Melt away your stressful day with a soothing Hot Stone Massage - one of the fastest rising styles of massage. If it's your first time to hear about it, you may be wondering what it's all about. It may be hard to imagine how hot stones can be used in a massage. Here are some other things you should know but may not know about Hot Stone Massage.

1. What is a Hot Stone Massage?

Hot Stone Massage is a variation of the traditional massage in which water treated and heated stones mostly basalt stones are placed in key points of the body called energy centres to prepare the body for deep tissue manipulation and promote relaxation. Hot Stone Massage is used to reduce stiffness in the muscles, ease tension and improve circulation. By placing the heated stones on these specific points – some of which include the hand, toes and back -the muscles are prepared to allow for deeper relaxation.

Your Massage Specialist will administer a customised Hot Stone Massage, by rubbing the body with stones to create the ultimate healing and relaxing experience. Because the warm heat from the stones helps to relax the muscles, it allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure. Strategic placement of the rocks during the Hot Stone Massage is important, as they are thought to be the energy centres of the body that returns balance to the mind and body.

2. Why are basalt stones used?

Basalt stones which are black volcanic rocks rich in iron have innate ability to absorb and retain heat that can be used to relieve stress and tension in muscles and enhance circulation.

3. What are the benefits of getting a Hot Stone Massage?

The positive effects of a Hot Stone Massage are countless. On the physical aspect of the body, it does wonders in muscle and deep tissue relaxation, relieves tension, stress and pain such as back aches and muscular pain, improves circulation, and releases harmful toxins. Mental benefits on the other hand include calming of the psyche, giving peace of mind, reducing anxiety and depression. It is also used to treat some medical conditions like Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Insomnia and some circulatory problems. Deeper muscle penetration and relaxation is one of the attributes that makes the Hot Stone Massage so popular. It is also proven to improve one’s circulation and flush out toxins that could be harmful to your body.

4. Who invented Hot Stone Massage?

Mary Hannigan, from Tucson, Arizona invented the hot stone massage in 1993. She calls her style the LaStone Therapy. It wasn't long before this massage style proliferated.

5. How long is a Hot Stone Massage session?

You can choose between a 1 hour, 90 minute or 2 hour Hot Stone Massage.

6. Who is Hot Stone Massage recommended for?

If you suffer from any of the following medical ailments, Hot Stone Massage could be just what you need:

Aches and pains in the muscles;

Pain located in the back;

Symptoms related to anxiety and stress;

Conditions brought on by arthritis;

The effects of Fibromyalgia;

The annoying effects of insomnia;

Symptoms resulting from depression.

7. Who is a Hot Stone Massage not recommended for?

Most people are free to get a Hot Stone Massage. However, those who have infectious skin disease, rash, open wounds and those who are prone to blood clots are not allowed to have a Hot Stone Massage. Those who just came out of surgery, chemotherapy or radiation are also advised to stay away from getting massages. Meanwhile, if you have a heart disease or if you're pregnant, it's very important to get your doctor's approval before indulging in a massage.

8. How much does a Hot Stone Massage cost?

Our Hot Stone Massage rates are: 1 hour $100, 90 minute $150, 2 hours $80.

Some people may be turned off by the thought of hot rocks on their body. But there is no need to worry … the stones are always smooth, flat and only about the size of a large egg. The heat is not a concern either, as the hot stones are warmed under the strictest precautions in a unit that carefully monitors the degree of warmth. And while everyone has their own comfort range, your Massage Specialist will always hold the stones in his hands before applying them to your body to make sure that they are not too hot.

If you would like to book a Hot Stone Massage with one of our qualified Massage Specialists, please call 1300 OUR MASSAGE (1300 687 627).