Bloor West Hot Stone Massage Therapists
Hot stone massage is an increasingly popular type of massage that maximizes relaxation while delivering many therapeutic benefits. Several
registered massage therapists in Bloor West Village offer hot stone massage as an option – and if you haven't tried it, you should! You may just find that hot stone massage is your very favourite way to de-stress.
What Is Hot Stone Massage?
According to historians, countless cultures have used hot stones for therapeutic purposes. Ancient Egyptians used hot stone therapy to promote healing, and many First Nations employ hot stones in sweat lodge ceremonies to facilitate the cleansing of body and spirit. Hawaiians use molten lava rocks; Ayurvedic practice in India also employs a method of hot stone massage.
Latter-day promoters of the therapy include Mary Nelson-Hannigan of Arizona, who developed a technique that uses both hot and cold stones. Her variation, known as LaStone Therapy, uses fifty-four hot stones, eighteen cold stones, and one stone at room temperature. Basalt stones are used for heating, while marble stones are used for cold.
First, the therapist massages the client with oil. The stones are immersed in water, heated to 130º, and then placed on the body. The therapist rubs the smooth stones gently into the muscles, using the principles of traditional Swedish or therapeutic massage. The weight and temperature of the stones enhances both the experience and the results.
Why Choose Hot Stone Massage?
Clinical research confirms the
positive effects of massage on various body systems, including the cardiovascular, lymphatic, musculoskeletal, endocrine, nervous, and digestive systems. As well, massage has been shown to relieve stress and to improve mental and emotional health. It can alleviate pain, improve circulation, and help to rid the body of toxins. It's believed that regular massage can even help to strengthen the immune system.
The addition of hot stones to massage therapy helps to increase these benefits. It's thought that the hot stones loosen the muscles, which allows the therapist to work deeper. This releases deep-seated tension and helps the therapist target muscle "knots.” Many practitioners place stones on points thought to be "energy centres” of the body in order to rebalance the body and the mind. Some patients report experiencing a feeling of calm and clarity -- even a sense of spiritual enlightenment -- after a hot stone massage treatment.
Some medical conditions can be aided greatly by hot stone massage. These include fibromyalgia, as the heated stones allow practitioners to achieve deep massage without using excessive pressure. Athletes can also benefit from hot stone massage, as it will help to relax muscles strained by overuse, or to heal minor sports injuries. Those recovering from orthopaedic surgery can also find relief in hot stone massage, as can arthritis sufferers, or those with chronic back pain. Hot stone massage has also been shown to help alleviate stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.