| If you are looking for a massage session to | | | | The massage is generally 90 minutes in length. |
| warm your bones during the cold winter months, | | | | Also, expect you therapist to step away from |
| a hot stone massage may be just for you. Hot | | | | you as stones are rotated from the heating |
| stone massage is the use of smooth, heated | | | | appliance, to you and then returned to electric |
| stones during a relaxation massage. The use of | | | | pan. The therapist will also take an extra effort to |
| hot stones in massage can be traced back over | | | | keeping any noise caused by the stones at a |
| 3,000 years ago in India and China. More recently, | | | | minimum during you massage. |
| a renowned massage therapist from Arizona | | | | Hot stone massage can be a beneficial treatment |
| brought this ancient art of massage to therapy | | | | approach for several reasons. This modality allows |
| offices and spas everywhere. If you are curious | | | | for deep relaxation of the soft tissue without |
| about hot stone massage, read further about | | | | significant pressure applied from the therapist. All |
| what to expect, benefits and contraindications, | | | | other massage benefits apply, such as improved |
| and how to get the most out of your hot stone | | | | circulation helping in flushing out metabolic waste |
| massage treatment. | | | | from your soft tissues. Hot stone massages are |
| So, what can you expect during a hot stone | | | | also beneficial in pain relief, alleviate stress and |
| massage? The massage therapist will heat the | | | | improved flexibility. As with any other massage, |
| stones in preparation for your session. The stones | | | | your therapist should perform a thorough health |
| used in the massage are either basalt or river | | | | information interview before a massage. Certain |
| rocks, which are both smooth in texture and | | | | diagnoses are contraindicated for massage. They |
| retain heat well. The stones are immersed in | | | | include: high blood pressure, open sores or skin |
| water and heated in an electric pan. Once the | | | | lesions, and any diagnosis where decreased |
| stones reach a specific temperature, the stones | | | | sensation occurs, such as diabetes. Pregnancy is |
| are placed on specific points of the body, such as | | | | also another condition contraindicated for hot |
| the back, abdomen, legs or hands. Meanwhile, | | | | stone massage. |
| other hot stones are incorporated in massage | | | | Preparation for a hot stone massage is similar to |
| over other parts of your body. Massage oil is | | | | getting ready for any other massage. Tips |
| used during a hot stone massage. This allow | | | | include:o Eat a light meal and avoid indulging in |
| maximum glide with the stones as well as letting | | | | alcoholic beverages before your massage.o Take |
| the therapist quickly manipulate the stones over | | | | your time, allowing for ample time before and |
| your back, arms or legs during the massage. Your | | | | after to get the full benefits from your hot |
| therapist will check the temperature of the stone | | | | stonemassage.o A tip to relax quicker is following |
| on their skin before using the stone in the | | | | the rhythmic movement of the stone on you |
| massage. | | | | back or other body part. You will move into deep |
| Always communicate with your therapist of the | | | | relaxation before you know it.o After the |
| stone is too warm on your skin. Your skin may | | | | massage, sit up slowly onto the edge of the table, |
| have a pinkish hue after the stone is removed, | | | | as there is an increased possibility of dizziness |
| showing improved circulation. The heated stone | | | | post massage. Your therapist may offer to help |
| warms and relaxes the muscles only using light | | | | you sit up before leaving the room for your |
| pressure during the massage. The heated stones | | | | safety. |
| are also used to relieve tension in the neck, upper | | | | This winter, indulge in a hot stone massage. It's a |
| back and feet. The treatment sequence will then | | | | special treat to enjoy in solitude or alongside a |
| be repeated on the opposite side of your body. | | | | loved during a couples massage. |