What is a hot stone massage?

A hot stone massage is a variation of the typical massage which uses smooth, water-heated stones on points around the body. Hot stone massages are deeply soothing and relaxing and act to release tight muscles.

History of the hot stone massage

The hot stone massage technique originates from ancient times. However, the use of hot stones for massage became popular after Mary Nelson, a massage therapist, introduced a massage technique in 1993 called La Stone Therapy using hot stones.

How do hot stones work in massages?

The stones often used in hot stone massages are smooth basalt rock from volcanoes. The basalt stones are usually fine-grained as a result of rapid cooling of lava on the Earth’s surface. As a result, these basalt stones retain heat very well.

Various sizes, shapes and weights of the basalt stones are used during the hot stone massage depending on the purpose. The larger basalt stones are generally used below the belly button or lower back whereas the smaller basalt stones are used between the toes.

The therapist may also hold the stones to the body and use the basalt stones to massage the body.

What happens at a hot stone massage session?

Typically, a hot stone massage lasts between one hour to two hours. A standard hot stone massage session will usually involve the following steps:

* You will be asked by your therapist to disrobe and lie face down on the massage table.
* Your therapist will then apply oil to your body so that the hot stones can sit comfortably on or glide along the body.
* Your therapist will immerse basalt stones in heated water until the basalt stones reach the desired temperature (usually between 53-64 degrees Celsius)
* Your therapist will first hold the stones first to ensure that the basalt stones are hot enough to heat the body and cause a relaxation effect (and not too hot to cause discomfort).
* Your therapist will then place the basalt stones at specific points on your back, between your toes and the palm of your hand. Feel free to let your therapist know if the basalt stones are too hot or should be heated further.
* As the stone cools, your therapist will replace the stone with another heated basalt stone.
* After you have had a period of time to feel the effects of the hot stones, your therapist may apply pressure on the stones to massage your body or may remove the stones to massage your body directly.
* Once ready, your therapist will ask you to turn and lie on your back will repeat the above sequence on the front side of your body.

What are the benefits of hot stone massages?

Applying hot stones on the body increases the temperature of the skin and muscle tissue to improve circulation and calm the nervous system. As a result, hot stone massages are deeply relaxing and act to rebalance the body and mind. As the superficial muscles relax, a therapist can also massage the deeper muscles. The heat of the basalt stones release muscle tension faster than a classic Swedish massage.

As hot stone massages help improve circulation, hot stone massages are particularly beneficial for those who have cold feet and generally poor circulation. People who may benefit from hot stone massages include those who suffer from back pain, arthritis pain, stress/anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Why Do People Get Hot Stone Massage?

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

Precautions

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.

Pain during a hot stone massage

The basalt stones used during a hot stone massage are very smooth. As a result, you should not experience pain when the stone is rubbed across the body. Rather, the rubbing of the stone across the body should feel like a firm hand massaging your muscles.

Your therapist will regularly check the temperature of the basalt stones on your body. However, always feel free to let your therapist know if the stones are too hot for you.

Warnings on hot stone massages

As hot stone massages create a heating effect on the body through the skin and muscles, hot stone massages are not recommended for those who:

* Are prone to blood clots
* Suffer a skin disease or rash
* Have an open wound
* Have just undergone surgery or chemotherapy

Hot stones should also not be applied on bruises, open wounds, tumors, hernias, fractures and inflamed skin. Pregnant women should also seek advice from their doctor before having a hot stone massage.

Tips for hot stone massages

Here are some tips to ensure that you get the most out of your hot stone massage:

- avoid having a large meal before the massage
- ask for a tour to be familiar with your surroundings
- arrive ten minutes before your booking to complete forms provided by your therapist, to discuss your requirements with the therapist and to generally relax before the massage. ...source:charlia.com