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.

Massage has become widely recognized as beneficial on many levels. However, to make sure that you receive the most from your experience, it is necessary that you choose the right type. Contrary to what many believe, what might be your best choice one day is not necessarily the same on your next visit.

Anyone can benefit from a basic massage to reduce stress and for relaxation. There are times, though, when you may be suffering from an injury or health related condition. Certain types of massage are more effective depending on what exactly it is that you need at the time. It is highly recommended that you consult with your massage therapist and communicate any issues you might be having, such as an injury or illness. This will enable your practitioner to use their expertise to advise you on what method would do the most for you.

Centers which offer hot stone massage cite deep muscle and tissue relaxation as being the foremost reason their clients choose this form of therapy. Focusing heat on the muscle groups induces them to begin relaxing so that the massage therapist can perform the tissue manipulations without the need to use as much pressure as would be required otherwise.

Stress and tension held within tight muscles can create discomfort in some and extreme pain in others. Relaxing those muscles reduces stress, releases chemical toxins, lessens pain and discomfort and can improve circulation.

Your practitioner may also recommend the use of hot stones during massage if you suffer from a variety of other conditions, including arthritis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, insomnia and depression. It should be noted that it is always advised that you consult with your primary physician when considering any sort of alternative health practice.

Massage, and hot stone massage in particular, can be a valuable tool in your quest to find balance amidst the onslaught of stressors in today’s non-stop world. The days of viewing relaxation techniques such as massage as luxuries are long gone. There are few things that will do more to enhance the quality of your life than to find ways to counteract and relieve stress. Scheduling regular sessions with your local massage therapist and including spa amenities in your vacation plans are habits that will pay dividends now and for the rest of your life.

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.

The best advice to keep foremost in one’s mind when doing almost anything is to do your research and be comfortable with your choice in massage therapist. Ask questions about experience and credentials. Only someone with less than stellar qualifications will hesitate to provide you with all of the information you seek.

Once satisfied with your choice of practitioner, familiarize yourself with the tools that she will be using. While most types of massage will be done by the massage therapist using combinations of strokes and muscle kneading using only her hands, hot stone massage adds the use of heated stones. The thought of hot rocks being used on one’s bare concern often creates a certain amount of trepidation!

A skilled practitioner in the art of using hot stones is very precise in how the stones are prepared and used. Before each session, the stones are cleaned and sterilized. They are then heated to between 50 and 80 degrees Celsius but are always checked by the massage therapist prior to use on the client. Higher heat aides in the effectiveness on the muscles but the temperature should never be such that it causes discomfort to the client.

When a stone is removed from the hot water it is allowed to cool for a few moments and then the therapist will hold it in her hands, allowing some of the heat to transfer into her hands. Then the therapist will hold the stone with one hand while using the other hand to start massaging the area where the stone is going to be used. As a result, when the stone is then applied the area has already been somewhat warmed and this makes a nice transition for the client.

Immediately before starting to use the stones in the massage, the massage therapist will apply massage oils to the part of the body on which the stones will be used. Oil is also applied to the stones themselves. This reduces friction and permits the stones to glide across the skin even while pressure is being used to enhance relaxation of the muscle groups.

The entire process of reducing muscle tension and stress and increasing overall well-being and relaxation is accomplished, always keeping in mind client comfort and safety.