Brrrrr...it was really cold when I woke up this morning, left me wishing for a hot stone massage to warm me up. I have had a few hot stone massages and found them to be remarkably comforting and relaxing. Heated to120 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit which is about 50°C the flat stones are placed on energy centers of the body in the palms of the hand and between the toes. The massage therapist may also hold the stones and use them to massage into those areas which are tense and tight.
Made of basalt, a type of rock that is rich in iron and magnesium, hot stones retain heat. River rocks are normally used because they have been smoothed over time by the river's current. The stones are immersed in water and heated. The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired. Using massage oil which assists the stones to glide over the surface of your skin, the massage therapist works from the toes to the head, repeating the pattern front and back as the moist heat of the stones penetrates the tissues increasing blood flow and circulation.
Rediscovered around 1994 stone therapy is an ancient healing art used by many civilizations. Egyptians used heated stones to assist during childbirth, First Nations peoples have widely incorporated stones in rituals and ceremonies and still use them today in Sweat Lodges and the Japanese have used heated stones for centuries to alleviate pain. Russians have used hot stones in their baths and the Hawaiians used volcanic stones for healing and burial ceremonies.
I love a hot stone massage especially in the winter when it’s cold and miserable outside. The hot stones sooth and comfort and help me to relax, enjoy the massage and forget about the snow storm outside. Let's hope the winter stays away a wee bit longer!
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