Hot Stone Massage
What is Hot Stone Massage?
What could be nicer than the feel of smooth hot stones massaging away the cold, stress, tension, tiredness, aches and pains?
Hot Stone Massage is a truly relaxing treatment using hot stones of varying sizes on parts of the body – from the forehead to between the toes - giving a deep massage and creating a sensation of warmth and comfort.
The heat from the stones feels great and is also wholly therapeutic - helping to detoxify the body and relaxing the nervous system. The stones used are smooth, volcanic basalt that retain their heat on the body for as long as possible.
Smooth cool stones are then used after the heat of the hot stones to stimulate the body leaving you feeling completely refreshed and invigorated.
What happens during a treatment?
Before your treatment I will carry out a full and confidential consultation and assessment of your needs. As a qualified Aromatherapist I will also make up a blend of oils especially for you according to your likes and requirements for use with the hot stones.
The oil will be applied over the body and initially I will use my hands to transfer the heat from the stones and start the massage. The stones themselves will then be used to provide a deep and comforting massage. They will also be placed along the spine and various other parts of the body during the course of the massage.
Cool stones will also be used - mainly on the back and legs - to refresh the body after the heat. These stones are actually at room temperature; they just feel cool in contrast to the hot stones.
Towards the end of the massage if you wish crystals can be laid on the centre of the body on the Chakra points (the energy centers in our body). This will balance the Chakras to help restore harmony and vitality.
What are the benefits of Hot and Cold Stone Massage?
The benefits of hot stone massage include: -
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Deep relaxation, the warmth relaxes both physically and mentally
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The heat from the stones is transferred to the body by conduction and it may reach up to 3cm into the muscle
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Stress is reduced, relieving mental and physical fatigue
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Circulation is improved and muscles have an increased blood supply, improving function
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Toxins and waste are eliminated more quickly
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The warmth can relieve pain in muscles and joints
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Tension in connective tissue is decreased
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There is a deep comfort of receiving warmth on the body.
The benefits of cold/cool stone massage: -
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Refreshes and stimulates the mind
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Helps to relieve tissue congestion (such as the sinuses)
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Soothes irritation
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Cools down the body on a warm day or during hot flushes.
Alternating the hot and cool stones helps every cell in the body to receive more oxygen and nutrients and encourages a more effective removal of toxins.
The use of the therapist’s hands in conjunction with the stones also helps produce a more intensive experience.
Hot stone massage enables the client to receive the combined energies from the stones, oils and crystals in addition to the benefits already listed.
Does it hurt? Are there any side effects?
I handle the stones myself before putting them on your body so I will check they are at the right temperature. If they do feel too hot at any time, then the temperature can be reduced.
Can anyone have a Hot Stone Massage?
Anyone who can lie still for 1 hour can have a Hot Stone Massage as long as they have non of the Contra-indications.
What are the contra-indications?
· 1st trimester of pregnancy
· Contagious infectious diseases – colds, coughs, flu, TB
· Fever
· Under the influence of drugs or alcohol
· Cancer (if not terminal) unless in remission (5 to 10 years)
If you have any of the following than you need to seek medical advice first or sign to say you take full responsibility for your health and wellbeing and I can not be held responsible for any side effects or injuries, illness which may occur.
· Heart or cardio vascular conditions - thrombosis, phlebitis, hypertension, hypotension, general heart conditions which require medical supervision or treatment
· 2nd and 3rd Trimester of pregnancy
· Medical oedema, swelling, fluid retention
· Osteoporosis
· Arthritis
· Nervous or psychotic conditions
· Epilepsy
· Recent operations
· Diabetes
· Stoke
· Trapped or pinched nerve i.e. Frozen shoulder
· Inflamed nerve
· Neuropathy
· Acute rheumatism
· Asthma
· Undiagnosed lumps and bumps and unexplained areas of pain.
· Sensitive Skin
· Allergies (especially nuts, some oils are made from the oil of nuts)
What happens after the treatment?
Here’s a list of Aftercare Advice;-
· You will need to drink plenty of water
· Try to avoid tea, coffee or alcohol for 24 hours
· Try to get plenty of rest
· Eat a light meal after treatment
· Try to reduce stressful situations
· Avoid showering for as long as possible for maximum benefit of oils
Ok I’m interested, where will I need to go?
You don’t go anywhere, I come to you.
What will I need to provide?
All you need to provide is a relaxing, warm and private area within your home. Somewhere you’ll not be disturbed by others or a ringing phone. Preferable an area with low lighting as this helps you relax more, but this is not necessary. I will need quite a bit of space for my massage table, about the same space as a 3 seated sofa and enough space to walk round it (minimum 3 sides). I will need access to an electrical outlet for a kettle to warm the stones and also for my MP3 player so we can play some relaxing therapeutic music.
How long will my massage last?
Your massage will be around 45 to 60 minutes and in additional there is the time it takes to set up the couch, warm the stones, your consultation and then to pack up a the end so I will be in your home for around 1.5 to 2 hours. Your first session could be around 20 minutes longer due to the in-depth consultation needed.
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