When people are in need of some deep relaxation and stress relief, massages are one of the top options – especially for busy people who are always on the go. Often a session takes only a single hour to complete, leaving people feeling fresh, relaxed, and ready to take on the rest of their day afterwards.’
While there are many different styles and varieties for massages, and everyone tends to have their favourite option, one that’s becoming increasingly popular these days is the hot stone massage variety.
In the following post we discuss what these massages involve, we highlight some of their benefits, and then answer a few of the frequently asked questions we’ve been hearing about them at our colleges.
What is a hot stone massage?
Generally speaking, a hot stone massage can be any of a variety of massage treatments whereby the esthetician or massage therapist places smooth, heated stones directly onto the skin of their client.
Typically, the stones are placed on a person’s back before the therapist applies classical massage techniques, such as Swedish. However, they can also be onto the skin anywhere the client has muscles in need of relaxing.
What type of stones are used and how are they heated?
There’s no single type of stone used everywhere. Often, spas will stick with basalt or volcanic rocks, but really any stone that’s high in iron will be able to absorb and then slowly dissipate the heat.
In terms of shape, they are typically smooth, flat, and sculpted into slightly round little pucks that can be easily handled and placed on your body .
When used in the massage itself, the stones are usually heated to between 130 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Water is usually used to heat them as it can be easily controlled and measured, and often done with a professional device specifically designed to heat massage stones.
What are the benefits of hot stone massages?
Hot stone massages, like most wellness treatments, offer a variety of benefits, both short term and long term. Here are three of the top benefits that hot stone massages offer.
Reduce Tension and Pain
The primary purpose of hot stone massages, like most massages, are to reduce tension in the body and work on addressing muscle pain. More often than not, all the stress from our daily life, work, posture, and so forth goes into our muscles and needs help being released.
In this case, the heat from the stones helps penetrate deep into your muscles, melting away tension while soothing over aches and pains. The heat is also able to help better stimulate blood flow and circulation, which generally helps tight muscles relax while eliminating stiffness.
Help eliminate Stress and Anxiety
Massages in general are a great way to help people unwind and relax, and hot stone massages definitely add to the experience. While the heat from the stones might be startling at first, most people find their warmth particularly soothing.
The heat from the stones helps melt away any stress that might be stored in our body, while also giving people a tranquil atmosphere where they can let go and not worry about everything going on in the outside world.
Promote Better Sleep and Rests
Massages in general can help us sleep better at night, as can any wellness treatment. As part of the overall relaxing and stress reduction from a massage experience, hot stone sessions often go the extra distance when it comes to relaxing us and soothing tension. After our bodies come out from sessions, it’s not uncommon to feel a little tired and often that first night sleep is a peaceful one.
Other frequently asked questions about hot stone massages
At our beauty school, as well as our sister school offering massage therapist training, we hear a lot of questions from students as well as clients seeking massage services from our campuses. Below, we answer some of the common questions we hear.
Are hot stone massages good for you?
As stated with their benefits earlier, yes! Hot stone massages are wonderful when it comes to addressing aching muscles, old sores, and relieving stress. If you’ve enjoyed massages previously, we highly recommend you give a hot stone massage a shot the next time you’re feeling the need for some deep relaxation. It’s also one of the services we offer at our campus where students in training can perform the session for a discounted price.
Are hot stone massages truly relaxing?
Out of all the massage techniques, hot stone massages are among the most relaxing varieties.
The combination of the warm stones soothing your muscles, along with the tranquil atmosphere, and generally light body work that goes with the massage, makes these sessions truly peaceful and relaxing. It’s not uncommon for people to fall asleep in the middle of the session or even feel the urge to take a nap after heading home.
Are hot stone massages safe or are they dangerous?
Like all massages, when the treatments are being performed by a trained and certified Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) or an Esthetician trained for relaxation massages, they are completely safe. Specialists who go through one of the many diploma courses available, or who are currently training in an relevant Esthetician or RMT program, are expected to offer professional treatments.
True, the stones are heated to a temperature that may be warmer than we expected, but professionals will always ensure they are correctly heated and within the proper thresholds that your body needs.
That said, it is not impossible in some cases for patients to have redness where the stones were placed, as a result of the increased circulation. Such side effects may last up to 12 hours after the session, and should not be painful to the touch.
As well, like other massages in general, pregnant women should not receive hot stone massages. The same goes for anyone with high blood pressure or other serious medical conditions. If you are ever uncertain, be sure to ask your therapist before the session begins.
Are you looking to become an expert in skin care and esthetics? Mastering facial treatments and how to care for the skin is one facet of studying to become an esthetician at Modern College.
Students who go through the program from start to finish gain the theoretical knowledge, hands-on spa experience, and confidence they’ve always wanted to work in the beauty industry.
To learn more about our programs, fill in the form on the right side of this page or send us an email at [email protected].
P.S. Our students also offer esthetic treatments at a discounted rate compared to what you would normally see at a salon or parlour. If interested, please review our complete list of student beauty spa services.