A hot stone massage may be the ideal answer for those suffering from muscle tension but not eager to subject themselves to the sometimes painful methods of a deep tissue massage. Using special stones, heated to between 50˚c and 80˚c, the massage therapist is able to relax the muscles and then work them without the need to apply as much pressure.

Hot stone massage therapy is now being offered in most spas throughout the world. Some of the benefits that are derived from this type of massage include the easing of back pain and sore muscles, increased circulation, reduced feelings of stress, anxiety, tension and even depression. Clients have reported a marked decrease in insomnia resulting from the deep relaxation achieved from these sessions.

So, how exactly are these hot stones used? Different practitioners will employ a combination of various methods. Often the client is instructed to sit up while the heated stones are placed in rows on the massage table and covered with a cloth. The client then lies back down with the stones pressing along the spinal column. The heat from the stones begins warming and relaxing the muscles. The therapist will also use the stones to apply pressure to muscle areas. Using the heated stones requires less pressure to relax the deeper muscles than what would be required through normal massage.

What many believe to be a relatively new technique has actually been practiced for thousands of years throughout India, Asia, the Hawaiian Islands and by our own Native Americans. There are references going as far back as 400 BC to the use of olive oil combined with hot stones for massage.

In the United States, the use of hot stones for massage gained popularity largely due to the work of Tucson massage therapist Mary Nelson in the early 1990′s. Relying on information she received from her Native American spirit guide, she said that she was intuitively led to use the stones in a method designed to open up the body’s Chakras or energy channels. Nelson further developed her technique and it became known as LaStone, which can only be performed by a certified LaStone therapist.

Stress and tension literally cripple many in today’s hectic, non-stop world and the level of relaxation achieved through hot stone massage can not be over-emphasized. However, as with all types of massage, the key is to find a well-trained and experienced massage therapist. A little research in the beginning will greatly enhance the many benefits available to you.

Acupressure Massage
Also called Shiatsu in Japan, comes from the ancient Chinese technique of applying pressure along the body’s meridians, much like Acupuncture but without the use of needles. Acupressure massage is designed to restore the natural flow of energy or qi (chi) throughout the body.

Aromatherapy Massage
This type of massage usually combines the use of Swedish, deep tissue or hot stone massage with the addition of scented oils. These oils, known as essential oils release their scent into the room and, depending on the particular oil, enhance relaxation or increase energy or address a variety of other areas.

Chair Massage
Increasingly popular, chair massage services are available in airports, shopping malls and within the offices of many major employers. Usually only lasting 10 to 15 minutes and done fully clothed, the chair massage is usually designed to focus on tension in the back, neck, shoulders and arms.

Deep Tissue Massage
When more than relaxation is needed, deep tissue massage is used to target chronic muscle tension or injury. The massage therapist uses deep pressure and works against the grain of the muscle. This can often be uncomfortable or painful and may result in some residual soreness for a few days.

Prenatal Massage
Prenatal or pregnancy massage has gained a great deal of popularity in recent years as women look for ways to alleviate stress, anxiety, discomfort and swelling during pregnancy. There are different schools of thought on pregnancy massage so be sure to consult your physician in advance and search out a certified pregnancy massage therapist.

Reflexology
Sometimes mistakenly referred to as a foot massage, reflexologists massage or apply pressure to areas of the feet and hands that they believe correspond to other parts of the body. For instance, the bottom center of the big toe corresponds to the pituitary gland while the practitioner would focus on the heel area to address lower back issues.

Sport Massage
Working with amateur and professional athletes is big business and sports massage targets those with injuries resulting from physical activity as well as loosening muscles and increasing flexibility to prevent injury.

Swedish Massage
The most requested form of massage is the Swedish massage. Using combinations of five basic long, smooth strokes — sliding, kneading, rythmic tapping, friction and vibration or shaking — the massage therapist focuses on the superficial layers of muscle and soft tissue.

This is only a partial list of the some of the more popular modalities. It is always advisable to do your own research to determine the type of massage therapy service that is the best fit for you.