Are you stressed out all of the time? Does it seem that you always have headaches and the muscles in your neck and back are tight especially after sitting in front of a computer all day? Then a massage may be the perfect solution for you. Massage therapy relaxes the muscles, increases blood flow, and soothes your aches and pains. Additionally, massages rejuvenate the body and gives us an overall sense of well being.

There are a variety of massage therapies out there, from the basic Swedish massage to specialty massages. If you are in need of some deep relaxation, then a hot stone massage might be perfect for you. Although the hot stone massage is a little more expensive than the traditional Swedish massage, it is worth the extra money.

A hot stone massage is a type of specialty massage using smooth, heated stones. The stones used for this type of massage are about the size and shape of an egg, except flatter. They are smooth, flat stones, something like river rocks but are typically made of a black volcanic rock called basalt. Basalt rocks absorb and retain heat well.

The stones are an excellent way to use heat to improve the massage. Heat is not only relaxing, but it also helps to release the tightness of muscles. The massage therapists typically pre-warm the stones in hot water or some other heating device so that the stones are at a hot, but not unbearable, temperature. The massage therapists handle the stones before placing them on the client’s back; this helps ensure the temperature is perfect.

Typically the massage therapist begins the massage with the normal relaxing Swedish massage and then begins to massage the patient with the heated stones. As the stones cool, the therapist replaces them with more heated ones. Sometimes the therapist will also lay heated stones down the spine as she massages you with the other stones.

The therapist massages the client with the oiled, heated stones. Holding them in the palm of the hand, the therapist uses long, firm strokes along the muscles of the client’s legs, arms, and torso areas. The heat and pressure relaxes the client and releases the tension in the muscles.

Basically, the stones provide heat for extra relaxation to the client, while also allowing the massage therapist to penetrate deeper into the muscle tissue with the stones. The massage should not be painful, so if the client ever feels uncomfortable, the client should speak up.

There are a variety of reasons why you might want to try the hot stone massage over other massage techniques. First, many clients find the hot stones to be very relaxing; the heat penetrates their tight muscles and provides more relaxation than just a typical massage. Additionally, clients sometimes prefer the hot stone massage to alleviate Back pain and aches, stress, anxiety, or tension, or to help improve poor circulation. Sometimes clients find the massage helps with insomnia, as it is very relaxing.

Author Bio: Matilda regularly writes for TIR Massage Stone, the leading hot stone massage supplies provider. They carry such products as hot stone massage kit and hot stones, as well as many other many other accessories for hot stone therapy.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: hot stone massage kit,hot stones