Hot Stone Massage

What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage? 

*Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 to 150 degree water.

* The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage while holding a heated stone.

As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another.

How to Enjoy Your Hot Stone Massage

Whether you are new to Hot Stone massage or an experienced spa-goer, there are things you can do get the most from your massage.

* Don't eat a heavy meal or drink alcohol before a massage session.

* Arrive well in advance of your appointment.

It gives you time to check in and relax before your spa treatment.

If you get there five minutes before, you might miss some of your treatment time.

And if you have rushed, it will take longer to relax.

*Don’t be afraid to discuss any apprehensions or concerns.

Your massage therapist is a professional dedicated to do his or her best to help you feel at ease.

*Some people like to talk during a massage session, while others remain silent.

In general the massage therapist will follow your lead.

*Deep breathing helps you relax.

People often stop breathing when they feel anxious or a sensitive area is massaged.

If this is happening, let yourself breathe.

Benefits of Hot Stone Massage

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.

Hot Stone Massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones.

They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well.

It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage.

The heat helps tight muscles release.

What You Need To Know About Hot Stone Massage:

* The therapist uses many stones of various shapes and sizes.

* The heat of the stones helps muscles release more quickly than in traditional massage.

* You should speak up if the stones are too warm or the pressure too intense.

*Good communication is important.

Before the session, let your massage therapist know what your needs are.

During the massage session, report any discomfort, whether it is from the massage or anything else -- room temperature, music volume, lighting, etc.

Feel free to give feedback on the amount of pressure, speed of movement, etc.

*If you are dizzy or light headed after the Hot Stone massage, do not get off the table too fast.

*Drink extra water after a massage.

*Allow for some open, quiet time after your massage session.

It helps your body absorb the results.

*Hot Stone Massage has its greatest benefits over time.

The therapeutic effects of massage are cumulative, so the more often you get a massage, the better you will feel and the more quickly your body will respond.

In cases of muscular injury and inflammation, frozen, cooling marble stones are used.

This creates a type of thermotherapeutic 'vascular gymnastics' in the circulatory system to help the body detoxify and heal.

The cold stones cause the blood vessels to constrict, stimulating the nervous system and drawing blood and waste products along the body

* The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body.

* If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used.

* Most massage takes place nude but you are fully draped at all times.

If you do not want to remove all your clothing, wear clothing that you will be comfortable wearing during the massage and will allow the massage therapist to touch and move the areas of your body you expect will need to be worked on.

* Be receptive and open to the experience and trust in the professionalism of the therapist.

*Tightening up during the massage is counterproductive.

Let your massage therapist know if this happens.

They can adjust the massage technique or help you relax.

* If your thoughts race, try to quiet your mind by following the hands of the massage therapist.

Focus on how the touch feels.

*If anything happens during the massage that seems improper, ask the massage therapist to stop.

You also have the right to end the session.

Health Conditions Treated with Hot Stone Massage

If you have never experienced this unique indulgence, you owe yourself this exquisite moment.