Hot Stone Massage is a form of body work that involves the application of heated stones (thermotherapy) to the body within the context of a therapeutic massage. Round, smooth stones are heated to luxurious warmth, oiled and used in the palm of the hands to massage the body. Heat penetrates deeply, prompting profound relaxation, increased detoxification, and relief of long-standing muscular tension, stress and fatigue.

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The use of applied heat to alter the temperature of the body for healing is a technique of long-standing benefit. The roots of this healing therapy can be sourced back to many ancient cultures including the Native Americans. Though the history of using heated stones as an adjunct to body work reaches back centuries, this type of therapy has recently become popular again. In 1993, Mary Nelson-Hannigan of Tucson, Arizona, formalized the use of heated stones to massage the body and open energy channels, facilitating self-healing and body-mind awareness. She named this modality LaStone Therapy. Since this formalization of the use of heated stones within the context of therapeutic massage, the use of this type of therapy has become widespread. 

 

Benefits:

Hot Stone Massage is deeply detoxifying and profoundly relaxing. By combining massage with hot stones, the circulatory system is both stimulated and relaxed. This circulatory activity promotes the release of toxins from the muscles, assisting the body in self-healing. In addition, tense muscles are also softened and eased by the deeply penetrating heat of the stones. Pain and muscle spasms are banished and a feeling of peacefulness and spiritual well-being takes hold. The combined effect prompts a state of enhanced relaxation that washes away stress and sets the stage for re-energizing and rejuvenating the body, mind and spirit.

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Contraindications:

As a general rule, Hot Stone Massage should not be given to anyone who cannot or should not receive standard massage therapy. Here is a brief list of conditions which contraindicate Hot Stone Therapy.

No Hot Stone Massage is recommended in these circumstances:

Children, pregnant women, chronic (untreated) high blood pressure, areas of varicose veins, skin infections or open wounds, those with cancer, lymphoedema, cardiac, liver or kidney disorders, organ transplants, by-pass surgery, pacemakers, a history of arrhythmia, or epilepsy, those using blood thinners (e.g. Coumadin), anyone coping with anorexia, diabetes (exception: type 2 Diabetes),  osteoporosis, anyone using muscle relaxants, those coping with multiple sclerosis, chronic muscle fatigue, vasospastic disease (spasm of the blood vessels), chronic headaches, acute fever, those who dislike or have a negative reaction or sensitivity to heat, those experiencing menopausal hot flashes, rheumatoid arthritis, and the very elderly or geriatric.

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*Note: If you have booked an appointment for Hot Stone Massage and find you have one of the conditions listed, please call before your appointment to discuss the reasons behind these cautions and other therapeutic options available to you.

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Hot Stone Session: $140/90mins.