Ahh. Massage. Whether skilled hands, scented oils or hot rocks are delivering the comfort, it’s an experience few choose to pass up.
But when it comes to the whys of massage — such as “Why do hot stones make us feel so good?” — we don’t spend a lot of time thinking about it. So why do we us hot rocks? Or mud baths? Or seaweed scrubs?
Well … because they work. Hot stone treatments date back to the Native Americans, who warmed stones by the fire to help relieve aches or pains. Their initial methods proved to show results, and are altered forms of the same treatments used today.
However, not just any rock can be heated and placed in lieu of a spa treatment. Too hot of rocks can burn, while jagged or sharp ones cause more pain than good. The methods in which the rocks are used are also important. Massage therapists undergo training to learn pressure points to relieve stress, rather than cause it.
In hot stone massage, large stones are placed on large muscles, and so on, to best relieve pressure on each body point. How each piece is moved and given pressure adds to the overall quality of one’s massage.
With a skilled masseuse and a love for all things rock, a massage can offer pain relief, relaxation, as well as a blast from the past. Consider hot stone massages to receive a warm wave of comfort.