What to Expect at a Hot Stone Massage
You might choose to experience a hot stone massage because of its deep penetrating and healing benefits. Specifically, the blend of heat and massage is a recipe for removing toxins, jump-starting the metabolism and relieving anxiety--even premenstrual stress (Hare, M., 2005, What Is Hot Stone Massage?).
Warnings
Small children and pregnant women should avoid this treatment. In addition, if you have one of the following conditions, avoid this type of massage: anorexia, varicose veins, open wounds, arrhythmia, chronic high blood pressure, liver or kidney disorders, heart problems, epilepsy, organ transplants, pacemakers, diabetes, osteoporosis, chronic muscle fatigue, migraines, acute fever and multiple sclerosis (Hare, M., 2005, Precautions).
Temperature
Because certain areas of the skin are more sensitive than others, the temperature of the stones must be warm enough to penetrate deep into muscle tissue, yet cool enough to avoid discomfort. Therefore, your therapist should encourage you to mention any discomfort you might feel during the massage. If you're especially sensitive about the temperature, your therapist might use a towel to protect your back, which is a more sensitive area.
Technique
Like any relaxation massage, the room for a hot stone massage is prepared in the same way: low lighting, aromatherapy and soft music, for example. Expect for the therapist to use essential oils to facilitate the massage. You should also have a consultation with your therapist before you begin so that she's aware of any concerns or medical conditions.
Begin by lying prone on the massage table. In general, the therapist works her way up from the feet, the legs, the back and out to the arms and fingertips.
When working the legs, the therapist places a stone at different positions on one leg at a time. As those stones rest on one leg, the therapist uses a hot stone to massage the other leg with light, upward strokes. For the back, stones are placed down your spine, along your shoulders and on your neck. Meanwhile, the therapist glides another stone up the back and to the neck.
Next, the therapist asks you to gently turn over into supine position. Again, work begins at the feet. Slimmer stones are placed between the toes as the therapist places a line of stones on one thigh at a time. Another stone is used to massage the opposite calf, taking care to avoid your chin bone. As stones rest on your thighs, the therapist can massage your arms and place stones in your palms.
The therapist removes the hot stones from your thighs and places them on your chest, as appropriate. Light massage begins on the thighs. Remember, the heat helps penetrate tight muscles, and therefore massaging an area after warming it renders optimal benefits.
To massage the chest, your therapist takes those stones away as she uses gentle gliding motions with another hot stone. Finally, your treatment ends with the therapist removing the stones between your toes to place them between your fingers.
Tags: your therapist, another stone, avoid this, between your, Expect Stone