Cold stone massage is somehow similar to hot stone massage which obviously speaks out for their massage methods. Cold stone massage uses light massage therapy with the aid of cold stones on top of the patient’s body. This type of massage therapy is usually being taken by most patients on the summer season or during hot weather condition to relieve them from the heat of the sun. It is also applicable on physical conditions that need cold process in order to relieve pain, swelling and other conditions.

For a cold stone massage, marble is chilled until it reaches 32 degrees Fahrenheit by keeping it inside a freezer for the average duration of 10 to 20 minutes depending on the chilling capability of the freezer. Marble is known to retain cold as does heat is nicely retained by basalt stones. Similar to the methods used on hot stone massage, these chilled stones are also placed on the different parts of the body and are replaced when they are no longer cold.

Unlike its counterpart, this type of therapeutic massage is great for inflammation as it can lessen the affected area. With heated stones, the inflammation will worsen as the inflammation can build up much better due to the heat coming from the stones used on that part of the body. The cold coming from the marble stones can also remove body pain due to tension build ups within the deep muscle tissue of the body, in return it gives the body a more relaxing and stress free experience. Although hot stone and cold stone massage use exactly the opposite temperature, they both share the same objective which is to enlighten the body and remove any building of physical and emotional stress on the patient.

Cold stone massage is rather popularly used as facial massage than body massage due to many reasons. Basically, it is for the sole purpose of tightening and toning the skin of the patient. Experts believe that the cold marbles helps in making and keeping the skin as tight as they should be. It also helps in reducing the hole of the pores which in return leaves a smooth texture on your skin, especially on your face. It also helps in relaxing and toning the facial muscle of the patient.

During the massage therapy, the patient is free to express how he or she feels by having these cold stones on the different parts of his or her body including the face. These stones can be extremely cold especially to those who are not used on having these on their body. In case the patient can’t tolerate the freezing temperature of the marbles, he or she can let the massage therapist know so that the cold stones’ temperature can be adjusted according to the patient’s preference.

A gentle massage is performed by the massage therapist while the marbles are lying on the patient’s body. Both the massage therapy and the cold stones provide healing benefits on the patient’s body. After a good cold stone massage therapy, the body will experience a relaxing and energizing feel.

Author Bio: I write for TIR Massage Stone about a specialized hot stone massage kit and hot stone massage in general.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: massage therapy,massage therapist,cold stone massage,massage session,heated stones,marble stones