Hot stone massage is a unique form of massage therapy that uses heated stones to relax and soothe the mind and body. These flat and smooth stones are placed on various places on the body in order to warm those tense muscles, making it easier for the massage therapist to work out any tightness or tension in the body. This form of therapy is also very soothing during those colder fall and winter months and for those that are always feeling a bit chilly. Some people also find the weight and warmth of the stones comforting. There is a very good reason why this type of massage is so extremely popular!
What to expect during a hot stone massage
At the beginning of a session, a towel will be placed on the body where the stones will be placed.The massage therapist will have heated the stones in an electric heater that allows them to control the temperature. They are then placed in strategic locations on the body, usually along both sides of the spine, along the legs or on the hands. The massage therapist will take into account any medical history or muscle tension the client has been having. Some will then move the stones around and use them to perform the massage itself. If at any time the stones feel too warm or uncomfortable, you should tell the massage therapist immediately. It may take a few minutes for the heat to penetrate the towel in order to determine if they are too hot for your comfort.
Conditions that may be helped by hot stone massage
There are a number of benefits to adding a hot stone treatment to your next massage. The warm stones are able to help circulation as well as ease back pain or arthritis pain. Just like any massage, it can help reduce stress and anxiety as well as helping with insomnia or depression.
Hot stone massage throughout history
Written documentation showing that the ancient Chinese used heated stones to improve organ function over 2,000 years ago. There has been evidence of heated stones being used in many different countries around the world including Egypt, India and North America. Each used them in their own unique ways from sweat lodges, laying them in patterns on the body, and more.
The practice was reborn in 1993 when a massage therapist in Arizona began offering a modern version of this treatment. Now, massage therapists around the globe are offering this calming form of massage. Each has their own individual way, but all have the same basic principles.
If you have never had a hot stone massage therapy session, we would love to show you how wonderfully soothing it can be. We have a number of massage therapists at Moonstone Massage therapy that are certified in hot stone massage that would be happy to share this modality with you. Just let us know the next time you book your session that you would like to add on a hot stone massage and we can walk you through the process.