Hot Stone Massage

A very relaxing experience is the Hot Stone Massage technique. A hot stone massage is a Swedish massaging technique that involves using heated smooth stones on the certain points on the body enhancing the feeling of relaxation and inducing inner calmness. The warmth of the stones is comforting. It loosens tight muscles and balance energy centers in the body. Massage oils are usually used with the massage treatment.

The practice was started in the early nineties by a therapist from Arizona by the name of Mary Hannigan. The rocks themselves are basalt stones, which are dark stones found at the site of volcanoes. The dark black color is what retains the heat. The stones are usually flat and oval shaped.

Benefits of Hot Stone Massage

The hot stone massage is used for various conditions. This type of massage promotes deep muscle and tissue relaxation. It helps to relieve stress or anxiety, back pains and aches, arthritis and improves circulation. Depression and insomnia are other causes that are treated with hot stone massage. This is a soothing and natural addition to the usual massage routine, and creates a feeling of peacefulness.

Hot Stone Massage Technique

First, you would start by cleaning the stones with a disinfectant. The stones are heated in boiling water in a usually in a crock pot until they reach a temperature range from 120-135 degrees Fahrenheit. The heat wipes out any traces of bacteria.

The therapist should hold the stones first and make sure that the heat is not too hot for the subject. The subject is face down. Therapists will place the stones down the center of your back, legs, and arms.

Only have the stones on one leg at the beginning. Use basic massage techniques on the leg, while massing the other leg simultaneously, moving up towards the heart. Alternate this method, and then put all the stones on the lower back so that it warms up while you're massaging the opposite leg. When working on the arms area, make sure to use a towel so that they don’t continuously fall off. You have started from the bottom, and made your way to the upper body; make sure to finish with massaging the face area.

The procedure is designed to calm your nerves and improve the blood circulation of your body. A deep melting sensation goes through your body as you feel the heat of the stones and you feel a sense of serenity.

This soothing relaxing technique can improve your overall health.