Hot Stone Massage - Top 9 Things You Need to Know

One of the fastest rising styles of massage is the hot stone massage. If it's your first time to hear about it, you may be wondering what it's all about. It may be hard to imagine how hot stones can be used in a massage. Here are some other things you should know but may not know about hot stone massage.

1. What is a hot stone massage? Hot stone massage is a variation of the classic massage therapy in which water treated and heated stones mostly basalt stones are placed in key points of the body called energy centers to prepare the body for deep tissue manipulation and promote relaxation.
2. Why are basalt stones used? Basalt stones which are black volcanic rocks rich in iron have innate ability to absorb and retain heat that can be used to relieve stress and tension in muscles and enhance circulation. 
3. What are the benefits of getting a hot stone massage? The positive effects of a hot stone massage are countless. On the physical aspect of the body, it does wonders in muscle and deep tissue relaxation, relieves tension, stress and pain such as back aches and muscular pain, improves circulation, and releases harmful toxins. Mental benefits on the other hand include calming of the psyche, giving peace of mind, reducing anxiety and depression. It is also used to treat some medical conditions like Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Insomnia and some circulatory problems.
4. Who invented hot stone massage? Mary Hannigan, from Tucson, Arizona invented the hot stone massage in 1993. She calls her style the LaStone Therapy. It wasn't long before this massage style proliferated. Now many massage and spa centers offer their own version of the hot stone therapy.
5. How long is a massage stone session? A session of this type of massage usually takes 60 to 90 minutes long.
6. Who cannot take a hot stone massage? Most people are free to get their hot stone massage. However, those who have infectious skin disease, rash, open wounds and those who are prone to blood clots are not allowed to have a hot stone massage. Those who just came out of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation are also advised to stay away from getting massages. Meanwhile, if you have a heart disease or if you're pregnant, it's very important to get your doctor's approval before indulging in a massage. For pregnant women, it is a better idea to get a pregnancy massage from a certified massage therapist.
7. Is it compulsory to tip the massage therapist? Tips are a nice way of saying that you like the massage that you got. In hotels or spas, a customary 15% to 20% tip will be appreciated by the massage therapist. However, if you are in a medical setting like a hospital or clinic, tipping is not the norm. If in doubt, don't be afraid to ask. Aside from tipping, you can also show appreciation by recommending the massage therapist or the spa center to family and friends.
8. Does a hot stone massage require nudity? Most hot stone massage clients are given massage while nude but if you're not comfortable, you can always stay in your underwear.
9. How much does a hot stone massage cost? Typically more expensive than Swedish massage, a session of hot stone massages ranges from $50 to $190.

There are plenty of information available about hot stone massage but nothing beats going through it yourself. The best way to get to know this massage is to try it and experience the relaxation and pleasure that no other massage can give.

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The Warming Benefits of Hot Stone Massage Therapy

Hot stone massage therapy, which is administered via the strategic placement of smooth heated rocks at key points on the body, is a variation of traditional massage used to reduce stiffness in the muscles, ease tension and improve circulation. By placing the heated stones on these specific points - some of which include the hand, toes and back -the muscles are prepared to allow for deeper relaxation.

Your massage therapist will administer a hot rock massage, by rubbing the body with stones to create the ultimate healing and relaxing experience. Because the warm heat from the stones helps to relax the muscles, it allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure. Strategic placement of the rocks during the hot stone massage is important, as they are thought to be the energy centers of the body that returns balance to the mind and body. Deeper muscle penetration and relaxation is one of the attributes that makes the hot stone massage therapy so popular. It is also proven to improve one's circulation and flush out toxins that could be harmful to your body. If you suffer from any of the following medical ailments, hot stone massage therapy could be just what you need:

• Muscle pains and aches;
• Upper and lower back pain;
• Effects of anxiety and stress;
• Symptoms of arthritis;
• Fibromyalgia;
• Insomnia;
• Depression.

So what types of rocks are used in stone massage therapy? The river rocks used in stone massage therapy have been made smooth by the current of the river over time. Made of basalt, they are rich in iron so they retain heat. After being immersed in water, they are placed in a device that heats them to the proper temperature. The hot stone massage technique is very popular, but it is particularly so among anyone who suffers from stress-related symptoms and who are more comfortable with a massage that is administered with a lighter stroke. As mentioned before, during the process of hot stone therapy, the muscles become easier to work with as a result of the warmth being directed to them.

Some people may be turned off by the thought of hot rocks on their body. But there is no need to worry... the stones are always smooth, flat and only about the size of a large egg. The heat is not a concern either, as the hot rocks are warmed under the strictest precautions in a unit that carefully monitors the degree of warmth. And while everyone has their own comfort range, your massage therapist will always hold the stones in his hands before applying them to your body to make sure that they are not too hot.

To begin your hot rock massage session, your therapist will ask that you lie face down on the table so that he/she can place the hot stones on the key points on your back. When the muscles have been sufficiently warmed, the therapist will continue your hot rock massage by removing the rocks and using them to rub your back with just the right amount of pressure needed to provide complete relaxation. Most massage therapists like to incorporate some type of cream, oil or lotion into hot stone massage therapy to allow the stones to run smoothly over your skin. Your massage therapist will then ask that you lie on your back so that he can address the front of your body, by placing the hot stones on the palms of your hands and between your toes.

People should not engage in hot stone massage therapy if they have open wounds or rashes, are currently engaged in chemotherapy or are known to be prone to blood clots. And if you are pregnant, as with any other procedure, you should contact your personal doctor before beginning any massage program.

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What Are the Health Benefits? | Deep Massage

Learn about the benefits of deep tissue massage and how it can help certain health conditions in this Howcast massage video.

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4 Fascinating Ways That a Hot Stone Massage Benefits Our Minds

Hot stone massages can benefit your mind as much as your body. We usually think about the benefits of these massages for our bodies. For instance, hot stone massages can:

o improve our blood circulation
o reduce pain
o release toxins
o relax our muscles

These benefits are certainly important, especially after a stressful day at work or school. However, we should not disregard the mental benefits of massage. Maintaining sound mental health is equally as important as maintaining sound physical health. Here are some of the most important mental benefits from a hot stones massage:

1. Improves our ability to think calmly

When our minds are stressed-out, we tend to react to situations in an irrational way, and to make irrational decisions. The results could be disastrous. For instance, "road rage" can cause us to drive aggressively and make various irrational decisions. That could include running a red traffic light, cutting off another driver, etc. Indeed, remember the old adage "cooler heads will prevail." A hot stone massage can help to relax your mind, allowing you to think rationally and calmly.

2. Encourages a relaxed state of alertness

My Little League baseball "career" lasted one season, after I got a black eye on a pop-fly ball. However, we can apply the baseball lesson of "keeping your eye on the ball," to virtually every aspect of our lives. It is important that we are constantly alert throughout the day. We must be alert to operate a vehicle, listen to the instructions of bosses, teachers, and so on.

Hot stone massages can increase our state of alertness. They become a form of meditation, clearing our minds of the worries of the world. When our minds are not bogged down with these thoughts, we can focus on our day-to-day lives. Also, when our bodies our relaxed, we are physically ready to spring into action when in "fight or flight" situations.

3. Improves our ability to be creative

It is difficult to write a poem or song lyrics, when our minds remain focused on other matters. However, by clearing and relaxing our minds through a hot stone massage, we get our "creative juices" flowing, and can then produce extraordinary creative works.

4. Lowers mental stress

Typically, when we think about stress, we think about the physical effects that it has on our lives. However, we should not overlook the impact of mental stress. A low-to-moderate level of stress in our lives is good. However, when our lives experience too much stress, this can be overbearing on our minds. We continuously fret about the difficulties in our lives, causing our minds to feel as disorganized as an unsolved jigsaw puzzle. Fortunately, a hot stone massage can help to reduce our mental stress, making our minds at peace.

When we think about the benefits of hot stone therapy, we typically focus on the benefits to our body. However, we should not overlook the benefits to our minds. Hot stone massages can help to unleash the power of positive thinking!

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Dr. Oz on the Health Benefits of Massage Therapy

Dr. Mehmet Oz believes in the health benefits of massage therapy.

Popular Types Of Massage To Help You Relax

Most people will turn to massage therapy to relax and revitalize their tired bodies and for that there are different types of massage one can choose from. You may not know it but actually there are over a hundred different types of massage, which means that your choice is not limited to the more common ones.
Through the years people have come up with different ways to improve or to develop variations with massage techniques infusing Eastern techniques with the Western techniques. But whichever technique you decide to have, massages in general are beneficial to both your mind and your body.

Some of the health benefits one can get from different massage techniques are: improved blood circulation, relief from tension headaches and detoxification among others. To give you an idea of the massage therapies you should try, here are other popular types of massage that is sure to help you find harmony within your body.

1. Swedish massage is perhaps the most popular choice for a massage therapy. It involves kneading and circular movements using smooth strokes to help penetrate through the muscles. This type of massage may either use oils or lotions for skin application to help with the massage strokes.

If you are in your menopausal years and you are looking for ways to relieve you from menopausal symptoms you would probably turn to modern medicine but if you are looking towards the alternative solution then you should try Swedish massage because it is not only good for tensed muscles it is also good for relieving anxiety, depression and other psychological symptoms associated with menopause.

2. Next on the list is called deep tissue massage. This massage uses deep pressure targeted across the affected muscles to relieve stress and tension, which is important to regain normal movements that is movements without the pain and stiffness. It is especially recommended for those who are recovering from injuries like whiplash and sports injuries and those with postural problems.

3. If you find bathing in warm water soothing then you should try hot stone massage also known as warm stone massage that commonly uses basalt, a type of stone, basically because of its smoothness. It is one of the various types of massage that utilizes indigenous materials in administering the massage.

It is a good application immediately before performing traditional massage to help loosen up tensed muscles. You can also opt to have the stones run along your muscles instead of the therapists' hands if you find it more relaxing that way.

4. Pregnant women can also have massage sessions although they have to make sure that the massage therapist is well-trained in administering pre-natal massage since pregnancy is a special case to work on. Most pregnant women experience pains and discomfort and now that massage for them is possible they can experience less stress during their pregnancy.

5. Perhaps one of the massage therapies that have gained popularity recently is the aromatherapy massage. The therapeutic effects in this type of massage lies in the essential oils that the massage therapist uses for relaxation and to energize your mind and body.

There are other types of massage that uses techniques that you may never have seen or heard before. Trying other massage types will surely give your massage experience a new twist so explore and enjoy massages to help you deal with the stresses of everyday living.

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Pregnancy Massage - Benefits and Precautions

 

Are you pregnant? Are you stressed, cramped up or sleep-deprived? A pregnancy massage may be what you need. While almost everyone enjoys the relaxation of a good massage, during pregnancy the benefits are even greater.

Before you make your appointment, make sure you take care of safety first:

Precautions:

* Find a massage therapist that is specially trained and certified in pregnancy massage. They will be aware of all the following safety factors, but you should know them as well:

* If you are at risk of preterm labor, or have a blood clotting disorder, then do not attempt massage without first consulting your doctor. Some therapists may require doctor approval from all pregnant clients.

* Avoid massages during the first trimester of your pregnancy: The increased blood circulation during this time may cause to become dizzy, and may increase morning sickness.
* Make sure you are placed in a semi-reclining position, or lie on your side with lots of pillows for support.

* Do not allow excessive pressure on your ankles or the webbing between your thumb and index finger: these areas can induce early labor when sustained pressure is applied to them.
Once all the safety issues are taken care of, relax and enjoy! Most pregnancy massages are perfectly safe and will benefit both yourself and the growing child. Most importantly, they help you relax and will lower your stress level. That alone may alleviate many other discomforts. They may also:

Benefits:

* increase blood circulation,

* lower your heart rate,

* relieve muscle cramps and spasms,

* reduce lower back and neck pain,

* reduce swelling in hands and ankles

* provide a less painful and easier delivery!

When you go to your appointment, consider taking your partner with you. By learning what comforts you, they can help you relax via massage throughout your pregnancy and during labour. Make sure the therapist highlights all safety concerns to your partner and teaches them safe massage techniques.

So contact a qualified massage therapist today, and make that appointment that will help you relax and better enjoy this wonderful time of your life.

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