Hot Stone Massage

Origins:

Massage is believed to be one of the oldest and simplest forms of medical care. In many Eastern cultures, massage has been practiced as a form of medicine since ancient times and continues to be used for relieving pain and treating various ailments. These days, it is widely accepted that massage has proven to be of great benefit to those suffering from emotional, mental and physical stress.

Heated stones have been used for over 2000 years as a healing practice to relieve pain, tensions and stress. The three most principle cultures that have influenced the ways in which hot stone massage has evolved are the Chinese, Native Americans, and Hawaiians. In addition, the use of heated stones on the lower abdomen to relieve cramps was a common practice performed by Native Americans.

Although the use of hot stones can be dated back to ancient times, the unique techniques used in today's modern hot stone massage have the added benefit of being developed by therapists whose experience literally spans the globe, in terms of the skills they have managed to acquire.

What is it and how does it work:

Hot stone massage is an alternative form of classic massage therapy that uses heated stones placed on a range of key energy points along the body in conjunction with an active massage, also using heated stones and luxuriously warmed oils.

Hot stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock originating from volcanic lava flow, that has become completely polished and smooth over time spent at the bottom of a river bed. Basalt is rich in iron, which gives it powerful heat retention properties. For the treatment, these stones are immersed in water and heated in an electrical 'stone roaster,' until they are within the correct temperature range. A range of stone sizes are used according to which part of the body the stone is been used. The stones are then oiled and used in the hands of the therapist to massage the body and/or face and scalp.

The therapist massages the body with the stones and her hands using a variety of strong massage strokes and techniques. The pressure and the heat that is applied to the body through the stones penetrates deep into the belly of the muscles, making for a much more deeply effective massage. The heat that is released warms and relaxes the muscles, releasing unwanted tensions, pains and toxins, which ultimately rebalances and calms the body.

Effects:

In addition to providing deep relaxation and comfort for the client, hot stone massage is associated with having many beneficial effects on the body. It acts as a healing therapy for relieving pain as well as helping a variety of health conditions and their symptoms.

Some of these effects include: 

• Pain Relief - including back pain, aches and muscle tension
• Stress and anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Improves blood circulation - and is particularly beneficial for clients who suffer from the cold
• Stimulates the nervous system
• Relieves pain caused by osteoarthritis, arthritis and rheumatism
• Energising and rejuvenating
• Relaxation

Hot stone massage also offers a very holistic approach and can heal the mind as well as the body. The direct heat of the stone and the aromas of the oils effectively provide an intense calmness to the mind, enabling the body to go into a state of deep relaxation. As a result, this rejuvenates and re-energises the mind and the body.

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