A Himalayan salt stone massage is similar to a hot stone massage. The stones are warmed in a towel warmer or a specialized heated bowl and then used with oils to massage the body. Though Himalayan salt stones feel similar to a hot stone massage, they offer some added benefits.
What To Expect
Himalayan salt stone feels just like a regular hot stone massage. You won’t feel much difference during the session. As with a hot stone massage, you’ll disrobe and lie on a massage table, draped with a sheet. The massage therapist will retrieve the Himalayan salt stones and use them to manipulate your body tissues, rubbing your skin and the underlying muscles with long, slow strokes to promote relaxation and ease tension in those muscles.
Benefits
Himalayan salt stones can gently exfoliate the skin and reduce the signs of aging. Himalayan salt is loaded with trace minerals that are vital to physical health. Those trace minerals can improve the quality of your skin. Regular exfoliation promotes healthy cell turnover, unclogs pores, improves sebum production, and can encourage even blemish-free skin. Himalayan salt stone massage can promote and improve sleep by balancing the central nervous system and soothing the body’s electromagnetic field. Massage of any kind can activate the parasympathetic nervous system allowing the body to enter rest and relaxation mode. The salt stone massage can soothe tense muscles and allows the massage therapist to manipulate the muscles in ways that using their hands alone cannot.
Contraindications
A Himalayan salt stone massage is not suitable for people with neuropathy, diabetes, high blood pressure, or vascular disorders. People who have recently had surgery, injury, or nerve trauma should not receive any kind of hot stone massage. Those on a blood-thinner or aspirin regimen should avoid this type of massage, as severe bruising may occur. Himalayan salt stone massage should be avoided if you have broken skin, certain skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, severe acne, shingles, open wounds, abrasions, or rashes.
Frequency
Frequent exfoliation can irritate and inflame the skin. Weekly or bi-weekly Himalayan salt stone massage can generally be easily tolerated.
Aftercare
Himalayan salt can drying to the skin. When combined with the oils used in the massage, those drying effects may be reduced. If you notice excessive drying to your skin following the massage, liberally apply moisturizer to your body for the next few days. Following your massage, be sure to stay hydrated and allow your body to rest and recover. You may experience some tenderness or tissue swelling in certain areas of the body. Alternating cryotherapy and heat therapy may reduce swelling and discomfort. Alternate the ice packs and heat packs every twenty minutes for an hour at a time. Do not leave ice packs on bare skin for more than twenty minutes, as this can cause damage to your tissues.