Wonderful One

Is it possible to use all five senses actively during a massage session? The sense of touch is the most obvious one, which the massage itself of the therapist, actives. Next, the sound of relaxation music impacts the sense of hearing. The use of aromatherapy activates our sense of smell. Even the ambiance of the massage room itself can excite our visual sensory receptors. Finally, sipping a cup of lukewarm green tea can top off a wonderful hot stones massage experience. 

Okay, I admit it: I am a customer service fanatic. If a company does not supply a quality product or service, I take my business elsewhere. I never make unreasonable demands, simply because, “The customer is always right.” Having said that, after an enjoyable hot stone therapeutic massage that turns on the senses and de-stresses your body, a cup of green tea is a mouth watering icing on the cake. Now, more than ever, customers are looking for low prices and solid customer service. A complimentary serving of green tea helps to meet that second requirement.

What exactly is green tea? Interestingly, manufacturers use the same type of plant, Camellia sinesis, to produce green tea and other types of tea (i.e. oolong and black tea). The difference in the teas is in the process that companies use to create it. One major distinction in the making of green tea is the lack of fermentation. Skipping that step puts the “green” in green tea.

Why would green tea be particularly beneficial after a hot stone massage? The fermentation of black tea destroys several nutrients, making it less healthy than green tea. Another particular benefit of green tea is that it contains the strongest forms of polyphenols. What are polyphenols? These are a type of antioxidants, which serve in slowing down the damage that oxygen can cause. Researchers have discovered that antioxidants can help to prevent forms of various diseases, such as:

• heart disease
• neurological diseases
• cancer

How effective is green tea as an antioxidant? The answer is quite mind-boggling. The most significant active object in green tea is Epigallo Catechin Gallate (EGCG). While you should not stop eating your fruits and veggies, consider the fact that EGCG is SEVERAL times a more potent antioxidant than two other antioxidant heavyweights: Vitamin C and Vitamin E.

Furthermore, if you are on a fat-burning mission, then consider green tea. It boosts your body’s burning of calories and oxidation of fat. Thus, green tea can complement a sensible diet and exercise regimen. 

The health benefits of green tea continue the health benefits that the hot stone massage itself provides. Hot stone massages can remove toxins from your body, increase your blood circulation, lower your heart rate, calm your psyche, and relax your muscles.

After a soothing and relaxing hot stone massage, green tea is a cheery that tops off the experience. While a hot stone massage can provide many health benefits, drinking green tea afterwards can further bolster your body’s defense against sickness and disease. Drink to your health!

I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading massage stones provider. They carry all the products needed for a hot stone massage kit, as well as cold stone therapy.

For those practicing massage, the idea of incorporating stone therapy into your practice may sound appealing, as this form of therapy is not only therapeutic, but popular and profitable as well. Usually there are some principles you must learn about the ability of presenting a hot stone massage, as well as the particular ways you would like to stick to whenever offering this type of therapeutic massage to clientele.

There is, of course, special equipment needed in order to perform a hot stone massage. The most obvious of these is the stones themselves, as well as a heating unit to warm the stones and various massage oils that can be applied using the stones. Other incidentals, such a tools for removing the stones from the heating unit, are also needed.

When heating massage stones, most massage therapists simply use roasting pans. These are easily acquired and an efficient way of heating stones with great temperature control. Stones can also be held at a warming temperature in an oven utilizing these same roasting pans. For those who visit clients at other locations, insulated containers are best for transportation. Remember that massage stones should never be heated in the microwave.

When purchasing massage stones, consider not only the size and shape, but also the type of stones. Some are simply much better at retaining heat. A common stone that’s reasonably priced and very effective is the basalt stone, also known as basalt river rocks or volcanic basalt stones. While some therapists use actual gemstones for performing hot stone massages, cost is a huge consideration.

How many stones are needed for a typical hot stone massage will vary according to the type of massage performed. A fully body massage will require anywhere from 45-58 stones. While you can use fewer stones, you’ll need to reheat them more often, which will interrupt the session and your client’s ability to relax.  To clean these stones before another session, you will want to sanitize them and store them in a clean, dry container.

Massage oils pair well with the use of massage stones as the stones work as a great way to apply the oils evenly. Most therapists use olive, rose, or grapeseed oil when giving a hot stone massage. Aromatherapy is also a popular pairing for hot stone massage as it does enhance the experience for clients. Which oils should be chosen for use during the massage is entirely up to the therapist, but lavender is always a popular choice.

When beginning a hot stone massage, focus on the client’s face utilizing a set of small stones. Place these under the lips, on the forehead, and one on each cheek. Then slowly massage a light coating of oil into the skin. Once this has been finished, most therapists move to the legs, using larger stones and focusing on one leg at a time.  The arms should follow in this same manner before the client is turned and the process is repeated. The back is a great source of tension and most therapists spend a longer period of time massaging larger stones into the skin.

Stone massage therapy isn’t complicated to incorporate into a massage practice but there is a new technique that needs to be acquired as well as a lot of accompanying accessories.

I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading hot stone supplies provider. They carry products such as  massage rocks, as well as many other accessories for hot and cold stone therapy.

Hot stone massage is an extremely relaxing and soothing technique of making the body stress free by placing heated stones on the body. The heat eases out the tension reducing the stress built up in the muscles and increases the blood flow which then results in the healing of the body. Hot stone massage does not only work on the physical body but also relaxes the nervous system and the mental parts thereby generating a general relief and wellness. Below are five benefits of hot stone therapy.

1. Promotes deep muscles and tissue relaxation.

Hot stone therapy relieves muscles aches. The heat from the smooth stone (heated by a roaster or in water together with tea tree oil) penetrates the muscles and relaxes it. This relaxation is known to relieve the pain associated with arthritis and other injuries or pains. In addition to that, the heat causes the widening of the circulatory vessels leading to a much fluent and easy flow of blood round the body which result in a better health all round.

2. Relives Nerves and Tension

One of the problems associated with modern life is stress. Most people are looking for different means of effectively relieving stress and few have proven as successful as hot stone therapy. As the flow of blood is improved, so is the flow of oxygen and nutrients in the body. These elements contribute to the detoxification and healing of your body. The overall effect is the feeling of calm as it generates a soothing effect on the nervous system leading to a higher vitality.

3. Efficient Relief of Pain

Hot stone therapy provides a soothing pain relief because of the heat that penetrates injured muscle and softens tensed muscles. As the therapist performs a deeper massage of the injured muscle or joints, it aids the process to results in a more effective massage giving an enhanced feeling of well being and relief to the areas of pain. For most people, a hot stone therapy leaves them in a physically better state than other types of massages that do not incorporate the use of heat.

4. Mental Serenity.

Smooth hot stone massage is perfect for achieving mental wellness. The strategically placed stones at pressure points of the body help melt away tension creating a calming atmosphere. Due to its effects, stress, anxiety and tension disappear long enough for your mind to truly relax at the deepest level. The hot stone therapy is usually used in the curing of insomnia and people suffering from depression have been known to gain significant relief when treated using hot stone therapy.

5. Spiritual Wellness

As the mental state of the body is appeased, retreating into a deep meditative state, your body becomes re-energized. The oil used along side with the stones contains sensory stimulants which help in the rejuvenation of your mind in the state of deep meditation. This also gives a sense of balance making you feel at peace both internally and externally.

Getting a hot stone massage therapy is a wonderful experience, for which you will rest, revive, invigorate and also reconcile with yourself and also your surroundings.

I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading hot stone supplies provider. They carry products such as  massage rocks, as well as many other accessories for hot and cold stone therapy.

“You paid someone to pile hot stones on your body?!” I could imagine why friends found this so ridiculous at first, but yes, I have. I’ve gotten yanked and pounded, my body coaxed into contortions I never thought I could take, soaked in milk and once even covered with chocolate. No, I’m not into exotic services to fill a need. I’m a woman who needs relief!

We women today are so stressed we will try anything to bring back the spring into our purposeful strides, that spark back in our eyes, and, yes, passion back into our hearts. We do get a barrage of suggestions left and right, from the minute we turn on the news in the morning, even to when we take the time out to have an hour or two flipping through glossy magazines in a salon. I have to admit I have been prey to some really ridiculous fix-it solutions, but I’ve learned to be more discerning after some traumatic experiences.

I’ve worked out, gone for a hot soak with what glamorous women swear is the most soothing formulation, and tried this drink and that. I’ve noticed medical professionals, read piles of books, gone for a stroll, and simply switched out the lamps a bit earlier to get additional hours of relaxation. Among those I’ve tried, I can honestly swear there’s nothing that beats a massage – a real, honest-to-goodness rubbing-down, loosening, kneading, stretching, therapeutic or healing session.

So many people have been tipped off by this preference, there’s virtually one massage spa, centre, or corner in every possible place you can imagine. Just check the office next door and see for yourself. Massages have worked wonders in every culture country, there’s one type that’s been handed down from each culture’s traditional elders. Some are done just the way there were in the olden times. But some have evolved, they’ve gone hi-tech! The trick here would be to use your best judgement in choosing massages that don’t sound like a hoax, look them up if you want, make a list, and try them all out- maybe a new one every weekend.

Checking off that list is like giving yourself a regular treat just for being exhausted. The thrill could almost parallel the one you get when buying a new pair of shoes… a new pair each week! I’ve tried out so many massage styles, I should be stress-free by now. Sadly, I am not there quite yet. I’ve merely managed to get myself hooked.

I can guarantee the dry sport massages. You can also go for feeling a little taller and somewhat looser with a Thai massage. I’ll go with those that use healing and soothing oils any day as well. Then there are the add-ons like heated massage stones, which ironically make you feel lighter and relaxed. So relaxed, actually, I can’t help but rave about this new-found stress busters, even if I get a wary eye cast my way sometimes because I pay to have hot stones lined up on my body.

I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading massage stones provider. They carry all the products needed for a hot stone massage kit, as well as cold stone therapy.

I must admit I became a bit frightened taking my first hot stone massage, yet my partner thought it will do me some benefit. Ok, so maybe I am a little high-strung. But the thought of getting a massage actually stressed me out even more. I’m really not a spa kind of guy.

I have had some back problems for a few years, and I was actually worried that the massage would do more harm than good. I knew the heat part of it would help to loosen muscles, but the thought of stones being rubbed into those muscles seemed a little rough. But I decided to set my mind right, and made an appointment.

I did a little research first looking into the different facilities that offer hot stone massage in my area. The good ones have web sites you can check out that provide a lot information. My wife and I also asked around for personal recommendations. I guess I never realized how many people actually get massages on a regular basis. Seems everyone we asked had an opinion and a personal story.

I found a highly reputable place with certified therapists, and went for my appointment. It was far from the massage parlor image I had in my mind. It was a very fresh and bright wellness center where health and well-being were the order of the day. You couldn’t help but feel a little rejuvenated just by walking into the place.

My therapist greeted me, and lead me to the session room. The mood was set with low lighting and some relaxing music. The therapist was really good at walking me through everything she was doing. I lied down on my stomach first. She placed about six or eight stones on either side of my spine. Like I suspected, the heat began to radiate through my muscles, and actually started to melt tension away. Then she put warm stones in the palms of my hands. The heat from those stones radiated up my arms, relaxing them and my shoulders.

Then came the massage – the part I was unsure of. She held to heated and oiled stones in her hands and began rubbing my arms, legs and torso in long strokes. The pressure was just right. The stones are so smooth they just glided along the surface of my skin, but had a great effect on my muscles underneath. I flipped over to my back and the process was repeated. They say the heat increases your circulation, and this increased blood flow relaxes the muscles even more allowing the stones used for the massage to work deeper into the muscles.

I don’t know all the hows and whys, all I know is that it worked. I came away from the massage relaxed and refreshed. I don’t know if I will become a regular on the hot stone massage scene, but it is definitely worth doing every now and then.

I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading massage stones provider. They carry all the products needed for a hot stone massage kit, as well as cold stone therapy.

Hot stone massage is one of the most popular massages that promotes muscle relaxation and releases tension. It is a useful and pleasurable way of reducing pain and creating balance throughout the mind, body and spirit. This type of massage has been invented by Mary Hannigan from Tucson, Arizona, in 1993.

You can utilize this kind of therapy/ massage to escape from the stresses from family and work.

It is indeed that the cost for hot stone massage is considerably expensive than the regular massage, but you don’t have to worry that you can’t afford it, because it is possible to provide a hot stone massage from the comfort of your home. You don’t have to buy expensive rocks like basalt, because it is not easy or practical to buy one since riverbed stones will work out just fine.
Things to remember prior using your riverbed stone:

•    You have to make sure that your stones are smooth, without rough edges or corners.
•    Wash off the stones prior to using them. Once cleaned dry them and spread them with any kind of oil that you prefer (fragrant oil, massage oil, baby oil, essential oil and etc.).

•    You can heat the water by using a large pot. Establish spas uses electric heating device for heating their stones. Remember that stones of different size will hold heat differently. For this reason, you should keep your stones warm enough, so be sure that the heat is just appropriate before applying them to any individual.
•    Once your stones are warm enough, remove them from the heated water and dry them prior using.
•    You have to test the stones’ warmness on your own skin. If the stones are too hot, you can use a towel below it.
•    Make sure that you are using the right stone size on the specific body part you are focusing on. For areas with big muscles such as sides of the spine, shoulders lower back and etc. large stone should be use. For toes and between fingers, small stones will be enough.
•    Massaging legs, arms, wrists or feet will make a person more relaxed, because this spots are the pressure points. 
•    In hot stone massage, you can also use your own hands aside from the stones. Prior removing the stones you can run them through the area you are focusing on. You can even press/ push the stones lightly against the skin so that heat can penetrate.
•    You have to maintain a number of stones heated to that you can have a freshly heated stone whenever one cools off.
•    Sanitize the stones once done. You can use an anti bacterial soap once you are done massaging.

The most important reminder is to make sure that hot stone massage is not detrimental to you or your family’s medical conditions. Make sure to consult your doctor prior doing it on your own and at home.

However for muscle injury or inflammation cold stones are used.

I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading massage stones provider. They carry all the products needed for a  hot stone massage kit, as well as cold stone therapy.

Although massage stone therapy has increased in popularity in recent years, history will reveal that therapy using stones has been around for hundreds of years in some cultures.  Chinese, Hawaiian and Native American cultures are some of the first people to utilize stone massage as a therapeutic tool and there original practices have influenced how modern day masseuses perform hot stone massages and other techniques of stone therapy.

Research reveals that the ancient Chinese who had practiced stone therapy used stones of various shapes and sizes to treat illnesses and diseases. They utilized various methods of heating the stones before applying them to patients in order to intensify the effects of the treatment.  In Native American culture, heated stones were generally used in the lower abdominal region to relieve muscular pains and cramps.

However, the Hawaiian natives have perhaps had the most influence on modern day hot stone massage as a result of how they used to go about doing their stone therapy. Traditionally, the Hawaiians would wrap very hot stones in leaves that were known to have healing and therapeutic properties.  The stones wrapped in leaves would then be placed on sore muscles to help to reduce the pain.  Another Hawaiian technique involved placing heated stones in shallow pits long and wide enough for a human being to lie in.The stones would then be padded with curing leaves, and the patient would definitely lie over them and have the beneficial results of the leaves since the warmth from the stones allowed them to infuse the body.  The combination of heat and medicine from the leaves produced excellent healing and therapeutic results.

In the United States, hot stone massage and other forms of stone therapy were rediscovered in 1993.  Ever since that time when a massage therapist discovered the benefits of using hot stones for muscular soreness and aches, hot stone therapy has taken America and the greater European countries by storm.  It has become so popular that there are now several techniques that exist which employ the same basic hot massage rules and techniques.

Now, a hot stone massage will usually consist of heated stones being placed on the client’s body at different points, depending on the condition or where the soreness of muscles is occurring.  While these stones start to activate the areas that they are placed on, the massage therapist will use other heated stones to start massaging other areas of the body.  The heat from the stones is released deep into the muscles, which greatly enhances the massage experience.  Cold stones also form an integral part of massage stone therapy, as they work well on pressure points.

Most massage parlors and spas in countries around the world have started to see the benefits of massage stone therapy, as it allows their clients to experience the deep level of relaxation found with normal massages, without the therapist experiencing too much physical strain on the fingers, hands and shoulders, which usually occurs when they do a traditional massage.

I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading massage stones provider. They carry all the products needed for a hot stone massage kit, as well as cold stone therapy.

A hot stone massage is not just about the hot stones. Indeed, the hot stones play an integral part of the process. The specially heated stones can provide an array of benefits, such as increased blood circulation, reduction of pain, and a loosening of muscles. However, think of the hot stones in a hot stones massage, as the “warm-up.” After removing the stones from the patient, you may start one of an array of massage styles, including:

1. Shiatsu Massage
People also refer to this type of massage, as acupressure (not to be confused with acupuncture). Shiatsu is based on the meridian system in traditional Chinese medicine. In Shiatsu, the therapist uses his or her fingers, thumbs, and palms, to apply pressure to particular regions on the patient’s body. The patient indicates these problematic areas prior to the beginning of the massage session. Shiatsu includes various massage techniques, including squeezing, applied pressure, tapping, and rubbing. The goal, in line with traditional Chinese medicine, is to increase the flow of Qi (Chi) in the body.

2. Sports Massage

This type of massage is ideal for every type of athlete in the world. The techniques that the specialist applies are based upon the game that the athlete performs, and quite often zeros-in on specific body parts. Therapists can give sports massages as athletes prepare for competition, or recover from it. Massages that therapists design for a particular athlete can provide several benefits:

• optimizes athlete’s competition
• increases endurance
• boosts flexibility
• prevents injuries
• lowers fatigue

3. Swedish Massage
Today when we use the term “massage,” we often are referring to a Swedish massage. A few hundreds years ago, experts developed the Swedish massage style. The therapist uses long, smooth strokes to rub the body’s muscles. These strokes move in the path of blood that is moving back towards the heart. Extra methods include:

• bending
• circular pressure
• kneading
• percussion-like tapping
• stretching

The therapist typically uses lotion, to activate the skin and to lower the amount of abrasion between the therapist’s hands and the patient’s skin.

4. Trigger Point Massage
Trigger Points are compact regions inside muscle tissue, which create pain in other regions of the body. The type of pain can vary. It can be dull or sharp. Injuries or overusing muscles can cause trigger points.

A Trigger Point massage attempts to reduce the pain’s source. The therapist uses cycles of remote “pressure and release.” Patients must perform deep breathing, determine precisely where the pain is, and gauge how strong it is. Trigger Point massage functions in releasing powerful endorphins and releasing toxins that exist in the muscles. In fact, such massages frequently reduce pain after a single treatment!

In a hot stone massage, the hot stones are just the beginning. After loosening the muscles through placement of the hot stones, the therapist can proceed to one of several different massage styles. Each of these methods includes special applications and methods. Before choosing which massage method to use, know what the options are!

I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading massage stones provider. They carry all the products needed for a hot stone massage kit, as well as cold stone therapy.

If you enjoy therapeutic massages, then why not become a massage therapist? Many of us enjoy the soothing, relaxing sensation of a hot stones massage. This form of heat therapy invigorates our bodies and relaxes our minds. For some, the next logical step is to become a massage therapist. This allows people to share the fantastic benefits of hot stone massages, with others. Here are some tips to help you get started in a massage therapist career:

1. Consider if it is an ideal career for you
Truth be told, (as with other careers) not everyone can be an effective massage therapist. Some of the qualities you should certainly have include:

• Communicating with others well  
• Working well with others
• Understanding people
• Laboring in a relatively silent environment
• Working alone with minimal oversight
• Finding joy in assisting others

If you excel in all (or nearly all) of those skills, then you should certainly consider a career in massage therapy.

2. Do your homework

Make sure to do some in-depth research about therapeutic massages. Find out the fundamentals regarding the various forms of massage therapy, including hot stone massages, Swedish massage, sports massage, Shiatsu massage, etc. To get a more personal insight into the types of massages, locate local massage schools or therapists, and ask any questions you have about them.

3. Learn about the regional requirements for massage therapists
Before you take your first formal class on massage therapy, it is important to know the specific requirements in your town, city, or state. This is because different regions have different requirements. Talk with a local therapist or local massage therapy school, to learn about the particular requirements. It is important that your training match up with the requirements that you must fulfill.

4. Find a massage therapy school
You can use various methods to learn this information. “Word of mouth” is always the most effective way. Ask current therapists if they can recommend any particular schools. Also, you can search through the local phone book to find massage therapy schools. After finding some schools, contact them and learn about their:

• curriculum
• philosophy
• graduation requirements

Make sure that the school’s requirements meet the requirements of your town, city, or state.

5. Get your feet wet
It is important for massage therapists to receive formal training in various areas, such as hot stone massages. However, it is equally important to get some experience under your belt, before you finish your training. You could perform free massages for your friends, relatives, or organizations in your community. This extra hands-on experience will become valuable in the future. It will give you an accurate idea about practical issues related to the field of massage therapy.

If you are considering a career in massage therapy, then you can take some basic steps to obtain the training you need. Your ultimate goal should be to meet the local or state requirements for massage therapists. Following the right steps will make the process as easy as 1-2-3!

I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading massage stones provider. They carry all the products needed for a hot stone massage kit, as well as cold stone therapy.