Relax. Breathe. Unwind. Feel the heat melt away the tension, stress, and anxiety. If you haven’t already guessed, I’m referring to that “oh so great” feeling you get while receiving a hot stone massage. If you haven’t yet tried hot stone, it’s definitely time to jump on the band-wagon!
Hot Stones have been used for thousands of years for their health and relaxation benefits. The benefits of hot stone massage are profound and rooted in centuries of proof. In These modern times, each practitioner tends to create their own unique hot stone routine, whether that includes placement of the stones, incorporating them into their traditional routine, or using them in a specific therapeutic form to manipulate and target deep into the muscle or trigger points, or all of the above. Any of these varieties can benefit a client in a multitude of ways, when applied by a professional.
Although not a complete list, In general, hot stone has the ability to assist clients with these particular conditions and promote health through the others:
- improve circulation
- reduce pain
- reduce muscle tension
- ease mental stress
- improve anxiety symptoms
- improve depression symptoms
What to Expect
A licensed massage practitioner dependent upon their personal technique or your preference, will heat stones to an appropriate temperature using a hot stone heating element. Your professional will allow the stones to cool to the right temperature before applying them your skin. If the stones are to be placed on the body for any length of time, your therapist will place a barrier between the stones
and your skin to prevent discomfort or burn. Never be afraid or hesitant to tell your therapist if the stones are too warm for you. Each individual is different and thus different temperatures are comfortable. Your treatment is about you, what you need, and how you feel. Injury, tenderness, and other complications in any massage treatment though rare; tend to be the result of a communication breakdown between a client and their professional.
Is Hot Stone for You?
As for any massage modality, hot stone is not for everyone. Be sure to inform your therapist of any health concerns or conditions prior to any treatment. If you have any of the conditions listed below (not a full listing), hot stone massage is not for you:
- Diabetes
- cancer
- autoimmune deficiencies
- epilepsy
- heart disease
- pregnancy
- skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema, etc.)
- Neuropathy
Whether you regularly receive massage or it’s you first time, February is here and it’s cold out there! Come on in to Utopia and let us warm you up, while we melt away the winter blues, leading to a better you in the New Year! Call to book your appointment today.
