Hot Stone Massage Therapy...

Body and Mind Studio offer our clients one of the most relaxing massages available, Hot Stone Massage. Hot Stone Massage is a truly relaxing treatment using hot volcanic Basalt stones of varying sizes on parts of the body from the forehead to between the toes. This gives a deep massage and creates a fabulous sensation of warmth and comfort. We only use Basalt stones which are the most sought after due to their ability to remain hotter for longer periods of time than any other stones.

The heat from the stones feels truly relaxing is wholly therapeutic and helps remove toxic waste products from the muscles, relieve stress, depression, stiff joints and promotes deep relaxation.

History of Hot Stone Massage Therapy

Hot Stone Massage Therapy dates back over 5,000 years. It originated from healers using stones from the rivers and volcanoes of ancient India. Hot stones were used for relaxing purposes and for balancing chakras (energy centres in the body). Stones and crystals have been used as part of culture and spirituality, starting from flint tools. The Australian aboriginal shamans used stones to commune with spirits. The Mayans and Druids used stones for divination, while the Japanese used them to warm the abdomen to aid digestion. The Chinese have been using stones to relieve muscular pain for about 4000 years.

Mary Nelson from Arizona, USA founded the guidelines for the current therapy in 1993 when they were channelled to her by her native American spirit guide called San Juanette. Native Americans used stones for healing by placing heated stones on tired and sore muscles, as well as in rituals. Hawaii is particularly abundant in volcanoes and so therefore volcanic basalt stones. Basalt stones and guava tree sticks were traditionally used in Lomilomi treatments (Hawaiian Massage).

What happens during a treatment?

Before your treatment we will carry out a full and confidential consultation and assessment of your needs. Massage oil will be applied over the body and initially the therapist will use 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.

What are the benefits of Hot and Cold Stone Massage?

The benefits of hot stone massage include: -

· Deep relaxation, the warmth relaxes both physically and mentally

· The heat from the stones is transferred to the body by conduction and it may reach up to 3cm into the muscle

· Stress is reduced, relieving mental and physical fatigue

· Circulation is improved and muscles have an increased blood supply, improving function

· Toxins and waste are eliminated more quickly

· The warmth can relieve pain in muscles and joints

· Tension in connective tissue is decreased

· There is a deep comfort of receiving warmth on the body

The benefits of cold/cool stone massage:-

· Refreshes and stimulates the mind

· Helps to relieve tissue congestion (such as the sinuses)

· Soothes irritation

· 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 and oils in addition to the benefits already listed.

Does Hot Stone Massage hurt?

The therapist handles the stones before putting them on your body so will check they are at the right temperature for you. If they do feel too hot at any time, then the temperature can be reduced according to your individual requirements. Your comfort and total relaxation is our ultimate aim.

Above: Hot Stone Massage Therapy