Types of Massage: What is Hot Stone Massage
According to Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP) there are more than 250 recognized types of massage available to massage clients today. Choosing the right therapeutic touch for you can be confusing! And if you start adding foreign objects like hot rocks into the mix, it’s no wonder.
What is Hot Stone Massage?
Hot stones have been tools for therapeutic touch for ancient peoples all over the world. In the Americas, Native Americans warmed hot stones warmed by a fire and placed them on the body to treat aching muscles.
This massage technique was revived by Mary Nelson of Tucson, Arizona. Her style of Hot Stone Massage, trademarked LaStone Therapy, includes a Native American spiritual component and requires training and certification.
Many massage establishments offer Hot Stone Massage and nearly all have a different approach to this type of massage. For example, some spas will use oils and some will use lotion. You may have a massage therapist who will use only hot stones and another who will alternate with cooler stones. The numer of stones and their placement on the body will also vary greatly.
Tell Me More About These Rocks…
Basalt stones are the most common rocks used in a Hot Stone Massage. Either naturally polished by the world’s oceans or polished to a smooth surface by man, these lava rocks are is ideal because they retain heat for an extended period of time. If your pounding head or aching muscles really need ice, marble is the best for a cold stone massage.
Before your appointment, the basalt stones will be heated to 120-150 degrees. Sound hot? It is. But the temperature is carefully monitored. The massage therapist will also allow some of this heat to disipate in her hands and over the larger muscle groups before placing the stones on your skin, so you will not burn.
Your massage therapist will use stones of varying shapes and sizes. Large stones are used on the large muscles and smaller ones on smaller muscles. Larger stones hold more heat and are often placed along the spine, palms of the hands and sole of each foot after the therapist is done with them for warmth.
Many massage therapists believe that the stones, being from nature itself, have an energetic charge that needs to be maintained by placing them in a spiral pattern or placing them in a full moon periodically. No joke!
Don’t like the rocks? Steamed towels and hot packs are another way to get heat during your massage session.
Why is Hot Stone Massage More Expensive?
Hot Stone Massage usually costs between $125-$150 and may be higher at a resort or hotel spa. The general rule of thumb is $30 more than a Swedish Massage per hour.
Hot Stone Massage is more expensive than a basicSwedish Massagebecause it requires more preparation, clean-up and time. Hot Stone Massages also usually run longer – often 90 minutes. Some massage chains like Massage Heights consider the use of hot stones during a massage an “add on” service to a regular Swedish Massage and will add $20+ dollars to their base price.
Is a Hot Stone Massage Right For Me?
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, are pregnant or are taking blood-thinning medication, you should use extreme caution when receiving Hot Stone Massage. Some massage therapists will not work on you if you fall into any of these categories, and some may just use reduced heat or change the placement of the stones. Try a Cold Stone Massage if you have a sunburn.
Watch a Hot Stone Massage
Possibly the best way to learn about hot stone massage – second to actually getting one, of course – is to watch a video of a really smart massage therapist performing and explaining this type of massage. Check it out.
Valentine’s Day is a great time to try a Hot Stone Massage. Mention this article in the month of February and receive 50 off a 60-minute service.
