Hot Stones Massage
A hot stone massage is a new addition to the massage therapies that I offer. I love this type of massage myself and find the heat from the stones deeply therapeutic and soothing.
What is a Hot Stones Massage?
Smooth basalt stones are heated, oiled and applied to the body and are used to warm and massage the body. The warmth from the stones penetrates and relaxes the muscles, allowing deeper pressure if it's desired. It's a great way to improve the effectiveness of your massage. It is said that with the stones each stroke is equivalent to at least five with the hands.
The use of hot stones is not a new concept. The Chinese, Japanese and American Indians have all used stones for ritual and healing over thousands of years.
The Benefits
During a hot stone massage, the localised weight and heat of the stones will help your muscles to fully relax. This relaxation allows the therapist to apply deep pressure to help release tension in the muscles. By using the hot stones in harmony with the hands a hot stone massage could help:
You Relax More
The warm stones help you to relax - both physically and mentally.
When muscles are warm, they respond better to massage techniques. The benefit of the heat resting on the body releases deep tension to help ease sore muscles.
Circulation Improves
Poor circulation can cause muscle tension and fatigue. The heat from the stones penetrates through muscle to open blood vessels, which allows blood to flow more freely through the body for better circulation. As circulation improves, more oxygen reaches the muscles to help reduce aches and pains.
Stress Eases
There's something about warmth and massage that helps stress fade away. The light pressure from the warm stones can be soothing. Hot stone therapy can feel like a warm hug in a safe place.
Sleep Improves
Regular massage benefits you long after the massage is over including helping to improve the quality of sleep. With the added benefits of hot stones during your massage, you'll feel more relaxed, less tense, and ready for more regular nights of restful sleep.
Pain Subsides
Back or neck pain is often caused by poor posture leading to tight muscles. You might apply a heating pad to a sore low back to help relieve pain. When muscles are extra tight, sometimes a massage alone isn't enough to loosen you enough to relieve pain. That's when heat helps most. Targeted heat from hot stones helps warm your muscles for better manipulation during the massage. Sometimes the pain you feel is deep within your muscles and joints. The heat helps your massage therapist work a little deeper into your tissue.
Flexibility Increases
Stiff joints make it hard to move through day-to-day activities. Massage can help loosen tight joints and the muscles around joints. If you have an injury or extremely tight joints, placing hot stones on and around those joints helps loosen those areas. With regular hot stone therapy, you may notice your flexibility improving over time. Your joints will be more relaxed, and you'll find it easier to move with less friction and pain.
Is a Hot Stones Massage safe?
While hot stone massages are highly beneficial for many people, there are some situations where you should not get one. It is not suitable for pregnant women and cardiac patients.
Please also make me aware if you have any metal implants or varicose veins.
Do not request a hot stone massage if you:
Experience Loss of Sensation
Take Certain Medications - blood thinners or
Have a Depressed Immune System
Have a Skin Condition
Recently Had Surgery or Treatment
If you think this may apply to you please read more here and take the time to consult with your doctor first.
What Conditions Can Benefit?
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Muscle tension
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Muscular aches and pains
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Stress and anxiety
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Insomnia
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Poor circulation
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Fibromyalgia
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Depression
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Arthritic conditions
...and more
Never underestimate the feel-good factor, hot stone massage will help you feel nurtured and pampered! I recommend that you book this treatment when you don't have to rush around afterward. You'll feel so relaxed it's nice to know that you can continue to relax after the treatment.
How Much Does it Cost?
A 60-minutes massage costs £60. Longer appointments of 80 minutes can be booked for £80.
Please do get in touch, if you have any questions or a specific issue you would like to discuss, or book online.