Benefits Of Hot Stone Massage At The Spa
Have you added hot stone massage to your treatment list? For clients who are experiencing significant pain or discomfort, regular sessions can produce great muscle relaxation and stress relief results. This treatment is relaxing, nourishing, and deeply calming, but many spa therapists may find it unfamiliar. Let us explore what hot stone massage therapy is and what advantages this service offers for customers who want to get to know treatments beyond traditional massage.
What is a hot stone massage? | What to expect from a hot stone massage | Skin care products for hot stone massage
What is a hot stone massage?
According to Healthline.com, hot stone massage is a form of therapy that aims to relax muscles and relieve tension. It differs from the traditional method in that it combines the use of stones with a massage, which usually involves Swedish techniques. Smooth, flat stones are heated to 110-130 degrees Fahrenheit and placed on the target areas. The most common stones used are basalt rocks, which are worn smoothly and which transfer and hold heat well. When using these stones, your goal is to apply gentle pressure on your client to relieve tension and pain. By placing hot stones at key points on the client's body, you encourage their muscles to release tension, resulting in a better massage experience. Explain to your clients that the added benefits of hot stones will help them feel more relaxed, with less stress and muscle aches and pains.
The benefits of a hot stone massage include:
- Pain relief
- Release muscle tension
- Increased blood flow
- Relaxation
- Increased penetration of deep tissue massage
- Better posture
- Relaxation
- Sleep support
Before offering this treatment to a client, they should fill out a detailed form so that you understand their health profile, including medication use. Do you suffer from chronic pain, injuries? Have you had any treatments recently, including other heated massages? The American Massage Therapy Association advises, “If a client receives multiple services at a spa throughout the day, having a heated treatment within six hours is an acceptable guideline.
Hot stone massage is not for everyone. It is not recommended for people with:
- diabetes
- Heart disease
- high blood pressure
- Nerve damage
- An autoimmune disease
Or who:
- Are pregnant
- Take medication that thin the blood or block sensory perception
- during menopause (treatment may trigger hot flashes)
What to expect from a hot stone massage
Now that you are considering offering hot stone massages to your clients, let's dig deeper into how this treatment is performed. If you only work on the neck and shoulders, a session lasts around 60 minutes. Allow 90 minutes for a full body treatment.
The first step is to heat the stones in a professional stone oven, a device specially designed for this task. Next, apply oil to your client to keep the skin soft. Usually, you place the stones strategically along the spine. You can also place them on the palms of the hands, feet, chest, face, and even toes. The weight and heat of the stones relax the muscles to allow deeper pressure during the massage so that you can release the tension in the tense muscles and the client can benefit from deep tissue massages. As the American Massage Therapy Association says, "Hot stone can be used with a variety of massage modalities, including Swedish massage, as well as on the client's body."
When the client's muscles are relaxed, use extra oil to massage the body with and without stones. Use sliding movements across the neck, back, arms, and legs. Techniques can include long strokes, kneading, rolling, tapping, and circular motions. During the session, the client's heart rate, breathing rate and body temperature fluctuate depending on the temperature of the hot stones. Explain to your client that these reactions are normal during a hot stone massage. Encourage customers to communicate with you immediately if the stones are too hot or too cold, if the pressure is too great, or if the stone placement is uncomfortable.
Skin care products for hot stone massage
Although the main benefit of a hot stone massage is in the warmth rather than in skin care products, the product support rep is from Eminence Organics Nadira Kavanagh suggests that skin care products could enhance the benefits of this service.
"We recommend using our body oils such as Apricot Body Oil or Stone Crop Body Oil for the best gliding and gliding," says Nadira. The apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil and jojoba oil make the skin incredibly soft and supple. Apricot kernel oil is rich in vitamins A, C and E, which make the skin feel smooth and elastic. Grapeseed oil provides moisturizing effects, while jojoba oil nourishes and hydrates.
The Stone Crop Body Oil formulated with arnica is perfect for massages. This moisturizing body oil combines stone harvest, rose hip oil, and avocado oil to help moisturize the skin. Give an appropriate amount of both oils to massage in and warm in your hands before applying.
Will you be adding hot stone treatments to your spa's service menu? Share your experience with this treatment in the comments below and join the conversation on social media. You can also find out how to become an Eminence Organics Spa Partner here.
