What is hot stone therapy?
What is hot stone therapy and how did it start? No longer just a trendy type of massage, hot stone therapy has moved into the mainstream as a permanent fixture on spa service menus.
Hot stone therapy was developed by Native Americans centuries ago. As a spa treatment, hot stone massage therapy combines the use of heated stones with oil. Used simultaneously to massage the muscles, this winning combination results in a relaxing, rhythmic sequence designed to soothe and relax.
Benefits
Hot stone therapy benefits are more than just the surface relaxation gained from a relaxing massage.
The benefits of heat therapy provided by the heated stones allow for deep penetration into sore, tired muscles. The muscles naturally relax faster and easier when the heat is applied. With the muscles relaxed, the massage therapist can work more efficiently to achieve desired results of relaxation and reducing stress.
Sore, tired muscles will ease, tension will dissolve and peace will be restored during a hot stone massage.
As a state of calm overtakes you, energy is balanced and stress reduced, leaving behind a peaceful essence.
If you have not experienced hot stone therapy, you might want to try it for something new. If you have and want to try a different type of massage that includes the benefits of heat therapy, consider the spa bamboo massage!
Booking your massage service
These spa treatments are usually be booked as either a 50- or 80-minute treatment.
The hot stone therapy may be a full body massage, or also incorporated as an upgrade to an existing treatment. When an upgrade, it is commonly used just for the back muscles, where most people really want it!
Always inquire as to the options available and indicate your preference when booking your massage.
As with all spa treatments explained in this site, below is one example for general reference of how hot stone therapy may be provided as a full body massage.
Before beginning your spa treatment, always volunteer any possible contraindications to your therapist.
What to expect with hot stone therapy
You will be disrobed for the hot stone massage. Prior to leaving the room for your privacy, the massage therapist will (usually) ask you to lay on your back, under the covers.
When they come in, they will begin by having you sit up in order to place several heated stones on the table, underneath you.
When you lie back down, the heated star burst palm stones (or basalt stones) will be lined up on either side of your spine. The amazing warmth will soothe your back muscles while your therapist massages elsewhere.
The therapist will also place hot stones under your hands in the palm area as well as between the toes.
Hot stone placement is designed to help relax the muscles as well as to soothe achy joints. Its surprising how awesome the heat therapy feels between the toes…and in the hands.
While you are enjoying the heat therapy from the stones, your therapist will massage your limbs with hot stones and oil.
When it is time to turn over, the massage therapist will remove the stones from underneath you.
Once you are on your stomach, the therapist will again place heated stones on your back. They will then begin massaging from the feet, moving up your body.
Completing your massage by ending with the back and neck, they will have used these amazing massaging stones all along to ease you into a deep state of relaxation.
After your treatment and how often to have a hot stone massage
After your hot stone massage, you should feel wonderful and very relaxed. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the rest of the day to hydrate. Take it easy and keep peace at hand to maximize on the hot stone therapy benefits.
Hot stone massage may be best if enjoyed once a week. This type of massage is an excellent method for how to reduce stress.
If you are treating sore muscles and need extra heat therapy, be sure to discuss with your massage therapist how often they would recommend.
If you are pregnant, under a physician’s care or have concerns with heat, avoid this therapy or use caution and consult your doctor.
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