Hot Stone Massage...Rocks!

By  Bisa Dobson, RMT

Hot Stone Massage is a therapeutic massage modality that incorporates the use of stones with traditional massage technique. Typically Basalt stones, of varying size and shape, are warmed in sanitizing water and used for this remarkably soothing treatment. These smooth volcanic rocks have a high iron content, enabling them to conduct and retain heat well.

Every Hot Stone Massage begins with the therapist warming up the client’s body with Swedish Massage strokes. Stones are then placed on points along the spine, and used to massage the muscles and soft tissues of the body. As each stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another warm one. Changing stones frequently throughout the massage to maintain the level of heat, allows the therapist to readily access deeper layers of tissue, maximizing the tension relief and sense of calm the client experiences. 

The Benefits of Hot Stone Massage

There is an ever-growing body of research that confirms the positive effects of massage on the cardiovascular, lymphatic, integumentary (including fascia), musculoskeletal, endocrine, nervous and digestive systems. Adding Hot Stones to traditional Massage Therapy treatments enhances those benefits by:

• Inducing deep relaxation and mental calm
• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Diminishing the symptoms of depression
• Improving sleep quality and assisting in the management of insomnia
• Boosting local circulation, by augmenting blood and lymph flow
  
• Relieving menstrual cramps
  
• Allowing for deep work without intense pressure or discomfort, because the added heat helps tissues open up quickly 
  
• Alleviating pain and soreness from tight or tense muscles, lower back issues, fibromyalgia, arthritis and other chronic conditions

Is Hot Stone Massage Right for Me?

If you've been thinking about booking a Hot Stone Massage, but are unsure if it's right for you, consider the following. This type of treatment is recommended for individuals who:

• Respond well to heat
  
• Tend to feel chilly or who often have cold extremities
  
• Experience acute or chronic muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage, as the heated stones may provide the extra relaxation needed for to release tension and ease muscle soreness
  
• Are living with fibromyalgia, arthritis or other chronic joint conditions
  
• Suffer from anxiety or depression
  
• Wish to prevent or manage menstrual cramping
  

Hot Stone Massage is NOT recommended for:

• People living with Diabetes, Neuropathy, Peripheral Vascular Disorder, High Blood Pressure, Cardiovascular conditions and/or a depressed immune system (including clients with Lupus, Epstein Barr, Mononucleosis, or HIV/AIDS)
• Anyone who has recently had surgery, especially in cases of nerve damage
  
• Individuals taking medications that may result in adverse side effects with heat exposure (if in doubt, check with your pharmacist)
  
• Cancer patients currently undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment.
  
• Those affected by chronic or acute skin conditions, such as: Psoriasis, Skin Cancer, Dermatitis, Eczema, Acne, Shingles, Herpes, or burns.
  
• Pregnant women (due to the rise in core body temperature during treatment)
  

N.B. The list above is not comprehensive. It is important to inform your therapist about any medical conditions you have, to determine if Hot Stone work is safe for you.

Tips to Optimize Your Hot Stone Massage Experience:

Though Hot Stone Massages are definitely therapeutic, the added cost of the treatment may make it seem like an indulgent luxury to some. With that in mind, follow the tips below to get the most out of your Hot Stone Massage session.

• Do not hesitate to you give your therapist feedback about pressure and comfort during a Hot Stone Massage. People have widely varying heat tolerance, so to ensure your safety and comfort be sure to let your therapist know if the stones feel too hot or if you are starting to feel overheated. 
  
• Do not eat a large meal right before your massage.  
  
• To induce a state of deep relaxation during the massage take long, slow breaths and follow rhythmic flow of the stones as the therapist moves them over your body. 
  
• Hot Stone Massage Therapy can be quite sedating, so after the massage, take your time getting up. Sit up slowly on the edge of the table for a few minutes to ensure that you are not experiencing any post massage dizziness.
  
• Book your Hot Stone Massage session late in the evening to help reduce insomnia and improve sleep quality. 

Hot Stone Massage treatments are provided by Beverly, Kim H. and Bisa at Neighbourhood Massage Therapy.