At my Bodywork Massage Clinic in London, I offer a hot stone massage treatment services. This involves the placement of heated stones along your body. These stones are smooth around the outside so you will feel no discomfort during your hot stone massage.
During hot stone massage, we shall slide the stones along your muscles to massage them. This allows the stone to cool before it is finally rested upon your skin and between your toes.
Now that we’ve introduced hot stone massage, we shall now reveal what this wonder technique involves. Essentially, hot stone massage in London allows us to improve traditional massage techniques. Before the stones are applied to your skin, they are heated. During the massage, a number of these stone will be strategically placed in different zones of your body.
We utilise basalt stones. Basalt stones are generally more favoured across the industry. These variety of stones’ are volcanic from Peru high in silica and rich in Iron content. This allows the stones to retain heat. We source all of our stones from rivers. Over thousands of years, the river current has smoothed our stones. Why is this important? Because smooth stones feel therapeutic when applied to your skin during your hot stone massage.
Before a hot stone massage begins, we use an electrical heating device (hot stone heater) to heat up the stones to a set temperature. Why is this heat applied? Because the heat transfers from the stone into your muscles. This heat then allows your muscles to relax.
Why is it important that your muscles relax? The answer is simple. Relaxed muscles allow us to apply deeper pressure during the massage without experiencing discomfort. Your central nervous system relaxes and your circulation improves as a result.
Once the stones are warmed, we use them to massage your muscles. Once the stones cool, they are placed on points located along your back, hands and between your toes. Why are stones placed at these exact locations? Because this is where your ‘energy centres’ reside. This allows our therapist the ability to rebalance your body and mind.
It’s no secret that living in London is stressful. Hot stone massage allows you to relax. Many people are unable to and some even resort to prescription medications to help them relax. These drugs are often dangerous. In fact, thousands of people die each year due to overdosing on these drugs that are designed to alleviate depression and anxiety.
Hot stone massage provides a healthy and natural way to relax and alleviate anxiety that does not involve prescription drugs. Thus, hot stone massage is very effective at treating psychological disorders such as; depression, anxiety, tension, insomnia and stress.
Hot stone massage is also lighter than other forms of traditional massage. This makes hot stone massage perfect for people who do not appreciate traditional massage because they may believe it is too rough and painful.
Hot stone massage is also used to treat a number of physical alignments such as back pain, poor circulation and arthritis.
When the hot stones are removed from the heating units, the temperature maybe alarming if placed immediately on your skin. For this reason, we hold the stones beforehand. This ensures the temperature of the stones are not too hot upon making skin.
Once the stones have cooled, we stroke the stones into your skin using classical massage technique. Oil is applied to your skin before the massage takes place. Why? Because this oil assists the stones as they travel across your skin.
When the thrusting motions are complete, the stones are then placed upon different ‘energy centres’ located throughout your body. The stones then remain static for a short period of time. This gives you time to relax. You then turn onto your back and the stones are placed on upon the palms of your hand and between your toes.
The entire process requires a minimum of 60/90 minutes to complete.
Cold stones are excellent because they promote circulation and act as a powerful decongestant for the body, by promoting circulation cold stone treatment can ease inflamed tissue, decrease muscle spasm, and can reduce swelling or fluid build-up. (For example, as manifested in dark circles under the eyes) Unlike with the use of ice cold stone treatment will not severely desensitize the skin. The overall effect of a treatment is the reduction of tension with a simultaneous feeling of invigoration.
Benefits of using hot and cold stones in one massage. using both techniques in one routine can be very beneficial to your clients. Switching between cold and hot applications causes blood vessels to alternately dilate and constrict, leading to increased removal of toxins and increased healing. I do not recommend this treatment to clients with circulatory problems because they may be too sensitive to the sudden increase in circulation.
To learn more about hot stone massage services in my London clinic, or to book an appointment, contact us today on 07904 786 888 or alternatively contact us through the website.
My name is Lubna and I am a Holistic Food Coach, Natural Chef, Massage Specialist & Yoga teacher. I am passionate about your health and well-being. After spending years working in property management in London I was left feeling stressed and unfulfilled.
07904 786 888
