CHARLOTTE – Last week I wrote about cupping and how it can enhance your massage experience. This week we’ll look at heat as an added value to your massage experience. I know the weather has been crazy hot, and I wouldn’t normally have my heated table on in my massage room. But, there are exceptions.

First, let’s look at what heat does to your body. A study was done (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) which applied massage and heat to the body 40 minutes per session. The study showed cortisol levels were significantly decreased during the two weeks of the study. At four weeks the study showed a reduction in noradrenaline (puts the body in a fight or flight state, dangerous to your body to be in this state constantly). Heartrate was increased (as a positive) within two weeks and the nervous system was calmed during the two weeks.

What does this mean? That the study shows that heat added to your massage experience can be a positive experience, especially if you’re in a constantly stressed condition.  Heat can be applied in several ways. Hot stones are popular (a lot of places offer this modality, although I do not practice it.) as well as a heated massage table or a heated blanket. I offer heated towels during your massage on your feet but I’ve recently had success in applying these to the knees of some clients as a pain management modality.

Have a conversation with your therapist to see if this fits your massage goals.

-Lisa Lane is a licensed (#13098) massage and bodywork therapist in the Mint Hill area. To book and appointment go to www.ncmassagesanctuary.massagetherapy.com and click book appt.