Enjoy the Luxury of a Hot Stone Massage

Posted: December 23rd, 2013

In the past, stones warmed by fire were used by Native Americans to sooth aching muscles, to detoxify, or for spiritual purposes, to find harmony and balance. In the current day, hot stone massages serve much the same purpose. This treatment can also be used to soothe aches, arthritic and autoimmune disorders, relieve tension, alleviate pain and stiffness, and improve circulation. A hot stone massage performed by a skilled massage therapist is a soothing, warming treatment perfect for any time of the year. The massage begins once the stones are warmed and fully sanitized, and the therapist first warms up the body with a traditional back massage. After this, the therapist will either places stones on key acupuncture points of the body to improve energy flow or provide a gentle massage with the stones. If taking the massage route, the therapist will massage muscles one at a time, using larger stones for larger muscles and smaller stones with smaller muscles. As soon as the stone begins to cool, it will be replaced with another. Only the smoothest stones are used in hot stone massages to prevent irritation of the skin. These stones have been smoothed over by natural forces, such as the sea and river, and they are typically made of basalt, a type of black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat. Because the experience is most pleasant when at a comfortable temperature, the client should not be afraid to speak up if they feel the stones are too warm. The heated stones are very effective, as their heat naturally penetrates past the skin and permeates muscles and tissue for deep relaxation.