Back To The Stone Age - It's Hot!

Posted: August 10th, 2015

Are you thinking about getting a hot stone massage? Maybe you would like to take your regular massage to the next level. The hot stone massage is one of the specialty massages offered at the day spa. Your massage therapist uses smooth, heated stones placing them on your body. The heat is deeply relaxing and helps warm up tight muscles so the therapist can work more deeply and quickly. A hot stone massage is just what you need for your massage therapy today.   Native Americans used hot stones warmed by fire to treat muscle aches. So there can be something said about the old remedies being used still to help heal common muscle aches. Most day spas have their own versions. The therapist must be skilled because it takes a lot of sensitivity to do it right. Depending on how well the therapist has been trained, will reflect the quality of your treatment. Not all therapists like doing this form of massage because the hot stones are difficult to handle. But rest assured a trained professional in hot stone massage will give you a memorable experience you will certainly enjoy and want to repeat.  The hot stones are sanitized and heated in a bath of 120 to 150 degree water. The stones are basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well. They have been smoothed by natural forces in the sea or river. Your therapist starts by warming up your body with a traditional Swedish massage, and then massages you holding the heated stones. The therapist will use many stones of various shapes and sizes for large and small muscles. Let your therapist know if the stones are too warm or the pressure is too intense. The hot stone massage is an excellent relaxation technique.   I had a pedicure with a hot stone massage and it was incredible. Every pedicure includes a leg massage. But this time the nail technician came with hot stones. I was in heaven. He gently rubbed the heated stones up and down my legs and under the soles of my feet and between my toes. This experience was just fabulous and extremely relaxing.