What Is A Hot Stone Massage?
The use of hot stones for healing dates back to ancient times, and hot stone massage is a technique applied to both Swedish and deep tissue massage therapy. At your election, we also will place stones on Chakra points to rebalance the body and mind.
How Does Hot Stone Massage Work?
The 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 electrical heating unit that either provides a temperature reading or has an adjustable thermostat control until they are within a certain temperature range. Many people find the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting. 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 warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to work the muscles without using deep pressure. The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system.
What Conditions Are Ideal For Hot Stone Massage?
- Back pain and aches
- Poor circulation
- Osteoarthritis and arthritis pain
- Stress, anxiety and tension
- Insomnia
- Depression
How Will The Stones Feel?
The stones are never rough. They are always flat and smooth.
The massage therapist always holds the stones first before touching them to your body, which ensures that the temperature will not be too hot. However, everyone has their own comfort range. Be sure to speak up if the stones are too hot for you.
What Can I Expect During My Visit?
The massage therapist applies oil to the body, which allows the stones to glide smoothly along the muscles. Depending on the agreement reached between you and your therapist, the massage may or may not address the back, legs, feet, shoulders, arms, hands, neck, abdomen and face.
After the hot stones have relaxed the muscles, the massage therapist may use his or her hands to directly massage the skin. The hot stone treatment is occasionally followed by cool stones, particularly if there is inflammation.
A typical hot stone massage is between 60 and 90 minutes long.
Precautions
Do not eat a heavy meal before the massage.
Massage is not recommended:
- if you have an infectious skin disease, rash, or open wound
- immediately after surgery
- immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
Always check with your doctor before getting a massage:
- if you have osteoporosis
- if you are prone to blood clots
- If you have heart disease
- if you are pregnant
Based on your pre-session interview, the massage therapist may conclude that it would be prudent to refer you to a physician and reschedule your session. Massage therapists are neither trained nor legally permitted to diagnose. However, they are trained to be observant and to be aware of signs that may contraindicate massage. In keeping with the massage therapist's code of ethics, it is always better to err on the side of caution for your well being. It is strongly recommended that you follow your therapist's advice if you are referred for consultation. You should not be charged for the session.
