What is Hot Stone Massage?
Why not indulge yourself in a Hot Stone Massage at the Westoe Practice, South Shields. This involves the application of heated volcanic stones of varying sizes to key points on the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth.
How does hot stone massage work?
The warm stones expand the blood vessels, pushing blood and unwanted waste materials through the body. This has a sedative effect on the nervous system. The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage, leaving you feel relaxed but energized.
A Typical Hot Stone Massage session
A typical Hot Stone Massage at the Westoe Practice, South Shields lasts approx 45 to 60 minutes depending on whether you chose a full body or back massage. The session will start with a brief consultation, review of symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle.
The therapist will begin your massage by applying oil to the body, which allows the hot stones to glide smoothly along the muscles. You are lying face down, and the massage therapist often then uses the hot stones to massage the back. After the hot stones have relaxed the muscles, the massage therapist may put down the stones and use his or her hands to directly massage the skin. The hot stones may then be placed back on to the body and left for a short period of time.
How can it help you?
Many people find the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting and great for relaxation.
Hot stone massage is suited to people who tend to feel chilly and for people who have muscle tension but prefer a lighter massage. The heat relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist to work the muscles without using deep pressure.
People also get hot stone massage for a variety of health conditions:
- Back pain and aches
- Poor circulation
- Osteoarthritis and arthritis pain
- Stress, anxiety and tension
- Insomnia
- Depression
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What Can I Expect During my Hot Stone Massage?
A: The massage therapist often begins by applying oil to the body, which allows the hot stones to glide smoothly along the muscles. You are lying face down, and the massage therapist often then uses the hot stones to massage the back.
After the hot stones have relaxed the muscles, the massage therapist may put down the stones and use her hands to directly massage the skin. The hot stones may then be placed back on to the body and left for a short period of time.
You are then asked to turn over onto your back. The massage therapist may place small hot stones between your toes or in the palm of your hand and repeats the sequence.
Q: Is massage suitable for everyone?
At the Westoe practice, South Shields we recommend that Massage is not for certain people:
- People with infectious skin disease, rash, or open wounds
- Immediately after surgery
- Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor
- People prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, check with your doctor before having a massage
- Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage.
- Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumors, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.
