Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone therapy goes beyond the physical experience of typical massage and enters deeper dimensions of relaxation, health and well-being. Physically the circulation and metabolism are stimulated; mentally the client reaches a state of deep relaxation and is balanced whilst healing takes place.
The stones are used in two ways: by being placed on the body to allow heat to penetrate into specific areas, and in the therapist's hands, as a warming, soothing massage tool. The warmth of these heated stones penetrates muscles and balances the nervous system like no other treatment.
Cold stones may also be used (it feels more pleasant than you might expect!)to aid healing and to soothe inflamed or injured areas of muscle.

Hot Stone therapy can help in the treatment of for following problems; muscular aches, pains, and strains, rheumatic and arthritic conditions, Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, back pain, and insomnia. Warm stones expand the blood vessels, helping to move blood faster round the body, sedating the nervous system. In some treatments large stones are placed on the body, in the palms of the hands, and coin-sized stones are lightly wedged between the toes.

The many benefits of hot stone massage include:

• Pain relief (muscular pain, joint pain, headaches, and some other types of pain)
• Deeper relaxation than standard massage techniques, reduced anxiety, and improved ability to manage stress
• Toxin removal
• Calms the nervous system
• Accelerates lymph drainage
• Boosts immune system
• Improved concentration and vitality
• Improvements in sleep problems
• Increases rate and flow of blood circulation

The treatment takes place on a massage couch, where the client is undressed, but covered with towels.  The usual treatment comprises massage of the back, legs, arms, abdomen, face, neck and shoulders.  The effects of the treatment can be felt immediately in terms of relaxation and stress reduction, and will continue to enhance the client's wellbeing cumulatively with further treatments.

Hot stone massage uses oils to reduce friction on the skin, and to assist with conditioning the skin and muscles.  In my treatments, I use Tui Waxes, which are made from a beeswax base, and warm to a liquid consistency.  The waxes have various advantages over the use of oils: they do not stain clothes, washing out easily if any residue is in contact with fabric; they feel less 'greasy' to the client; and they contain a range of small amounts of essential oils (there is also an unscented wax, for those who prefer), which allow for an aromatic dimension to the treatment.

Price:  1 hour - £48, 1 1/2 hour - £60