“ Stones are alive, but they are in a sweet coma.” – Dr. Vasant Lad.

I know many people have heard about hot stone massage, and don’t really know what it is and how it works. I often have clients asking me about it. Personally, I really enjoy working with the stones, it feels very natural to me, I truly feel that the stones become an extension of my hands. There are many types of stone that can be use in a treatment. I have harvested my own stones, some of them are from the pacific ocean shores, Torrey Pines, in San Diego, and some from the atlantic ocean shores, from Rode Island. My stones have the energy of the sea. Sea stones soothe the body on all levels, similar to the waves of an ocean.
Hot Stone massage is an ancient, enduring form of therapeutic bodywork using heated stones as extensions of the hand. The hot stones are used in combination with a variety of harmonious massage techniques. The heat enhances the benefits of massage by warming muscles and joints, and relaxing the physical body to its deepest level. It creates a true earth connection and wellbeing.
Stones generate or move energy to places that are depleted, and help move energy in places of excess. They invigorate blood circulation, and can be very soothing when used with massage.
Stones have a magnetic effect when working in areas of soreness and pain. This ancient remedy takes tools from the earth, to ground the body, mind and spirit.
The stones glide effortlessly, providing soothing effleurage, toxic clearing, deep pressure and energy balancing.
The energy surrounding stone therapy is the simple pleasure you experience recharging the soul and gaining power from the earth.

Some Benefit of Hot Stone Massage:

Muscle Relaxation
The heat from the stones helps your muscles relax, allowing the massage therapist to manipulate your deep tissues more effectively. Overly tense muscles can hinder the massage procedure, so if your muscles are extremely tight or stiff, the heated stones may provide the extra relaxation you need for the massage to be beneficial in releasing tension and easing sore muscles.

Pain Relief
While all types of massage can help relieve pain caused by tense muscles, stiff joints or injuries, a hot stone massage may provide greater relief due to the intense nature of the massage. Because the hot stones allow the massage therapist to penetrate deeper, you may find that a hot stone massage leaves you feeling physically better than a Swedish or deep-tissue massage that does not incorporate heat. It is important to let your massage therapist know if you feel that the heat from the stones is too much or that the pressure he is using is too harsh. Pain or discomfort during the massage process can cause more harm than good after the massage is over.

Improved Circulation
Typically, a massage therapist allows the heated stones to rest on trigger points in your body before beginning the actual massage. As the heat from the stones penetrates into your deeper body tissues, your blood vessels open, resulting in improved circulation. Poor circulation can lead to fatigue, which tenses the muscles, and a buildup of fluid and lactic acid in the muscles. Increased circulation delivers more oxygen to the muscles, which can help ease aches and pains.

Mental Benefits
Massage therapy can result in mental benefits as well as physical ones in many people. You may find that the relaxation afforded to you through a hot stone massage helps ease some of your mental stress and tension. A hot stone massage may also help you combat some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders and depression. While massage therapy is not a substitute for traditional medical or psychiatric care, it can be an integral part of your treatment plan.