic Radiation
In this wonderful modern technology-driven world most of us are living in an ocean of electromagnetic (EM) radiation that flows from our electronics and appliances. This type of radiation is considered harmful to our health and has been linked to various health problems. Himalayan salt stone massage therapy can help neutralize the body’s electromagnetic field by restoring balance to both the physical and energetic body.
The stone’s neutral structure absorbs negative ions while emitting positive ions to help restore your body’s electromagnetic field to balance.
9. Promotes Better Sleep
Massage is a wonderful way to promote better sleep and give you the rest your body needs. Himalayan salt stone massage therapy is an effective way to improve sleep in a variety of ways. The warm stones used during this massage help calm the nervous system, while the warmth of the stones creates a deeper sense of relaxation
10. Grounds and Connects You to the Earth
There are a variety of benefits that come from being connected to the earth.The greatest benefit is feeling a sense of peace, calm, and balance. When we are feeling stressed, anxious, or out of sorts it is often because we have become disconnected from our source. The grounding properties of the salt stones help you to feel connected and rooted. The stones ability to absorb excess energy from the body, and then return those energies in a balanced way is a wonderful benefit of this type of therapy.
Related: 15 Himalayan Salt Spiritual Benefits
11. It’s a Relaxing Experience
Any massage session should offer a profound sense of relaxation, but there’s something about using warm Himalayan salt stones that takes the relaxation to a new level. The stone’s natural resonant frequency and warmth are calming, allowing you to release stress and tension from your body. The natural minerals and gentle exfoliation ease you into a relaxation state that you’ve never felt before.
What to expect during a Himalayan salt stone massage
During your first visit to a massage therapist who offers Himalayan salt stone massages, you’ll likely undergo a brief intake. This is an opportunity for the therapist to learn about any areas of particular concern or discomfort you might have and to answer any questions you have about the massage.
Afterward, you’ll likely lie on a heated massage table and have your therapist apply the warm salt stones to different areas of your body. Hot stone massage services typically use basalt stones, which are smooth and flat. They’re often heated to a warm temperature before the massage begins. During the massage, your massage therapist will place the heated stones on specific trigger points along your back and neck, and then use them to massage your body.
The massage treatment is usually accompanied by coconut oil or almond oil applied to the skin. This helps with rejuvenation and can also be used on other body parts such as hands, feet, and scalp. The time of the massage treatment will vary depending on the therapist but is usually between 45 minutes and 90 minutes.
If you’re looking for a relaxing and rejuvenating massage experience, then a Himalayan hot stone massage might be right for you. Himalayan salt stone massages can help improve circulation, reduce stress, and ease muscle tension. If you have any medical conditions or injuries that might make you a poor candidate for this type of massage, be sure to consult with your therapist beforehand.