About Hot stone massage
Hot Stone Massage involves the use of water-heated basalt stones of varying sizes in combination with Swedish massage techniques. The heat of the stones helps muscles relax more quickly than in traditional massage, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity.
The Origins of Hot stone massage
Most therapists who incorporate hot stones into their massage routine agree that the Hawaiians had a major part to play in how this form of massage is applied today. This is particularly true for Hahana Stone Massage. Customary uses included wrapping hot stones in leaves with certain therapeutic properties (ti leaves) and placing on sore muscles to reduce pain – like using a heat pack or poultice. Hot stones were also placed in shallow pits and covered with these same leaves, with the patient then laying on top of the leaves to allow the healing properties to infuse into the body.
Volcanic stones are also said to have been rubbed over the body after a traditional Hawaiian Kahuna/Lomi-Lomi massage – perhaps less of a massage technique and more of an exfoliation, due to the coarseness of the volcanic stones used. The Hawaiians are still one of the most closely linked cultures to modern-day Hot Stone Massage and Stone Therapy.
Modern-day Hot Stone Massage/Stone Therapy, a truly unique style of massage, has been gaining popularity through-out the world after being ‘re-discovered’ in the United States in 1993. The story is that a massage therapist, named Mary Nelson, who was suffering from repetitive use injuries in the shoulders/wrists, was having a sauna with her niece and was ‘called’ to the stones. Mary picked up some of the hot stones and started massaging her niece with them – it felt great (for the client as well as the therapist) and thus Stone Therapy’s reawakening occurred.
The benefits of Hot stone massage
Healing improvement occurs in clients who suffer from the following conditions:
- Muscular aches, pains, sprains and strains
- Poor circulation
- Rheumatic and arthritic conditions
- Back pain
- Stress, anxiety and tension
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Fibromyalgia
What Hot stone massage consists of
As well as having practical applications, this massage is a real treat. After a brief consultation, you’ll be asked to remove your clothing, leaving your briefs on. You’ll be given a large towel to wrap around yourself. Once you get on the plinth (massage table) you have nothing more to do except relax. The basalt stones are then placed on different parts of the body and used to massage also.
What you need to do
For a hot stone massage, men are asked to wear briefs or similar so as not to cause embarrassment. Drinking water before and after your treatment is beneficial.
A hot stone massage costs €60. A Hot Stone massage takes a bit more preparation and this is the reason for it costing a little more. Worth every penny.
