Hot Stone Massage, It Is Warm and Relaxing

Hot stone massage is a popular type of massage therapy that uses smooth, flat stones that are heated for the purpose of healing the body quickly on its key point areas.

These heated stones used on this type of massage therapy are usually basalt which retains heat longer than most ordinary stones. They are usually heated on boiling water at a temperature of about 124° Fahrenheit before they are actually used on the patient's body.

During the massage therapy session, the massage therapist takes each stones that are ready for deployment on the key points of the patient's body. Most of these stones are placed on the patient's back while the others are set on the different areas of the body including between the toes.

One of the benefits we get from this type of massage is that our muscles are relaxed when these heated stones are placed on our body's key points. Warmth is used to relax tight muscles and removes the tension which causes different types of muscle problems on our body. The warmth of these special stones will make the massage process on the deep tissue of the patient's body more effective and much easier for the massage therapist. The massage therapist will then hold the hot stones on his hands while working on the different parts of the patient's body. He or she will also immediately replace these hot, smooth stones in case they become cold in temperature.

The massage therapist prepares and warms up the patient's body by working on the different areas of the body with Swedish massage. This is done in order for your body to fully accept the benefits of the hot stone massage.

The massage therapist will then take some heated stones and arrange them on the different areas of your back for a while for your body to relax and release tension as well as body toxins. The hot stones are regularly replaced from time to time as their temperature drops down. However, there are exemptions where cold stones are used. In case the patient has inflammation or injury, hot stones are replaced with cold stones to make the inflammation subside. This is uncommon though on massage therapy sessions.

Aside from the use of hot stones, the massage therapist will also use light oil or lotion on the patient's body so that he or she can maneuver the massage strokes much better all over the body. Oil and lotion reduces the friction and acts as a lubricant on the patient's body for a smooth massage stroke manipulation for the masseuse.

Most patients who have experienced this type of massage therapy share their joy of getting a relaxing and energizing massage therapy session. A significant muscle relaxation is evident right after a hot stone massage. It is also known as an effective therapy on relieving stress, and body pain. This therapeutic massage also calms down the psyche of the patient which results in the relief of mental stress. Body toxins are also removed from the patient's body after a good massage therapy session.


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Still Need To Find That Perfect Valentine's Day Gift?

If you're a procrastinator and are in a panic trying to think of the perfect Valentine's Day gift for your loved one, worry no longer, 36 Oaks Country Retreat has the perfect thing! Get that special someone in your life a spa gift certificate! 

Everyone needs an hour or two to relax, and with so many different spa treatments to choose from, a spa gift certificate is sure to make even the hardest person to shop for happy! 

Don't wait another minute, go to our website now to purchase your spa day gift certificate! 

5 Valentine's Day Gift Ideas For Couples - Make Wine and More

Take the stress out of Valentine's Day. These following unique gift ideas are great for couples, for what can be a lifetime of memories. Great ideas include:

1. Make Artisan Pearl Jewelry

Believe it or not, gifts that you make have a more lasting impact. Seek out your local bead or jewelry store for a jewelry making class. Gentlemen, you can learn how to make your partner a hand-made artisan necklace, pearl beads are generally available. Ladies, you will have the opportunity to understand how to make jewelry that more closely matches your style. Call your bead or jewelry store in advance to save a spot for two. Classes for this gift idea for couples fills quickly.

Time required: approximately 2 hours

2. Spa Day


A relaxing way to spend Valentine's Day is to enjoy a nice massage. Why just give your loved one a massage when you both can have one at the same time. Most resorts or day spas will have special packages for Valentine's Day, particularly for couples. Schedule the session around 3PM and it will be the perfect beginning to dinner out.


Time required: approximately 1 to 2 hours

3. Dessert Cooking Class

Cooking for that special person is a nice gesture. To make the meal more memorable, though, a gift idea for couples is to try a cooking class. Most classes are just an hour or two. More importantly, someone else does the dishes. And since it is Valentine's Day, try a class where you can bake a sweet and tasty treat. Contact your local gourmet grocery store for a class schedule. Some classes fill quickly, so be sure to call ahead to make a reservation.

Time required: approximately 2 hours

4. Mosaic Art

Do you like smashed things? Try a mosaic art class where you take colorful, smashed pieces of tile and decorate things like picture frames, vases, or tabletops. For Valentine's Day, you could take a photo of yourselves, decorate the frame with white, red, and rose colored tile pieces to commemorate the occasion. Make two, and you both can take one to work. Make a reservation in advance to secure a spot.

Time required: approximately 2 hours

5. Bottle Wine

Have you ever dreamed of being a winemaker and having your own private label wine? Now you can. Many wine shops allow you to bottle your own wine. First, sample wines from around the world. After choosing a wine that you both like, you will go through the crafting process. The wine shop will keep your craft for about 60 days, allowing your wine to ferment. Then, you go back to bottle, cork, seal, and actually print and apply your own custom label. In the end, you both will have about 30 bottles of your own wine, allowing you to enjoy and remember Valentine's Day for many months to come. Be sure to call ahead to schedule a time.

Time required: initially, approximately 2 to 3 hours. Bottling, approximately 2 to 3 hours

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36 Oaks Country Retreat has an amazing Valentine's Day Special! February 14th is right around the corner, call to find out more and to book your appointment today! 

707-447-8037

Introducing...New Facial Treatments

"With the New Year under way, we will be

introducing some new facial treatments" 

   

  

Hydration | Detoxifying | Anti-age

and specific treatments to Soften the Eye Area

With our new skin sensor technique, we will be able to offer special products for your special needs! Timing is just right to treat and repair the delicate skin on your face after this dry winter.

Winter Specials

One Hour and a Half Treatment 

Including one hour Warming Cocoa Massage

and a Coconut Hair/Scalp Treatment

$85.00

 

Winter Skin Rejuvenation 

Soften up your dry winter skin with a Body Polish

Lush Hydrating Wrap & Coconut Scalp Treatment

$105.00

Valentine's Day Special

  

Valentine's Day is coming right up! Now is a great time to treat someone special or pamper yourself.

Decandent & Romantic 

Side by Side Warming Cocoa Massage

With some nice sweets & chocolate covered strawberries  

$145.00 for Both

When Should You Get Massage Therapy?

When should you get massage therapy or bodywork? The question comes up a lot more than you might think. People ask whether they should get massage therapy in the morning, afternoon, or the evening. They want to know if they should come in for massage therapy before they start hurting, or wait until their muscular pain is unbearable. Some ask if it's better before, during, or after a workout or sporting event.

In my San Antonio Massage Therapy and Bodywork practice, Massage By Ben, I answer each and every one of these questions by saying "You should come in every day". My answer is, of course, tongue-in-cheek. I then explain that getting massage therapy everyday would be nice but unnecessary and maybe cost prohibitive. Further, when and how often you get massage therapy is based on the goals you would like to achieve with massage therapy. How we achieve your goals with massage therapy is a little more involved than just a simple Q&A in this article. That should be a live discussion between you and your Massage Therapist or Bodyworker, but what about the basic questions? Let's answer those:

Q1. Should I get my massage therapy in the morning, afternoon, or evening? I don't want to fall asleep at work, but I'd like to feel better during the day.

A1. A lot of people are concerned about this one, but you shouldn't worry. Massage Therapy is relaxing and some people do fall asleep during the session, but that doesn't mean you're going to be sleepy afterward. In fact many people feel more energized as well as relaxed after their massage therapy session. Still, no matter what time of day you get your massage you'll probably sleep better when you do finally go to bed. So, get your massage therapy when it's convenient for you.

Q2. Should I get my massage therapy before my muscular pain starts, or should I wait until it really hurts before I get massage therapy?

A2. In my experience it's much better to get massage therapy to prevent muscular pain or prevent a recurrence of muscular pain. Some Massage Therapists and clients believe that waiting until you're experiencing moderate pain allows them to find the source more easily; however, this is seldom true. Get help early.

Q3. Should I get massage therapy before, during, or after a workout or sporting event?

A3. Yes. There are specialized massage therapy techniques that are designed to assist you in your fitness and athletic endeavors. Sports Massage is often broken down into pre-event, inter-event, and post-event techniques to improve performance and aid in recovery. If you don't have access to massage therapy during each phase of your activity just pick what's most important to you - performance or recovery.

I still believe you should come in everyday if you can because if an "apple a day" is good then a "massage a day" is really, really good. Of course the benefits of massage therapy and bodywork are available to you even if you receive it only once.

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