​Hot Stone Massage has to be one of the most enjoyable and relaxing therapeutic massages available. For hundreds of years, hot stone massage has been used by many different cultures and modern-day therapists apply the same techniques for a wonderfully relaxing massage designed to work on muscle tension at the deepest level.

During the hot stone massage treatment, smooth, basaltic (volcanic) rocks that have been heated are used to perform the body massage.

The heat of the stones penetrates deep into the muscle tissue allowing the muscles to relax 4-5 times quicker than in a standard body massage, easing muscle tension and revitalising the muscle tissue by increasing blood circulation.

The deep relaxation and increased blood flow to the areas being worked not only accelerates any healing processes but also creates a state of deep mental relaxation.

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The benefits of hot stone massage can include:

* Improved circulation * Improved blood flow to tissues, * Reduces muscular tension, * Relieves aches and pains
* Reduces stress and anxiety, * Produces a deep relaxation

I may use a variety of techniques and methods during my treatments:

Compression: Gentle pressing and releasing of the skin for better blood flow.

Effleurage: Swedish technique where a gentle smooth stroking movement is effected using both hands

Friction: Circulation and blood flow technique for deep massage. Generates heat through deep massage movements thatcause friction between the layers of skin and muscle.

Myo-fascial Release: Also known as MTR A technique of touch and pulling with strokes aimed at the treatment of the fascia.

Petrissage: Manipulation using kneeding, rolling and squeezing movements. May be used after effleurage.

Tapotement: A very common technique of gentle beating using the edge of the hand as a pummel.