Welcome to BuyAssociation.co.uk

Hot stone massage

What it is

Hot stone massage involves the placing of smooth, heated stones of varying sizes on key points of the body during a deep tissue massage. The stones are often basalt, a black volcanic rock rich in iron and good at retaining heat, which relaxes muscles more quickly than traditional massage and allows deeper manipulation.

The smooth, flat stones are applied wet, at varying temperatures, onto your oiled body. The therapist glides both her hands and the hot stones along your body, and may lay others along the spine, under the small of the back, and on the palms, shoulder blades and abdomen (all acupressure points), replacing each as they cool. She may also place smaller stones between your toes to stimulate and de-stress the nerve endings there. You’ll then be asked to turn over for the process repeated on your arms, hands, and fingers. Neck, head and face are massaged last.

What it does

The heat of the stones improves circulation, pushing blood and unwanted waste materials through the body, calming the nervous system, softening muscle tissue, and promoting self-healing.

If you have muscular injury or inflammation, cold marble stones will probably also be used. These make the blood vessels constrict, stimulating the nervous system and drawing blood and waste products along - and out of - the body. They encourage your body to detoxify and heal.

How you feel

Hot stone massage is a deeply soothing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles to relax, and intensifies the relaxation process. Many people simply find the combination of warmth, scent and massage extremely comforting.

You’re unlikely to suffer soreness as you might after a more traditional massage because the heat-induced relaxation of your muscles and joints helps the therapist penetrate your tissue much more deeply. When used with skill, hot stones can open muscle twice as fast as hands alone, and soothe a muscle that has been worked deeply, helping to eliminate soreness that can sometimes result from intense bodywork.

What you should know

No special precautions are necessary to having a hot stone massage session; it’s suitable for virtually everyone.

Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitises the stones and heats them in water, usually to about 34°C. She holds them before placing them on you to ensure they’re not too hot. However, should you find the stones are too warm or the massage too intense, let the therapist know. The treatment is designed for your pleasure, after all.

You’re likely to be sweaty and greasy from the massage oil, so don’t plan to go anywhere immediately after your massage; you’ll need a shower - and probably a lie down - first.

The cost

Prices do vary and it’s worth shopping around to find those that meet your budget. But a typical hot stone massage lasts 60 minutes and costs £60 to £80. Even pricier treatments tend to use more unusual stones from Tibet, Japan or Australia, source of Kodo rocks.

The availability

Hot stone massage is predominantly offered in spas; occasionally beauty salons.

More pages

Page 1: What it is

Find fantastic Spa Pamper Days from only £32.50 per person

Botanic Choice UK Extra 25 % Off Sale Prices for Natural Vitamins Supplements Teas and Spa Products

Buy discount contact lenses - Up to 70% discount