Hot Stone Massage, what is it and why is it gaining in popularity in spas and massage studios? It is a 60 or 90 minute massage session that is very relaxing and soothing, but then, what massage isn't! Add to the dynamic the ultimate in pampering and comforting and you have a good idea what a Hot Stone Massage is like. Imagine a child that is upset, and the mother coddles the child in a warm blanket. The child is comforted by the mother's touch and the warmth. In much the same way, the heat from the stones penetrates the muscle tissue and it leaves the client feeling very comforted. This is a great way to treat yourself after a long week, or a bad day.

History

Hot stone massage is a healing treatment that has a historical basis in several different cultures worldwide.  Some Native American cultures used hot stones to help detoxify and promote balance, healing, and harmony in the body.  The use of hot stone therapy for curing muscle aches and tension in the body dates back to 1500 BC in China.  There are also a number of European cultures who used this technique for healing and muscle relaxation. Many cultures believe in an energy component to the hot stone massage that promotes an over all calmness to the experience.

Today

Hot stone therapy is used in conjunction with massage to increase the benefits of both.  Basalt stones are heated in warm water and then placed on the body in specific sites to relax muscles and open up energy meridians in the body.  For massage therapists, the use of hot stones can pre-treat muscles, allowing them to do deep tissue work more easily.  Some degree of massage may also be performed with the hot stones themselves, and cool stones are sometimes alternated with the hot stones.

Benefits

The benefits of hot stone massage include toxin release, stress alleviation, muscle and tissue relaxation, energy balancing, and improved circulation.  It can calm the mind and spirit, as well as the body.  For those suffering from muscular pain, back pain, depression, insomnia, circulatory problems or high stress, this is an ideal massage to receive.  Hot stone massage can also be used to help treat Multiple Sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and arthritis.