Cold Stone Therapy

Earth has been used in medicinal practices for centuries across a multitude of cultures. Some of the earliest findings of clay and stone use date back 250 million years. The oldest recorded medical doctrine, The Charaka-samhita, is thought to have arisen in the 1st century CE and is one of the earliest indications that stones were applied to the body after being heated for various conditions. There are records showing that the ancient Chinese used hot stones to improve the function of internal organs, but this did not begin until the 8th century B.C.

References of stone healing are taught by Tribal Native American elders and medicine keepers, as are legends held in Celtic and Nordic history. The concept is even discussed throughout the writings of philosopher Pythagoras, who journeyed to India and studied their medical teachings.

When someone hears Stone Massage, their initial thought is usually Hot Stone Massage. While this is a modality of massage it is not the only one. There are actually four variations of stone massage. Hot, Warm, Cool, and Cold. Each require particular stones in order to hold the needed temperatures to provide the necessary therapy. While the basalt stone that is used for a Hot Stone Massage is great for retaining heat, the best type of stone for Cold Stone Massage to use are those that are Metamorphic such as marble and quartzite. These stones retain cold temperatures quite well since they are naturally colder than other stones, even at room temperature.

When cold stones are used, they penetrate beneath the skin layer into the fascia and muscle

and create the blood vessels to narrow (vasoconstriction). As they are removed, the blood vessels dilate (vasodilation), allowing for an increase of circulation as fresh oxygenated blood returns to the area. Cold is a powerful decongestant reducing inflammation and aiding in detoxifying the body.

Not only does this therapy help reduce excess fluid, but it has the ability to help the body contain fluid in certain conditions. This is useful as an aid in reducing excess heat or dryness and in balancing body temperature. Certain people are naturally “hotter” and might prefer cooler things to feel more comfortable. For these people, cold stones would be used to draw out any excess heat, if there is no excess heat to draw out, it will only cool the area. The whole idea is to “balance”.

As previously mentioned, cold constricts the blood vessels in the body and which alleviates swelling. This makes sense when you think about why you put ice on you ankle after twisting it. It is the same concept. Cold stones are used to aid inflamed muscles, as it promotes healing and reduces pain in the injured muscles and tissues.

It would then seem that the best recipients for Cold Stone Massage would be athletes that have sustained injuries. Although they are ideal candidates for this therapy, as it reduces pain and swelling from the site and accelerates healing, there are many others that benefit just as much if not more.

Cold Stones can be placed on the face in order to help alleviate sinus inflammation, swelling, congestion, and pain related to sinusitis. Placement of stones on the head, neck and face have been known to aid in reducing headache and migraine pain as well as reduce under eye bags and dark circles

Cold Stone Massage Benefits & Uses-

Decreases menstrual pain such as cramps and bloating
Reduces swelling & inflammation
Encourages circulation
Decrease soreness
Helps decrease high blood pressure
Eases discomfort associated with hot temperatures/hot flashes as it pulls heat from the body
Relaxes muscle spasms

Cold Stone Therapy can also be used as a form of stress relief, decreasing anxiety and lifting depression. The stones redirect the mind’s focus on the body and generally increase overall energy levels.

With every type of treatment there are contraindications advising individuals against treatment. To start, Cold Stones are just that, COLD. They can be refrigerated sometimes even frozen. Because of the occasional extreme temperatures of the treatment, the stones should not be left on the skin for longer than ten minutes because freezing marble can “burn” the skin if proper precautions are not met. This treatment is also not recommended to those who are sensitive to cold temperatures or have easily inflamed skin.

Contraindications for Cold Stone Massage