Hot Stone Massage
Hot Stone massage dates back to ancient times. Smooth, flat basalt stones are a type of river rock that are rich in iron, so they retain heat and have been smoothed by the river’s current over time. The stones are heated in an electrical heating unit within a certain temperature range, then placed on certain points of the body and used to gently massage areas of chronic pain and tension.
What To Expect
Some hot stones may first be placed on certain areas of the body and left for a short period of time. The massage therapist will apply oil or lotion on the body to allow the stones to glide smoothly along the muscles. Next the massage therapist uses the hot stones to massage the area.
After the heat from the stones has relaxed the muscles, the massage therapist may use her hands to directly massage the skin.
More hot stones are placed back on the body, such as in the palms of the hands, or between the toes, and left for a short period of time.
You are then asked to turn over. The massage therapist will place more small hot stones and repeat the sequence. A hot stone session lasts 80 minutes, but we ask that you allow 90 minutes if scheduling appointments or meetings afterwards.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage is well suited to people who tend to feel cold or for people who have muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage. The benefits of classic massage therapy are the same for hot stone massage, but two-fold. The heat penetrates muscles, allowing the therapist to work through chronic tension without using deep pressure. People also get hot stone massage for a variety of health conditions:
- Back pain and aches
- Poor circulation
- Osteoarthritis and arthritis pain
- Stress, anxiety and tension
- Insomnia
- Depression
Contraindications
Hot stone massage is not recommended for certain people:
- People with infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
- Immediately after surgery
- Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
- Pregnant women
- Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.
