Massage Message

The use of hot stones for the purpose of healing goes back to ancient times. It was not until 1993 when a massage therapist from Arizona by the name of Mary Nelson-Hennigan introduced her method of applying the use of hot stones to massage did Hot Stone Massage became known and accepted. The massage she developed was named LaStone Therapy which uses 54 hot stones, 18 frozen stones, and one stone at room temperature.  The heat from the stones warms and relaxes the muscles allowing the therapist to apply as much pressure as needed.   Besides the use of the stones to help the therapist to go deeper into the tissue she also had a spiritual element to the therapy where she opened channels or chackras to unblock tensions, memories, and negative emotions to help bring about spiritual healing.  The use of these hot stones caught on and now there are many versions of using heated stones in massage therapy.

The stones that are used are heated small flat stones that are usually made of basalt. Basalt is a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well because of its composition, most notably the iron. There are other types of stones used in hot stone massage but most of the time, basalt is used. They are placed in water that is on an electrical heating device that is set between 120 and 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool marble stones are used at times especially when injury or inflammation is present in the muscle.

The massage usually starts out with the therapist starting the session with traditional Swedish massage. Then gradually adds the heated stones in hand to the massage to different areas of the body. The oil  used will allow the stones to glide more smoothly along the muscles. As the stones cool the therapist will replace it with another. The therapist will also place these heated stones on certain points on the body such as along the spine, on the belly, in the palm of the hands, and even between the toes for a short period of time. Some therapists place the stones on points in the body that are thought to be energy centers to rebalance the body and mind.

Hot stone massage is deeply relaxing to the client as well comforting which creates a sense of well being. It also helps tight muscles release with more ease. Beside allowing the therapist to go as deep into the tissue as he needs to the warmth of these stones improves circulation as well as calming the nervous system increasing vitality. This type of massage is also known to help in the treatment of back pain, multiple sclerosis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and circulatory problems to name a few.

Another benefit I would like to mention is a feeling of spiritual health that is achieved with this treatment. As the warmth of the stones relaxes the body, the mind is calmed taking it into a deep meditative state. In this state of deep relaxation your body becomes re-energized and with the addition of therapeutic oils the clients mind will become rejuvinated. The soothing heat from the stones will also bring a positive energy flow which gives the client a sense of harmony and balance which helps them feel at peace.

1.  LaStone Therapy
2.  Healthline.com
3.  About.com
4.  Hot Stone Massage
5.  Peacfull Mind

Technorati Tags: hot stone massage, LaStone Therapy, Mary Nelson