HOT STONE MASSAGE
Hot Stone Massage is a wonderful form of treatment aimed at stimulating
the body's own healing powers.
It is an ancient art of Traditional Asian Medicines whose origins are
obscure.
The combination of fire and ice are the elements that comprise Chinese
stone therapy. The warmth of the sun and the coolness of snow are
blended into the massage via heated smooth Chinese Basalt or natural
stones and chilled river carved marble stones to induce deep healing
energies to the earth into your body, mind and spirit.
The stone therapy has its foundation in the sweat lodges of the American
Indian, cultural traditions of ancients Polynesia and the Far East
(Including China, Japan and India).
The use of common stones to bring about healing and balance has been
around since the beginning of time.
In recorded history, the first use of heated stones to relieve tired
muscles dates back to before the Shang Dynasty in China. (ca. 4000 BC).
As mentioned earlier, Native Americans use heated stones in ceremonial
sweat lodges, but they would also take sun heated stone ceremonial sweat
lodges to relieve cramps. In old Japan, hot stones were placed in the
obi (sash) of the Kimono after a meal to help give a sense of fullness
longer.
The application of hot stones to an area penetrates the tissue deeper;
soften the muscles and releases tension.
Hot stones bring oxygenated blood to an area, increasing lymph flow and
metabolism. The result is a vascular gymnastics which helps detoxify the
body and bring it back into balance.
On a mental and spiritual level, the continuing application of hot
stones to the body, result in a deeper state of relaxation. Profound
feelings of balance, serenity and wholeness are experienced as well as a
sense of being cradled and nurtured. This leads to a feeling of well
being and a connection to Mother Earth.
How does Hot Stone Massage work?
The hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich
in iron, so they retain heat. River rocks are normally used because they
are so smooth - they have been smoothed over time by the river's
current.
The stones are immersed in water and heated in an electric heating
device until they are within a certain temperature range. The stones may
be placed at specific points on the back, in the palms of the hand, or
between the toes.
The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to
apply deeper pressure, if desired.
The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous
system.
Why do people get hot stone massages?
Many people find the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting and get it for relaxation.
Hot stone massage is suited to people who tend to feel chilly or who
have cold feet. It's also suited for people who have muscle tension but
prefer a lighter massage. The heat relaxes muscles, allowing the
therapist to work the muscles without using deep pressure.
People also get hot stone massage for a variety of health conditions:
•Back pain and aches
•Poor circulation
•Osteoarthritis and arthritis pain
•Stress, anxiety and tension
•Insomnia
•Depression
How does the hot stones feel?
The hot stones are never rough. They are always flat and smooth. The hot stones used on the back are about the size of a large egg, only flat.
The stones are heated in an electrical heating unit that either provides
a temperature reading or has an adjustable thermostat control.
The massage therapist always holds the stones first before touching them
to your body, which ensures that the temperature will not be too hot.
Everyone, however, has their own comfort range. Be sure to speak up if
the stones are too hot for you.
What Can I Expect During my Hot Stone Massage?
The massage therapist often begins by applying oil to the body, which
allows the hot stones to glide smoothly along the muscles. You are lying
face down, and the massage therapist often then uses the hot stones to
massage the back.
After the hot stones have relaxed the muscles, the massage therapist may
put down the stones and use his or her hands to directly massage the
skin.
The hot stones may then be placed back on to the body and left for a
short period of time.
You are then asked to turn over onto your back. The massage therapist
may place small hot stones between your toes or in the palm of your hand
and repeats the sequence.
More on Hot Stone Massage!
Hot Stone Massage is becoming increasingly popular in beauty clinics,
luxury spas and wellness centers around the world.
Hot stone massage is a specialty massage where the therapist uses
smooth, heated stones, either as an extension of their own hands, or by
placing them on the body while they massage other parts of the body. The
heat can be both deeply relaxing and help warm up tight muscles so the
therapist can work more deeply, more quickly.
Precautions
Hot Stone Massage is not recommended for certain people:
•People with infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
•Immediately after surgery
•Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your
doctor
•People prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being
dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before
having a massage
•Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are
considering getting a massage. Massage in pregnant women should be done
by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy massage.
Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin,
unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.
Additional Hot Stone Massage Tips
•Don't eat a heavy meal before the massage
•Arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax
before starting the massage.
If you enjoy the benefits of massage therapy you will love the experience of our Hot Stone Massage.