What Is A Hot Stone Massage?
A hot stone massage is a popular approach to bodywork. It involves the use of heated rocks to apply heat to specific areas of tissue. Massage therapists prefer basalt rocks for their smoothness and ability to retain heat.
There are many different protocols to perform Hot Stone Massage. In my practice, I place the rocks on the body but also use them as a massage tool.
The session starts in the face-down position. I place warm stones on both sides of your spine, back of your arms, hands, legs and your feet. After a brief warm-up, I remove a few of them and start massaging that area, holding stones in my hands. Next, to keep you warm, I place new rocks back and move to another part of your body. When I finish massaging your back, I remove all the stones and help you turn over. I place rocks on your chest, abdomen, arms, legs, and continue with the treatment. When the massage is over, I will remove the excess oil with a warm, moist towel.
The pressure used during the treatment is light to medium-deep but never painful. Clients who are new to this massage style are often surprised by how good it feels and how quickly they experience a deep state of relaxation and well-being.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
Although the benefits of hot stone massage haven’t been researched extensively, it is recognized as a valuable approach to treat general muscle pain, chronic pain, back pain, stiffness, decreased range of motion, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and osteoarthritis.
It’s that time of a year…
It’s cold and snowy today. A few hours ago, I took a brisk walk at the forest preserve near my home. At first, it was a pleasant walk but after a while I started to feel that nasty chill in my bones. I immediately thought about my clients who take a train or bus to come to my office or simply walk to get there for their massage.