By Amy Williams, Licensed Massage Therapist and Esthetician at Vitality Unlimited Spa
When you think about getting a massage, most people envision a Massage Therapist using their hands to release knots and tension in overused muscles. But there is another medium that is beneficial to massage – hot stones.
How It Works
The treatment generally consists of the Massage Therapist placing smooth, heated stones along specific points on the back. The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, and the Massage Therapist uses the stones to massage your body.
Benefits of Hot Stone Massage
1. Encourages Blood Circulation
The heat helps to expand blood vessels, improving blood flow throughout the body. The warm temperature of the stones also gets blood flowing to the muscles. That is how oxygen is transported throughout our systems – more oxygen equals a faster recovery. Heat dilates the capillaries, bringing in fresh blood, which means elements like lactic acid that have built up, are being flushed away, while healing nutrients, oxygen, and new tissue building blocks are brought into the area.
2. Relieves Muscle Tension and Pain
All massages help aid in relieving muscle pain and tension, but a Hot Stone Massage is especially effective because of the deep-tissue action it allows. Whether your pain is recurring or just a random kink in your neck, your Massage Therapist will know how to manipulate the stones to help you feel better.
3. Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Massage has a powerful impact when it comes to our mental health, and Hot Stone Massage is no exception. Adding self-care to your routine can help ease anxiety, relieve stress, and prevent illness. Heat is also shown to be comforting from a neurophysiological standpoint and allows for all our stressors to decrease.
At Vitality Unlimited Spa, we offer a 75 Minute Hot Stone Massage for the full body. We also offer Hot Stones as an add-on to a 60 or 90 Minute Swedish or Deep Tissue Massage. The add-on typically focuses the hot stones on your neck, shoulders, and back.
We are here to help you choose the right treatment! Give us a call at 314.968.1808 to schedule your appointment. You can also visit us at vitalityunlimitedspa.com or stop by the spa at 29 West Moody Avenue.