Hot Stone Massage -
So HOT Right Now!
Hot Stone Massage , one of the oldest therapies in the world, has stood the test of time, never really disappearing from the ‘therapy radar’. It is once again becoming one of the most sought after healing therapies, indulged in by Hollywood celebrities such as Madonna, Ashley Judd and Angelica Houston.
It’s now the next big thing for Australian day spas and consumers, according to Geraldine Lai, owner and director of Melbourne beauty therapy training school, Pure Skin Institute.
"For the client Hot Stone Therapy can be the height of pampering! Apart from the experience of the massage being deeply relaxing, giving penetrating heat from the basalt stones, clients who wish to relax their muscles with a minimum of effort have seen this in the use of saunas. Stone massage makes you feel deeply relaxed, allowing you to let go of all the stress that is held within your body. It really is an amazing experience," says Geraldine.
‘Hot Stone Massage is literally running hot as a training course and therapists from both salons and spas want to add this therapy to their menus as more and more consumers are asking for it. If therapists have this treatment in the Salon or Spa it demonstrates to clients that their therapies are up-to-date.”
What is HOT STONE MASSAGE?
Hot stone massage combines the benefits of hydrotherapy and thermalism (or thermotherapy – the use of heat applications) with the strokes of massage using stones to create a deep, relaxing and healing treatment. The heat of the stones warms the skin, which allows for the absorption of moisturizing and therapeutic oils, while simultaneously preparing the musculature of the body so the therapist can work into the deeper muscle layers.
The Basalt Stones
Traditionally Basalt stones (common type of igneous rock) are used in the massage process. Basalt forms when molten lava cools following a volcanic eruption. Basalt, itself, is considered a mafic silicate rock, which means they contain iron, magnesium and other heavy elements that mix with the silica and oxygen during the formation process. It is also the presence of these elements that gives basalt stones their ability to acquire, hold, and emanate a consistent and soothing heat for long periods of time.
Why are so many consumers turning to ancient remedies to improve their well-being? There are many benefits to the body states Geraldine.
“The deep heat release of the Basalt Stone on the body, and the massage strokes with the stones just give such a senseof letting go of stress andtension and the therapist canget to work on giving this wonderful massage. Hot Stone Therapy also includes the following benefits for the client : increased local circulation, improved blood flow to surrounding tissues, and a greater ability to transport toxins and waste products from the area,” says Geraldine
"A good stone therapist has been trained in how to safely place hot stones on certain parts of the body to aid in various problems that greatly reduce stress and increase relaxation, the foundation layout of the stones immediately puts the client at ease as they lie down on the stones, and then have the top set of stones placed along their chakra line, before the massage begins using the remaining stones."
“Also for the therapist, an ancillary benefit is that the stones provide a wonderful tool that creates a sense of depth in the massage without the extra wear and tear on the therapist’s hands - one stroke of the stone equals 10 of the hand, so the benefits are enormous especially for a salon or spa with a strong massage base.”
HOT STONE MASSAGE History
Hot Stone Massage dates back to over 3000 years ago in ancient India and China, and more recently to the North American Indians living in the southwest states. Traditions and healing rituals in which the stones were used included laying the stones in patterns on the body, carrying or wearing stones for health and protection, using stones in the diagnosis and treatment of disease or during ceremonies such as sweat lodges or in medicine wheels.
The Roman Empire was noted for their creation of the Roman baths. Many of these rituals still exist today in the form of hydrotherapy practices and the use of saunas, hot immersion baths, and marble stone / cold pools. More recently, it is thriving today in many healing centers and spas throughout North America, Europe, and is catching on fast in other parts of the world.
Buy These At:
Hot Stone Therapy DVD:
Learn the basics of hot stome massage and how to create a relaxing, gentle and effective treatment for your client.
Hot Stone Massage 55 minutes. Cost $30
Hot Stones:
