You may have heard of Hot Stone Massage but a novel treatment called Himalayan Salt Stone Massage has become popular in recent years primarily due to the type of stones used. Authentic Himalayan Sea Salt is characteristically pink and sourced from one of the most pristine environments in the world, naturally occurring salt caves deep below the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan. This particular salt has been traditionally used in Eastern cultures. It is only recently that the Western world has begun to embrace its health-boosting properties.
Pink Himalayan Salt contains 84 minerals and trace elements including calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, and iodine. It is a healthy alternative to traditional table salt. In addition to its internal uses, Himalayan Salt is used in natural skincare products, bath salts, and deodorants. There are salt “nebulizers”, which support the respiratory system and mimic the benefits of inhaling the air in a salt cave. Salt stone lamps emit negative ions which can aid in relaxation due to the Himalayan Salt negating harmful electromagnetic vibrations in our environment. This can result in anxiety, insomnia, and a lack of concentration.
Traditional Hot Stone Massage
Traditional Hot Stone Massage uses Basalt stones which originate from volcanic rock. These stones are shaped and smoothed and are typically immersed in a crockpot of water, heated at a temperature of 110˚-145˚F. The stones may be placed along the spine, on top of a towel (so as not to burn the client’s skin), and are also used to massage the body. The heat aids in muscle relaxation. Anyone suffering from muscle pain, stress, anxiety, depression, and insomnia may benefit from receiving a hot stone massage. This results in strengthening the immune system, reducing blood pressure, and enhancing mood.
Himalayan Salt Stone Massage
Himalayan Salt Stone Massage provides all of the benefits of Traditional Hot Stone Massage and more. The Himalayan Salt stones are 100% pure pink Himalayan salt that is mined from the Himalayan Mountains in Pakistan through socially and environmentally responsible methods. The stones are hand-carved and are smooth, but not as smooth as Basalt stones which results in gentle exfoliation, thereby promoting smoother and softer skin. During the massage, the skin and muscle tissue absorb the 84 minerals that are inherent in the Himalayan Salt Stones. It is widely known that magnesium has a relaxing effect on stressed muscles, ligaments, and tendons. The absorption of these minerals can help balance skin conditions and support a healthy immune system. Massage in itself is detoxifying since it increases the circulation of blood and lymph throughout the body. It is believed that the minerals in the Himalayan Salt Stones aid in further eliminating toxins, making the detoxification even more effective.
Himalayan Salt Stones emit negative ions (especially when heated), which assist in neutralizing positively charged free radicals that can be responsible for chronic inflammation in the body. Himalayan Salt Stone massage can assist in balancing the body’s electromagnetic field. Every day we are exposed to electronic devices, cellphones, TV’s, computers, and microwaves, which can disrupt the natural energy flow within our bodies. Stress, fatigue, and a suppressed immune system can result from constant exposure to this electromagnetic radiation.
Unlike the Basalt Stones used in Traditional Hot Stone Massage, the Himalayan Salt Stones are heated in a salt crystal bowl LED lamp (using little electricity), without water (as water would degrade the stones over time). Since water is not used in heating or cleaning them, this makes the Himalayan Salt Stone Massage a more eco-friendly treatment. As the stones are heated in the lamp, they emit negative ions to reduce oxidative stress in the treatment room and purify the air. Himalayan Salt Stones retain heat especially well and do not become scorching hot, as Basalt Stones immersed in water can. It is usually necessary to cool down the Basalt Stones for several minutes after removing them from the crockpot to ensure that they will not burn the client’s skin.
Himalayan Salt is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial due to its iodine content. This makes it ideal for massage since it helps remove any bacteria on your skin that could cause future breakouts. Even though the stones are inherently antibacterial, it is still necessary to wipe them down with an EPA registered disinfectant.
Any type of hot stone massage can be safely experienced by the majority of people, but there are some contraindications. People who are affected by the following should not receive a hot stone massage: uncontrolled high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, neuropathy (decreased pain sensitivity), taking blood thinners, broken/irritated skin, recent surgery or car accident, and pregnancy.
It is evident that Himalayan Salt Stone Massage can provide a multitude of benefits to the massage client including very deep relaxation, improved sleep, reduced inflammation, detoxification, purified air, and protection from electromagnetic pollution. It alkalizes, re-mineralizes, nourishes, and exfoliates the skin. Book a Himalayan Salt Stone Massage for a blissful experience, you won’t regret it!
Kristina Mozzicato is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Board Certified by NCBTMB. She has been practicing massage therapy for the past 12 years. Kristina is also certified in Cupping and ACE MediCupping™. Kristina is the owner of Abundant Health Massage Therapy & Wellness in Farmington, CT. For more information, please visit: www.abundanthealthct.com.