Yesterday I treated myself to my first stone massage. I was nervous as I had never had one before. The purpose of this article is to tell you what it is, and some history. I went in with some preconceptions about how exactly the session would go. I wondered whether the masseuse was going to pummel me with rocks until I became unconscious or if I was going to have hot rocks brushed across my skin. Well, it turns out that I was wrong on one of the two assumptions.

The history of using rocks for massaging purposes can be traced back thousands of years ago where it’s said that the ancients used clay, stones, and other natural implements for healing purposes. The technique hasn’t changed much since then. The rocks are sanitized and warmed to 120°F – 130°F and while the stones are warming to temperature, the masseuse begins with a normal massage to relax the muscles. The stones vary in size, shape, and weight. One of the benefits of using stones is that pressure and the application of pressure over an area can be altered very quickly, with a simple throw of a stone.

The massage is unlike any other, the masseuse will work the muscles first with their fingers, and they will then use the stones either individually or in pairs to apply pressure to the muscles beneath. The masseuse will then glide the stones over your skin; this is a very relaxing experience. I would relate it to a sitting against the jets in a hot tub. The masseuse I went to used several steps (I call them steps, she called them stages), but she started out with smaller and cooler rocks. These were used for light prodding of muscle tissue. She then moved up to slightly heavier and warmer rocks which produced more pressure and heat. These were also used for the majority of the deep muscle work, they were centered above muscle groups (trapezoids, lumbar, and spinal) an either left to sit or pivoted and weighted. The second step also produced a little pain (my back isn’t usually probed). Well, next came the second to final step, these were large flatter stones that were used to glide over the back, they brushed my skin, producing a tingling sensation (I guess it varies with everyone), she then set it over my shoulder blades which actually felt quite nice. The final stones were larger still and they were used purely for relaxation. They were placed under a cloth upon which I laid. I was asked to center my lower back on them, so I did. The probing and stretching sensation gave way to a very luxurious feeling as my lower back muscles were forced to relax.

I really hope you enjoyed this article. There are several qualified stone massage therapists in and around the United States, though the massage itself is most popular in Europe. I recommend that anyone go and have a try as it’s a very invigorating and relaxing experience!

About the Author:

Sara Ryan regularly writes for TIR Massage Stone, the leading
stone massage
supplies provider. They provide
massage rocks
for hot stone therapy among many other accessories.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Rock Massage Experience

60 PC BASALT HOT STONE SET – (HOT ROCKS) MASSAGE STONES KIT WITH REAL BAMBOO BOX $129.95

Hot Stone Massage Real Basalt Stones (45 PCs Box Set) $69.95

Bamboo & Basalt Hot Stones Massage Set Kit Training DVD eTraining Manual Support $197.13

Hot Stone Massage, 64pc deluxe set, Great Lakes Basalt $73.99

36 PC BASALT HOT STONE SET – (HOT ROCKS) MASSAGE STONES KIT WITH REAL BAMBOO BOX $79.95

New set of 9 Marble Cold Stones for facial massage $55.00

New Spa Hot Rocks Massage Relaxation Therapy Stone Set $6.31

Hot Stones Basalt Massage Rocks Culled & Sorted 50 set $49.99

21 Pc. Black Basalt Massage Stone Finger/Toe Set $19.95

21 Pc. Black Basalt Massage Stone Facial Set $19.95

Mini Marble Facial 6-piece Cold Stone Massage Set $45.72 The white marble stones in this set are used to refresh and revitalize clients before the end of the hot and warm stone massage session. This set includes six small ovular marble stones for cool stone massage around the facial area after hot stone massages.White marble stones are used to refresh and revitalize clients before the end of a hot and warm stone massage sessionSix small ovular marble stones for cool stone massage around the facial area after hot stone massagesGreat for introducing cold stone therapyIncludes six (6) stonesStone dimensions: 1.75 inches long x 1.25 inches wide

Basalt Lava 20-piece High Polish Hot Stone Massage Set $77.94 With basalt stones generated from volcanic eruptions, this 20-piece stone set is designed for a complete feet massage treatment. The preferred type of stone by professional hot stone massage therapists, these basalt stones are perfect for foot treatments.Designed for a complete feet massage treatmentProvides a comfortable and complete care for the arch of the feet, toes and legsBasalt hot stones are the tools of the trade for hot stone massage therapistsEvery massage stone is of the highest quality and is cured and hand-polishedHot stone massage therapy increases circulation, facilitating maximum blood for optimum body functioningVaso-dilation of blood vessels causes an increase in blood flow around the body, providing the important fuel to keep the body functioning at total efficiencyIncreases cell metabolism, thereby increasing the rate at which the body processes nutrients and toxinsIncrease lymphatic function, thereby increasing detoxification, cleansing and eliminationDeep relaxation of muscles, helping to alleviate stress and tensionCreates a feeling of balance and harmonyGives the recipient a deeper and longer lasting sense of relaxationBasalt stone (lava stone) is an actual stone that is produced from volcanic eruptionsPractitioners of hot stone massage prefer these ancient stones because of their heat-retaining and energizing propertiesBasalt retains the heat for up to 45 minutes in the larger stonesHigh ferruginous components will improve blood flow and relax your musclesSet IncludesFour (4) large stonesFour (4) medium stones (two for the upper area of the feet, two for arch of the feet )Four (4) small stones (two for the heel, two for the sole)Eight (8) toe stonespacked in a blue velvet bag