Imagine yourself sitting in a hot tub and getting a massage at the same time! That's how some have described how a hot stone massage feels. It's the kind of thing that has to be experienced rather than just read about. Trying to describe it is a little like trying to describe the taste of chocolate. However, if you're the kind of person who wants more info, here you go...
History The history of hot stone massage has been linked to a diversity of different cultures, from Native American use during sweat lodge ceremonies, to Russian, Asian, and Hawaiian use. Hot stone massage as we know it was pioneered in about 1994 by a massage therapist in Tucson, AZ who started teaching a technique called LaStone therapy.
Benefits The heat from the stones promotes circulation which in turn promotes healing. Massage in general promotes circulation anyway, but the addition of the heated stones brings it to another level. The heat from the stones penetrates deeply into the tissues of the body, and aids relaxation while helping the muscles release. It feels much more like a coaxing of the muscles to gently relax them rather than beating them into submission the way some types of massage can be. It can be almost seamlessly integrated into a massage session and combined with a variety of techniques, such as acupressure, Swedish massage, myofascial release, reflexology and deep tissue massage. For those of you who love a great deep tissue massage, the heat from the stones helps ease much of the pain experienced.
In terms of Chinese medicine, the stones are said to decrease overactive Yang energy, and nourish deficient Yin energy. The stones can be both deeply relaxing and recharging. In a sense, they combine the elements of earth, fire, and water, as they are volcanic rock, which has spent years being smoothed in either ocean or river water. They are commonly known as basalt stones, or Mexican beach pebble. They are high in iron, helping them to retain heat. Using the heated stones adds a deeper element of pampering and nurturing to the massage.
Is it for everyone? While hot stones are a wonderful addition most of the time, there are certain circumstances, such as Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, and skin conditions that don't lend themselves to the addition of heat. This is something we can discuss when you come in for your consultation.
What does it feel like? The stones are remarkably smooth, and many times clients don't even realize that's what I'm using in certain areas, as the smoothness isn't something you normally expect from stones. But you don't want to hear it from me, let me share with you this article, written by one of my clients about her first hot stone experience with me.
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