Hot Stone Massage Therapy

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History of Hot Stone

Rocks have been heated for thousands and thousands of years. Cowboys and Indians have used them for warmth during the long cold nights as well as for soothing and cramping. People would carry them in their pockets to keep them warm.

Stone Massage

Stone Massage involves the application of water-heated basalt stones of varying sizes to key points on the body, giving a deep message and creating sensations of comfort and warmth. The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular message.

Stone message 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!

What is a hot stone massage?

The use of hot stones for healing dates back to ancient times, but it wasn't until Arizona massage therapist Mary Nelson introduced her hot stone massage technique, called LaStone Therapy, in which the use of hot stones for massage caught on.

Hot stone massage is a variation on classic Swedish message therapy. Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body and/or message therapist may also hold the stones and use them to message certain areas of the body.

How does hot stone massage work?

The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron, so they retain heat.

River rocks are normally used because they are so smooth - they have been smoothed over time by the river's current.

Black Stones have been known to stay hotter.

The stones are immersed in water and heated in an electric heating device until they are within a certain temperature range. The stones may be placed at specific points on the back, in the palms of the hand, or between the toes.

The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired.

The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system.

Some massage therapist place stones on points that are thought to be energy centers of the body to rebalance the body and mind.

What conditions is hot stone massage used for?

Many people fond the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting. Hot stone massage is suited to people who tend to feel chilly or who have cold feet. It's also suited for people who have muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage. The heat relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist to work the muscles without using deep pressure.

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

How will the stones feel?

The stones should never be rough. They are always flat and smooth. The stones used on the back range from about the size of a large egg (only flat), to the size of your open hand.

Hot stone should feel very warm at the initial touch but not burning and should never feel as though the skin is on fire or being harmed.

The massage therapist always holds the stone first before touching them to your body, which ensures the temperature will not be too hot. However, everyone has their own comfort range. Be sure to speak up if the stones are too hot for you.

What can be expected during a visit?

The massage therapist often begins by applying oil, cream, or gel, to the body, which allows the stones to glide smoothly along the muscles.

After the hot stones have relaxed the muscles, the message therapist may put down the stones and use his or her hands to directly massage the skin. The stones may then be placed back on to the body and left for a short period of time.

A typical hot stone massage is between 60 and 90 minutes long and ranges between $50 and $190.

Precautions or Contraindications

Message is not recommended for certain people:

• Infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds.
• Immediately after surgery.
• Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor.
• Prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage.
• Pregnant women should check with their doctor before considering getting a message. Message in pregnant women should be done by massage therapists who are certified in pregnancy message.
• Massage should not be doe directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed, wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.