Hot Stone Massage

Hot Stone Massage Therapy is becoming widely known for its deeply relaxing benefits. It employs a technique that uses smooth, heated basalt stones, which are placed on specific acupressure points on the body to melt away knots, tension and stress. It can also be applied as a relaxation technique using hot essential oils. The hot stone experience relieves pain, promotes harmony, balance and peace.

Hot stone massage highlights the relaxing and luxurious experience of massage in both spa and clinical settings. The benefits from a hot stone massage include: stress reduction, pain and tension relief, and increase to circulation.

The healing power of warmed stones has been recognized by numerous cultures for centuries. The deep heat of the basalt (river rock) stones penetrates the muscles, providing an immediate relaxation response. Mentally, the individual can reach a state of relaxation within minutes of applying the first stones. This deep state of relaxation usually takes 15-20 minutes to occur in a traditional massage. Stone massage is a unique connection we experience with nature, offering a sense of profoundness and sacredness that we too often forget. It's a deep healing and unique moment that enhances our awareness and brings us closer to our true essence. It is the perfect treatment that is as enjoyable and healing for the client as it is for the practitioner.

Stone massage involves the application of water-heated basalt stones of varying sizes to key points on the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth. The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage. Smooth, hot basalt stones are placed on a client's body. Warm stones may be placed in the palms and/or between the toes. The massage therapist may also use the hot stones to perform soothing, long massage strokes. The smooth texture of the stones facilitates the gliding process. Using various massage techniques & warm stones, relaxes the body at its deepest level. In cases of muscular injury and inflammation, frozen, cooling marble stones are used. This creates a type of thermo therapeutic 'vascular gymnastics' in the circulatory system to help the body detoxify and heal. The warmer stones expand the blood vessels, pushing blood and unwanted waste materials through the body. This has a sedative effect on the nervous system. The cold stones cause the blood vessels to constrict, stimulating the nervous system and drawing blood and waste products along the body. This ensures that every cell in the body receives more oxygen and nutrients while at the same time waste material is removed more effectively through the corresponding increase in lymph flow. Not unlike changing the old oil and filter in your car for a newer filter with clean oil—a service for the body.

Stone massage makes you feel deeply relaxed, allowing you to let go of all the stress that is held within your body. It is really an amazing experience to offer to the ones you love!

Those experiencing a hot stone massage will notice a healing improvement of the following symptoms:

• Muscular aches, pains, sprains, and strains
• Poor circulation
• Rheumatic and arthritic conditions
• Fibromyalgia
• MS
• Back pain
• Stress, anxiety and tension
• Insomnia
• Depression