About

1. Helps relieve muscle tension and pain

Heat has long been used to ease muscle tension and pain. It helps
increase blood flow to the affected area. It may also reduce muscle
spasms and increase flexibility and range of motion. Cold therapy helps
relieve inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, alternating hot and
cold stones during your massage may be helpful.

2. Reduces stress and anxiety

It’s the position of the American Massage Therapy Association that
“massage therapy can be effective for stress relief.” Research supports
their opinion. A 2001
study
showed that a ten-minute massage improved cardiovascular responses such
as stroke volume. A 1997
studyfound
that 15-minute, onsite chair massages in the workplace significantly
reduced stress compared to a 15-minute break without massage.

A 2015
study
found that people who underwent abdominal colorectal surgery had less
pain, tension, and anxiety after receiving post-operative massage.

3. Promotes sleep

A 2006 literature
review
found massage may be an alternative to sleeping pills in adults with
insomnia. The research showed that back massage helped promote
relaxation and sleep. A 2001
study
showed that infants with sleep problems who were given a 15-minute
massage by their parents went to sleep faster. They were also more
alert, active, and positive upon awakening. Massage is thought to help
you enjoy more restorative sleep, although it’s not completely
understood why.

4. May help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases

Hot stone massage may relieve painful conditions such as fibromyalgia.
Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread, chronic pain.
According to a 2002
study,
people with fibromyalgia who received a 30-minute massage slept longer,
had fewer trigger points, and had decreased levels of substance P (a
substance involved in transmitting pain signals) than people with the
condition who received relaxation therapy. More research is needed,
however, before massage becomes a standard fibromyalgia treatment.

A 2013
study
found that people with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from a
moderate-pressure massage, such as hot stone massage. Participants in
the study experienced less pain, greater grip strength, and a greater
range of motion after one month of massage therapy.

5. May help decrease cancer symptoms

A large, three-year
study
published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management examined how
massage affected pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety, nausea, and
depression in 1,290 people with cancer. The study showed massage,
especially Swedish massage, improved cancer symptoms, even in those with
substantial symptoms. Researchers believe the comforting use of human
touch played a role.

6. May boost immunity

Massage may give your immune system a boost. According to a 2010
study,
a single session of Swedish massage therapy had a positive and acute
impact on immunity. Blood samples taken before and after the massage
showed a decrease in arginine-vasopressin, a hormone that helps regulate
blood pressure and water retention.