1. Hot stones or bamboo
Short Answer: Tools such as heated basalt stones or warm bamboo can be incorporated into a massage to add heat to the skin and muscles that can help increase circulation, decrease inflammation, and help the massage strokes be more effective.
More details: The warmer a muscle is, the more effective massage will be. Using tools like stones or bamboo can deliver this heat simultaneously with the strokes and pressure of the massage. Many times, because of the added heat, the massage effects are actually deeper without adding pressure which is excellent for people who don't like heavy pressure or those who are more fragile.
2. Paraffin
Short answer: Joints, especially in smaller areas like the hands and feet can benefit from direct heat treatments by being dipped in warm paraffin wax which allows for heat to surround the joints, helping increase flexibility and decrease pain.
More details: Paraffin can be used on multiple parts of the body depending ont he application, but it is very effective when the hands or feet are dipped directly into the wax. The heated wax surrounds the skin and the joints and the heat transfers into the joints and muscles while the wax cools and creates a layer that keeps the heat moving into the body. Once the wax is removed, the joints can usually move more easily and pain is usually decreased.
3. Hot towels
Short answer: Heated, warmed towels are a simple tool that can provide moist heat to a specific area of the body which may need an extra boost of muscle relaxation or reduction of pain. Moist heat can be more effective in getting deeper into the muscles.
More details: Moist heat is effective because our skin and muscles are pourous. Therefore any application of heat that involves water can get pulled into the body which in turn allows the heat to get deeper into the muscles rather than just heating up the surface of the skin. Hot towels can be used in many ways, from spot treatments just for relaxing a sore spot to helping increase circulation while being used for things like beauty care techniques. They can also be wrapped around hands or feet to relieve symptoms of arthritis and increase mobility.
4. Herbal heat packs
Short answer: Herbal heat packs or pillows, filled with rice, flaxseeds, or dried herbs like lavender or chamomile, can be heated and placed on tense areas. These packs offer a soothing, gentle warmth and often release relaxing scents from the herbs, adding an aromatherapy element to the benefits of the heat.
More details: We know heat is beneficial, so why not add a little more benefit if possible? The addition of herbs that can activate when heated can provide benefits beyond just smelling nice. Certain plants and herbs can help with issues from mood to energy and may even help with balancing hormones, helping digestion, and helping sleep, focus or relaxation. Herbal heat packs are usually filled with a grain that retains heat which makes them a great alternative for people who may not want to use an electric heating pad, and the packs can also be turned into a moist heat treatment by spraying them gently with water before they are heated.
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