Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock and river rock that absorbs and retains heat well. It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release.
It involves the application of heated basalt stones of varying sizes to key points on the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth.
These treatment dates back 5000 years to the Indian and Mayan cultures. These therapists used "tools" provided from the earth to better heal and calm their hands were only used for manipulation and some healing. These rocks come from river beds and were warmed on hot coals. The therapist would place these stones along the energy centers of the body, causing healing to occur. These stones seem to connect with the flow of energy to re-balance the physical body, emotional mind and spirit as one. These stones can also be effective when used during Reflexology treatments to de-stress and stimulate tiny nerve endings in the feet.

The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage. Hot stones expand blood vessels, which push blood and waste through the nervous system. This gives the body a sedative effect. Hot Stone Massage is a deep, healing massage technique to enhance our awareness and bring us close to our true essence. This treatment is as beneficial and healing to the client as well as the therapist.

This creates a thermo-therapeutic healing in the circulatory system, helping the body to detoxify and heal. The cool stones constrict blood vessels, which stimulates the nervous system by drawing blood and waste products along the body. By doing this, every cell in the body receives more nutrients and oxygen while removing waste through the lymphatic system.

Healing improvement occurs in clients who suffer from the following conditions:

Muscular aches, pains, sprains and strains

Poor circulation

Rheumatic and arthritic conditions

Back pain

Stress, anxiety and tension

Insomnia

Depression

Fibromyalgia

Muscular Dystrophy

What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage?

Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 and 150 degree water.

The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another.

The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body.

If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used.

Advantages

Stones make it easier for you to relax and soften the tissue. Stones work well for separating the muscles and are wonderful for working deep.

You can use Hot Stones while performing the techniques you are comfortable with, such as effleurage, petrissage, stripping, and trigger point work.

Hot Stone Massage is the new most requested spa/massage service.

The therapist uses many stones of various shapes and sizes. The heat of the stones helps muscles release more quickly than in traditional massage.

You should speak up if the stones are too warm or the pressure too intense. Technique is very important.

Carla Mary

What are the Benefits of Hot Stone Massage?

Carla Mary