Hot Stone Massage: Relieve Aches Sooner

We all know the healing powers of heat and the sun

. When we go to the beach, the hot sand feels great on our muscles and bones. There is a therapeutic way to get the benefit of this feeling, without all the sand. It feels even better. It isn't anything new! It's hot stone massage. I was a little cynical when I first heard about and was reluctant to try it. However, when I first had one, I was hooked.

This will be done by a professional and is very sanitary. Your masseuse will keep the stones in boiling water. This is done in order to avoid bacteria growing on them. They will be removed using a glove or another sanitary tool when they are required in order to give the massage.

What type of stones are used? Well, they are basalt, smooth rocks which have been used throughout the ages, as they are believed to have energizing properties. They also retain heat very well. Other types of massage use other types of tools, as well as the hands of the therapist.

The hands are the other tools used when giving a hot stone massage. It is much easier on the hands of the therapist than regular massage, as he/she doesn't have to use his/her hands to apply pressure - rather the stones and pressing on them cause pressure. The sanitized warm stones are laid on either side of the spine, while other stones are covered with warm oil and rubbed on the client's legs and arms. For me, this is luxurious. I don't require much pressure, but my husband, whose muscles have deep ache, requires as much pressure as is possible. This is why this type of massage suits him. Nothing like a customized massage.

In the early 1800's, massage therapy became very popular and this increased until the 1930's and 40's. As modern medicine developed, the benefits of massage therapy were discounted. It was used less and less. In the 1960's and 1970's nurses began to use it to alleviate pain in patients. Again, its popularity grew until finally in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta massage was deemed a core medical service, which gave it great credibility.

Do you have a favorite massage therapist? Many (about 90,000) people in the United States claim this as either their part-time or full-time job. Most are self-employed. This occupation includes a large percentage of part-time and self-employed workers. In the United States there are about 90,000 massage therapists. Most states in the United States require a license to practice massage therapy. If a state does not have any massage laws, then the national certification in massage therapy is not required and a practitioner need not apply for a license with the state. Training programs in the US are typically 500-1000 hours in length, and can award a certificate, diploma, or degree depending on the particular school. If you are looking for a hot stone massage, either talk to your massage therapist. If you don't have one, check your local spa. Check out the credentials and consult your doctor. This may even be covered by insurance in some cases. Whatever you choose to do long term, at least check into this. It works for me, it will work for you.

by: Fred Savinelli

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