My first experience with hot stone massage was at a La Stone Therapy class in Los Angeles. I wanted add a new service to our facial menus and thought hot stones would be the thing to do. I had no idea what it would be like, but for the money I had to spend for myself and one of my employees to go, I hoped that it would be worth the price.
The first day of the class, we all watched our instructor give this facial to another instructor. I damn near fell asleep just watching her movements and feeling envious of the woman that she was kneading those warm stones into. The instructor did not just place warm stones on her model, she worked them deep into those muscles. Everything flowed so beautifully.
We paired up to work on each other and you bet I was the first one to lay down on the table! The instructor guided everyone through the protocol and funny thing was that I never heard a word that she said. I think a semi truck could have driven through the room and I wouldn't have noticed. I don't remember ever being that relaxed. The rocks felt as if they were ironing out my tension. It was heavenly. So heavenly that when I came to consciousness, I asked the person who was working on me if she left something on my face as it felt like she had left some mask on my jaw area. Then I realized, it wasn't mask, it was drool.
That night, I slept like I hadn't slept for years. My mind had shut down from anxiety, worries and stress and my muscles were like noodles. And for the next 3 days, it was like this.
So you're probably wondering what the benefits are of this treatment besides total relaxation.
- Strengthens and tones muscles. That's right! These hot stone treatments are like a little workout for the muscles. If only working out always felt this great!
- Promotes release of toxins
- Relieves sinus and bronchial congestion. Think heat, eucalyptus and pressure! There is also a technique where rocks are tapped while in motion which can really help break up congestive goo.
- Cellulite therapy! The heat combined with toxin and water releasing oils can help break up underlying lumpy spots.
- Oxygenates the skin and improves circulation with alternation of cold and hot stones.
- Cold stones reduce inflammation
- Sedates central nervous system when stones are placed on spinal column
- Relieves aches and pains from TMJ, Fibromyalgia and arthritis.
- Allows practitioner to work at a deeper level to break up lactic and severe tension in muscles that may cause pressure on bones.
So now that you're probably salivating for some hot stoning, where should you go? I recommend looking for a spa that offers La Stone Therapy on their menu. Otherwise, you'll just get someone who's going to rub rocks on you. La Stone provides you with a chakra balancing session and that involves stone placement of warm and cold stones to to balance cold and warm chakras. Warm basalt is used as well as cool marble. With the combination of the two, it feels amazing and will address issues such as puffy eyes and migraines. Your practitioner will knead stones into tired and stressed muscles and place warm, tiny stones in between your toes.
Just make sure, after your session, that you drink plenty of water, don't move too quickly afterwards and be sure to relax for the rest of the day!
If you're in the Bay area, you can always see me for a good La Stoning!
