hot stone therapy (thermotherapy)

This therapy is extremely relaxing, a heated stone massage involves the placement of sanitized, warmed, smooth rocks (usually basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat) upon different parts of the body. Typically, the treatment is done in conjunction with traditional massage techniques, such as Swedish massage, and the stones may be used with applied pressure by the massage therapist during the treatment. Often, stones also are placed--and left for a period of time--on certain body parts such as the spine, hands or belly, and replaced once they cool. Cool stones may also be used to address muscle injury.

The Benefits of Hot Stone Therapy:

• Deep relaxation, the warmth relaxes both physically and mentally
• The heat from the stones is transferred to the body by conduction and it may reach up to 3cm into the muscle
• Stress is reduced, relieving mental and physical fatigue
• Circulation is improved and muscles have an increased blood supply, improving function
• Toxins and waste are eliminated more quickly
• The warmth can relieve pain in muscles and joints
• Tension in connective tissue is decreased
• There is a deep comfort of receiving warmth on the body.