Hot Stones
Hot Stone Massage has to be one of the
most enjoyable and relaxing therapeutic massages available. For hundreds
of years, hot stone massage has been used by many different cultures
and modern-day therapists apply the same techniques for a wonderfully
relaxing massage designed to work on muscle tension at the deepest
level.
During the hot stone massage treatment,
smooth, basaltic (volcanic) rocks that have been heated in water are
used in two ways; some stones are wrapped in towels and placed on
specific energy centres, known as chakras, along the body to align and
re-balance the body’s natural energy flow, whilst other stones are used
by the therapist to perform the body massage.
The heat of the stones penetrates deep
into the muscle tissue allowing the muscles to relax 4-5 times quicker
than in a standard body massage, easing muscle tension and revitalising
the muscle tissue by increasing blood circulation.
The deep relaxation and increased blood
flow to the areas being worked not only accelerates any healing
processes but also creates a state of deep mental relaxation.
The benefits of hot stone massage include:
* Improved circulation
* Increased lymphatic drainage (toxin removal)
* Improved blood flow to tissues
* Reduces muscular tension
* Relieves aches and pains
* Reduces stress and anxiety
* Produces a deep relaxation
Who can enjoy hot stone massage?
As with all hands-on holistic therapies,
hot stone massage may not be suitable for everyone and certain medical
conditions may prevent the use of this treatment, or may require your
GP’s consent. In particular, anyone suffering from heat sensitivity, excema and
pregnant clients should avoid this treatment. A full consultation will
be carried out before your first treatment which enables us to ensure
that hot stone massage is right for you. Please feel free to call or
email us if you would like to check your suitability before the
treatment.
Common complaints treated with hot stone massage
Hot stone massage can be used for a variety of ailments, or simply for a deep level ofrelaxation
and is particularly effective for relieving muscle tension, rheumatic
or arthritic conditions, Multiple Sclerosis, back pain, nervous
conditions and stress and anxiety.
What happens during a hot stone treatment?
You will be asked to remove your
clothing (except underpants) and make yourself
comfortable on the massage couch, with a large towel to cover your
body. During the massage, only the part of your body being massaged
will be exposed, to ensure your modesty. At different times during the
massage the stones will be wrapped in a towel and placed on certain
parts of the body and other stones used to perform the massage over the
skin. A plant-based massage oil will be applied to the skin to allow
free movement of the stones and to nourish the skin.
A full body massage usually treats the
back, legs, arms, chest and neck, although this can be adapted
to suit your individual requirements or preferences.
After-care advice
Hot stone massage has a very detoxifying
effect on the body and you can encourage this by drinking plenty of
water and avoiding caffeine, nicotine and alcohol for the next 24
hours. Also try to avoid any strenuous exercise for 24 hours following
treatment and try to rest and allow your body to heal from within.
You will feel so deeply relaxed after this treatment, make sure you keep the rest of your day free to really enjoy the benefits!