Hot Stone Massage Laguna Niguel CA

Hot stone massage provides a very popular spa treatment option and a wonderful alternative to the traditional body massage. Just as the name implies, this massage method uses smooth stones that are warm, typically basalt stones are used for this treatment method. Before the massage begins, the therapist will place the stones in water to be warmed. They are then gently placed on different areas of the body, the therapist will then use them in order to work the muscles.

Placing these hot stones on areas of the body that are afflicted with pain and tension can create a relaxing and comforting feeling. The warm, flat, smooth stones help release tension found in the body while calming the mind as well. Some massage therapists believe that placing the warmed stones on the energy lines of the body (called meridians in the practice of traditional Chinese medicine), and on chakras or directly on the energy centers can be beneficial.

A Hot Stone Massage is believed to relax the muscles, relieve aches and pains, and improve circulation and release tension and stress. The therapist can use the stones to massage those parts of the body that suffer from the most tension. For the majority of people the main areas of tension are in the neck and the shoulders, or in the lower back.



It is not necessary that you are actually suffering from any kind of specific muscle aches or pains in order to derive benefit from this type of hot stone massage; it can be used to simply pamper and spoil yourself. All forms of massage will be effective in reducing stress-related problems and anxiety, however massage techniques used in conjunction with the relaxing properties of the heat radiated from the warm stones can help create a special kind of well-being and tranquillity. If you suffer with sleep related problems brought on by a stressful lifestyle or a busy mind, you might want to try a hot stone massage to help you calm down and get a better night's sleep.

A massage with heated stones may sound like a relatively new spa treatment, but similar techniques have been used for centuries in the ancient cultures of the world. Healers in Native American societies and other cultures used to find stones on the riverbed, warm them up by boiling water on a fire and dipping the stones into the water, and then place the warm stones on a person's body for relieving pain and tension.

The original form of stone massage is LaStone Therapy and it was created by an American therapist named Mary D. Nelson. Years ago, she understood how using warm stones could help her enhance massage techniques as well as give the therapist a way of working the muscle deeper so that they can get at the actual source of pain and tension. Other stone therapies have been developed, but they are simply modern variations of this original treatment method.

Hot stone massage is suitable for almost anyone. Some conditions it is not recommended for include recent injuries and inflammation, as you should never apply heat on a new injury (an ice pack is a better option). Some health conditions are contraindicated: skip a stone massage if you have open wounds, skin rashes or other acute skin problems, or if you are suffering from heart disease or have a history of blood clots. In most other situations, you can benefit from getting a massage to relax the body and the mind.