Today we are going to look at Hot Stone Massage and how it works. Traditional Massage has been around for centuries but it wasn't until relatively recent that Hot Stone Massage became wildly available. Our ancient ancestors used it hundreds of years ago, as they believed that by using the hot stones it helped them to relax their heart rate, calm the mind and also had a cleansing effect on the body. So what exactly happens when you opt for this treatment?

Hot, smooth use, flat stones, usually polished lava stones, are placed on the charka points and pressure points of the body, to alleviate us from stress and pain. The stones are heated through placing them in a heating device until a suitable temperature is reached. The therapist will also often use the stones to massage specific areas of the body. They are normally used in conjunction with oil and have a soothing, relaxing effect on the muscles which will enable the therapist to apply a firmer pressure if so desired. The benefits are it aids circulation within the body and helps relax the mind and nervous system. Through placing the stones on the charka (energy) points of the body this helps rebalance both mind and body to give total wellbeing. 

WHO BENEFITS FROM HOT STONE MASSAGE

- People who suffer from aches and pain from backache

- Anyone who has arthritis or osteoarthritis

- Someone who has difficulty sleeping

- If you are uptight and find it difficult to relax

- If you suffer from bad circulation

- Depression or mood swings

Apart from enjoying the warmth and comfort in the placement of the hot stones, they are primarily used to heat and relax the muscles enabling the therapist to work the muscles without using firm pressure. Of course a firmer pressure can be applied if so desired. Before she begins the therapist will hold the stones herself to make sure the desired temperature is ok before she begins, so it's perfectly safe. Each of us has our own comfort zone in relation to temperature so us must convey to the therapist if the heat is to your liking. Many people wonder what indeed the stones will feel like actually on the body. Surprisingly comforting is the answer, the stones used are smooth, large and flat and tend to be around the size of a duck egg but obviously flatter. If there is any signs of inflammation cool, marble stones may be used instead to help to reduce this.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I HAVE A HOT STONE MASSAGE

The procedure is just like any other massage. You will go into the room; lye face down, often on a heated blanket, oil will then be applied to facilitate the gliding of the stones around the muscles of the body. Once the stones have had a relaxing effect on the muscles, they stones will be placed to the side and you will be given a massage normally using hands as in traditional massage. When this is finished the warm stones are often placed back onto the body for a length of time to finish the treatment. Often smaller stones will be placed between toes or palm of hand and a similar procedure will follow. It will normally last for around 1-11/2 hrs, depending upon the treatment, long enough to make you feel totally relaxed and soothed.

If you are going to have a Massage then make sure you arrive a little early at the salon to give you time to start to unwind, very important. Also, if you have never been before you may be required to fill out a simple questionnaire on your health etc, so you don't want to rush that or eat into your allocated time with the therapist. Another handy tip is not to eat anything heavy directly before going as it will make everything a little more sluggish.

More than anything, enjoy the experience and the many benefits that it brings.