When it comes to stone massage the more recognized form involves heated stones but cold stone massage also offers numerous health benefits. Cold stone massage is a form of cryotherapy, the use of cold in medical treatments. Whereas hot stone massage is performed by heating basalt stones in water, cold stone massage is better performed with marble. Basalt is very effective in retaining heat because of its mineral and iron content. On the other hand, marble is valued in cold stone massage because it maintains a cool temperature very well. In both types of massages the stones help penetrate their temperature deeply into the muscles of the person receiving the massage. This results in a more fulfilling massage experience.
Cold stones are primarily effective as a decongestant on various parts of the body. They help relieve swelling in the circulatory system, and this benefit makes cold stone massage a potential treatment for several ailments. If you’re dealing with swelling from a sports injury or other kind, cold stones can help release the accumulation of blood in your tissues and muscles. The accumulation of blood in the body’s tissue is also the cause of dark circles under the eyes. Using small stones to rest on the eyes can help relieve the appearance of tired, puffy eyes.
Because cold stones help relieve the congestion of body fluids, they can also be used on the sinuses to help alleviate pressure due to frequent colds or allergies. In any case where cold stones are used on the face, it’s important that the therapist use a cloth under the stone to prevent discomfort from the stone being in direct contact with the skin. Other benefits of cold stone massage include decreasing muscle spasms, stimulation of the nervous system and increased tissue metabolism. It is also a treatment for abrasive applications such as waxing and micro-derm-abrasion. In general the effect of hot stone massage is to create a feeling of relaxation and soothing in the muscles.
A cold stone massage is very helpful for invigorating the tissues and blood vessels. It’s important to have an experienced therapist perform this treatment and to be mindful of how your body feels during and after the massage. Because the cold temperature of the stones numbs the skin, the person receiving the massage may not immediately notice if the pressure of the massage is beyond their comfort level. When done properly this form of massage is safe and effective. Although they have different techniques and purposes, both styles of stone massage have proven health and healing benefits. Stone massage uses the natural products of nature to offer you easy healing techniques for your mind and body.
If you have never experienced a cold stone massage, you are missing out! The health benefits alone are worth the price, let alone the state of relaxation that you will experience. Take a few hours on a Saturday, go down to the local day spa and book this treatment for yourself! It’s one move you won’t soon regret!
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For the younger set a sore throat often means a day off from school, a television tuned to the Cartoon Network, and an extra bowl of ice cream. It almost makes the suffering seem worthwhile. Grown-ups, of course, don’t have the time for such pampering. We go about our daily business, thinking we can tough out the rawness, burning, and scratchiness that make it painful to talk, much less swallow food. But by day’s end, the sore throat has left us virtually speechless. We do tend to think that sore throat as kid stuff. But the fact is that every year about 40 million adults come down with one. Usually it is a symptom of a viral or bacterial infection. But it can also be instigated by irritants such as stomach acid, tobacco smoke, smog, dry heat, dust, pollen, and other allergens. Overuse is also a factor. Here are some tips that you can consider to adopt to relieve your soreness.
1. Address Any Allergies
Common allergies can cause postnasal drip, which irritates the throat. A throat that is itchy, not just painful, points to an allergic condition. If you have an allergy, an over-the-counter antihistamine may help relieve your symptoms. Antihistamine can have a drying effect, so be sure to increase your fluid intake while you are on the medication. They can also make you drowsy.
2. Line Up A Lozenge
Not all throat lozenges are created equal. The best ones contain glycerine. It keeps the throat tissue well-hydrated. You may find these lozenges at health food stores or specialty drugstores. It is also recommended avoiding lozenges that contain either mint or menthol. Both ingredients tend to be drying and are bad for the larynx.
3. Treat Your Beak
A stuffed-up nose can force you to breathe through your mouth, which irritates your throat. So taking an over-the-counter decongestant may help ease your sore throat as well.
4. Get Steamed
You can also keep your throat tissue moist with the help of steam. It is recommended that you run hot water in your kitchen or bathroom sink, then drape a towel over your head to trap the steam and inhale. Or you could just turn up the hot water in the shower to create a steam bath.
5. Have Some Tea, Honey
Tea with honey is a traditional sore throat remedy. You can boost its therapeutic benefits with this spicy twist. Stir into your tea 1 tablespoon of honey and the juice of half a lemon, then add ground red pepper to taste. The pepper probably has a mild anesthetic effect. It also stimulates the immune system.
6. Turn Down The Volume
If you must talk, then refrain from using your voice in an unnatural way. Do not try to talk over the loud noises. And do not try to project your voice at a pitch that is out of your range.
7. Think Twice About Gargling
Gargling can actually aggravate and prolongs a sore throat. Doing it once or twice with salt water might make you feel better by increasing blood flow to the throat area. But doing it regularly, especially mouthwash, can be very irritating. If you opt for an occasional saltwater rinse, then it is recommended to have a solution of ¼ teaspoon of salt in ½ cup of water. Just be sure to only rinse with, not swallow, the salt water.