A therapeutic massage is one of the best ways to relax and rejuvenate your body. Zen Massage Charlotte, located in the historic Dilworth neighborhood of Charlotte, NC, offers many different types, including deep tissue, sports, and Swedish massage. Today, the massage therapists want to discuss hot stone massage, a highly beneficial specialty massage with a rich healing history.

The Basics Of Hot Stone Massage

During a hot stone massage, a therapist places smooth heated stones on the body to relax and warm the muscles. The stones allow the masseuse to work deeper into the body more quickly compared to other techniques.

Hot Stone History & Benefits

The Native Americans were among the first to use stones to relieve muscle aches. Today, therapist Mary Nelson of Tucson, Arizona, is considered the creator of modern hot stone massage. Nelson developed a style called LaStone Therapy, which combines hot and cold stones for a refreshing and invigorating effect. Often referred to as contrast therapy, intermixing hot and cold stones stimulates the circulatory and lymphatic systems to help detoxify the body. LaStone Therapy also incorporates Native American spirituality and requires special training and certification programs as compared to regular hot stone massage.

What To Expect

During a hot stone massage, therapists use stones made of basalt, a smooth volcanic rock that retains heat. The therapist will sanitize the stones, and after warming up your body with a traditional Swedish massage, they will run a single hot stone along the back. As the stones cool, they will be replaced with other hot stones of different shapes and sizes. Larger stones are used to work out the kinks in big muscles, while smaller stones are sufficient for smaller muscles.

In some cases, a massage therapist will place individual stones on different parts of the spine, belly, or palms to improve your body’s energy flow. If one is too hot or the massage is too rough, don’t be afraid to speak up. The technique should be relaxing and therapeutic, not painful.

Sound like the perfect massage for you? Contact the professionals at Zen Massage Charlotte today. Call (704) 342-0996 to make an appointment, or visit the website for a full list of services. You can also find them on Twitter and Google +.