Hot Stone Massage
My eyelids are fluttering as I’m losing the battle to keep them open. I’m sprawled across soft, cozy sheets as soothing music is being played in the background. I almost drift away to sleep as I start to feel gentle warmth and pressure from my massage therapist. I awake from a slightly euphoric state and remember where I was, I am getting a massage. Massages are incredible for your body and soul. There are very few things on this earth that give me the same satisfaction that I get from a massage (pizza being one of them). Massages can help with aches, release tension and promote relaxation. Massage Therapy is not only an amazing way to help with pain but it is also a great way to reduce stress. Routine massage therapy can help stop the stress and aches from building up in the first place.
However this massage I received today isn’t an ordinary massage, it’s a hot stone massage. I have always been mesmerized when I used to see pictures of them in the past, thinking to myself, what are those stones for? My theory that they were used for dramatic effect was quickly crushed as I learned all about what’s behind the stone in a hot stone massage. These aren’t pebbles you find in the park. The stones used during this massage are volcanic rocks that are heated, adding another level to your traditional massage. The use of hot stones can be traced back to over 2,000 years ago. In China they were originally placed on a person’s body as a way to improve organ function. They were also used because of their believed “healing powers” in North America, South America, Africa, Europe and India over the years. These traditions included laying stones in patterns on the body, carrying or wearing stones for health and protection, using stones for the diagnosis and treatment of disease, and for ceremonial uses, such as sweat lodges and medicine wheels, according to Massage Magazine.
Today they are used to warm the muscle tissue, intensifying the massage experience. Madalyn Anderson is the Massage Lead at Essentials Medispa. She says, “Hot stone massages promote sleep, increase circulation and can help reduce stress and anxiety.” These are all characteristics of a traditional massage but by warming the stones and using long, relaxing strokes it helps the muscles even more. Madalyn adds, “This warming of the tissue allows the muscle to relax, which leads to reduced muscle tension and pain, the stones can also be placed along the spine.” This can improve the flow of energy in your body. Anyone can receive a hot stone massage, with the exception of people with edema and pregnant women. This massage does raise your blood pressure, which is not good for the baby. Essentials does offer a Pre-Baby Bliss Prenatal Massage that is great for expected mothers past their first trimester.
If you are unsure about a hot stone massage or have more questions, call the spa today and learn more. Or try a hot stone add-on for only $15 to any massage. If hot stones aren’t your thing, Essentials has an extended list of massages for all your needs. Some of their more popular massages are the Ultimate Unwinder and Thai Massage. The Ultimate Unwinder is a deep relaxing, full body massage that offers a blend of Swedish and circulatory strokes. It’s Essentials “signature” massage. The Thai Massage has also been called the “yoga” massage because the therapist uses their hands, knees and legs to move you into a series of stretches. Muscle compression, joint mobilization and acupressure are all used during the treatment. Truly and unique and rewarding experience. I truly enjoyed my hot stone massage experience but when it comes to massages there is something for everybody. Talk to one of Essential’s massage therapists today, seeing what works best for you. Get ready to transcend and let the relaxation begin.