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Please Note:

The information contained in the general topics discussed in the Pain Relief Reflexology Acupressure & Much More Web Site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice; nor should this information be construed as we are implying, nor suggesting, any form of health benefit(s) may be gained from the work that we perform, because “Pain Relief” is all that we do, and we know of, nor are we suggesting, that any form of health benefit can be gained from the work that we perform; please refer to: WHAT WE DO on page – https://www.pain-relief-reflexology.com/index.php/our-services/

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Always seek the advice of your physician, or other qualified health provider, prior to starting any new diet or treatment, and with any questions you may have regarding any medical condition. If you have, or suspect that you have, a medical problem, promptly contact your physician or health care provider.

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The general information provided in Pain Relief Reflexology Acupressure & Much More Web Site is for educational purposes only.

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Warm Stone Therapy

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What happens during a warm stone therapy?

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Warm Stone Therapy is a type of therapy used to help you relax and ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout your body.

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During a warm stone therapy, smooth, flat, heated stones, or bags of smooth river stones, are placed on specific parts of your body. According to the University of New Hampshire Health Services, warm stone therapy stones are heated to between 130 and 145 degrees.

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The stones may be placed:

• along your spine
• on your stomach
• on your chest
• on your face
• on your palms
• on your feet and toes

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Warm stone therapy therapists may hold heated stones as they work through other therapies on your body, such as:

• long strokes or
• circular movements

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Sometimes, cold stones are also used during warm stone therapy. Cold stones may be used after hot stones to calm blood vessels and to soothe the skin.

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6 benefits of warm stone therapy

All warm stone therapy generally falls under the alternative medicine umbrella. They’re becoming a popular complementary therapy for many conditions. Here are some advantages of getting warm stone therapy:

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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 warm stone therapy may be helpful.

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2. Reduces stress and anxiety

General censuses are that “warm stone therapy can be effective for stress relief.” Research supports their opinion. A 2001 study showed that a ten-minute warm stone therapy improved cardiovascular responses such as stroke volume. A 1997 study found that 15-minute, onsite chair warm stone therapy in the workplace significantly reduced stress compared to a 15-minute break without warm stone therapy.

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

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3. Promotes sleep

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

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4. May help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases

Warm stone therapy 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 warm stone therapy 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 warm stone therapy becomes a standard fibromyalgia treatment.

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

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5. May help decrease cancer symptoms

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

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6. May boost immunity

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

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Who may benefit from a warm stone therapy?

Anyone who is experiencing muscle tension and pain, insomnia, or stress may benefit from warm stone therapy. If you have a chronic condition that causes pain, talk to your doctor to see if a warm stone therapy is a good option for you.

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Risks and warnings

When performed by a trained therapist, warm stone therapy is generally safe. There are some circumstances where it should be avoided. Consult your doctor before getting warm stone therapy, if you have:

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• a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners
• burns on your skin
• open wounds
• a history of blood clots
• had surgery in the last 6 weeks
• a fracture or severe osteoporosis
• a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
• diabetes

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The bottom line

Studies show that warm stone therapy may be a helpful way to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and ease pain and muscle tension. It may be helpful for a variety of conditions and circumstances.