Hot stone therapy is a holistic treatment that has been in use for thousands of years by many cultures all over the world. Healers from ancient India, Japan, China, as well as Native American and Pacific Islanders have been harnessing the curative power of heat through the use of strategically placed heated stones in order to alleviate a variety of ailments. At D in Touch in Winnipeg, massage therapy with hot stones is a favorite among our clients as much for the relaxing effect as for the health benefits.
Hot stone therapy combines the healing benefits of heat with the restorative properties of massage to create a deeply relaxing health treatment. Hot stone therapy utilizes iron-rich basalt stones, heated to between 120 and 140 degrees, then placed on specific spots along the body. The heat from the stones warms the body, improving circulation and relaxing muscles for a deeper massage. The warmth from the rocks have a calming affect, allowing for deeper relaxation, enabling the massage therapist to work deeper into the muscle tissue while using less pressure on the client. The stones themselves can be used to massage the body, maximizing the benefits of the heat therapy.
For a highly relaxing and truly therapeutic treatment, hot stone therapy can also be combined with aromatherapy massage. The heat from the stones allows for better absorption of essential oils through the skin and into the bloodstream, while simultaneously allowing for more of the essential oil molecules to be released into the air for inhalation, intensifying the beneficial effects.
Hot stone therapy is a powerful holistic treatment that benefits both body and spirit. As with any medical procedure, be sure to discuss all known health conditions with your therapist. Most clients at our Winnipeg massage therapy clinic report significant health improvement after one session; however, due to the intense calming and mentally clarifying experience, most clients prefer to make regular hot stone therapy treatments a part of their health maintenance routine.