Hot stone massage

View Schools that offer Massage Therapy Courses.

Experience the deep relaxation and release of a hot stone massage. In this form of treatment the practitioner uses stones to heat and treat your body while applying massage techniques for maximum effect. The benefits of the heat mean that it is possible for a therapist to affect a deep tissue massage in a very, relaxing and holistic way.

You will find yourself in a calm and quiet room where you can undress in privacy. There may be gentle music or aromatic candles burning to lift your mood and aid your journey to deep relaxation. First, the practitioner will smooth oil onto your body to ease the way for the stones. Then they will heat the stones to a suitable temperature (usually around 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit). Stones are placed down the chakra centers or along the sides of the spine. Stones may also be placed between your toes and in the palm of your hands. These stones act as centers for radiating heat into you at a deep level. As stones cool your therapist will replace them with newly heated ones to ensure that your body is kept at a constant temperature.

It is a common fear that the stones may be too hot; however, your therapist will test them thoroughly so that this will not be an issue. Discuss any fears with your therapist before treatment and let them know of any conditions you have. Hot stone therapy is not recommended for those who have undergone surgery or chemotherapy, people prone to blood clots, or those with bruising or an open wound.

At the same time as they place the stones down your back, the hot stone practitioner will have stones in their hands and will massage your body with them. Again, people can worry that this may hurt but the smooth stones simply feel like a firm hand and will be used gently by your skilled practitioner. These may lightly skim your skin or may be used to affect a deeper massage as suits your needs and requirements. The texture of the stones means that it is possible for the practitioner to give a very thorough deep tissue massage if required with the heat helping to soothe and relax muscles. The heat also helps to improve circulation and helps to encourage blood flow. In some cases the therapist may remove the stones before applying the massage to your body.

Once your back and limbs have been thoroughly massaged, the therapist will remove the stones and ask you to turn over. They will then repeat the process for you on your front by placing hot stones at key points down your body and then massaging it.

Your practitioner will use classic Swedish massage techniques such as effleurage and tapotement to relieve tension and alleviate pains. The heat given off by the stones means that you can achieve a much deeper level of muscle relaxation than is possible with Swedish massage alone, so that your therapist can tackle deep knots and problems or simply bring you to deeper levels of relaxation. Hot stone massage is also helpful with such conditions as arthritis, back pain, and insomnia.

Stones have been used in massage for hundreds or even thousands of years but modern hot stone massage developed in the 1990's with Mary Nelson's La Stone therapy. Practitioners use volcanic basalt rock which holds heat. During therapy various sizes of stone will be used on different parts of the body.

Schools that offer Massage Therapy Courses

Kaplan College

Massage Therapy: Diploma

More people are relying on massage therapy to provide them stress relief or to prevent health complications, to offer techniques for relaxation by lessening symptoms of their illnesses, and for fitness programs. Now that the health care industry has turned to massage therapists for alternative treatment, more jobs are opening up for massage therapists.

Associate of Applied Science in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork

The techniques of massage therapy have been recommended by a number of physicians for years. Massage therapy today is accepted as a viable means of reducing stress, treating painful ailments, rehabilitating sports injuries, decompressing tired and overworked muscles, and promoting overall general health and well-being.

Clinical Massage Therapy Certificate

Kaplan College's Clinical Massage Therapy Certificate program covers several types of massage, including Swedish, sports, and chair. It also covers anatomy and physiology, the ethics of massage practice, and more.

Diploma, Associate.
Diploma: Clinical Massage Therapy, Diploma: Massage Therapy, Associate of Applied Science: Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
Indiana, California.

Medical Careers Institute

The program focuses on the medical and rehabilitative effects of massage while conferring an understanding of the art and science of massage therapy. Sound business practices are taught, which prepares students for success in the workplace. The curriculum integrates clinical experience with hands-on work, and students get to know about the care given to patients in different stages of health.

Associate.
Massage Therapy - Associate.
Virginia, North Carolina.

Hesser College

Massage Therapy:Diploma

This massage therapy program will teach you the vital knowledge and skills to take a New Hampshire state approved written exam and state practical licensing exam, if applicable.

Diploma.
Diploma: Massage Therapy.
New Hampshire.

Sanford-Brown College

Learn practical and theoretical massage, anatomy, physiology, pathology, ethics, clinical practice, and hygiene in the Massage Therapy program at Sanford-Brown College. This program is intended to provide training in the principles of therapeutic massage, hydrotherapy and related therapeutic modalities. This includes techniques in massage, external application of water, heat ,cold, topical preparations and usage of mechanical devices.

Diploma, Certificate, Associate.
Massage Therapy, Advanced Massage Therapy.
Illinois, Georgia, Missouri, Ohio.

Sanford-Brown Institute

Massage Therapy

Through the Massage Therapy program students will receive instruction in both practical and theoretical massage, anatomy, physiology, pathology, ethics, clinical practice, and hygiene. Training is provided to students in hydrotherapy and allied therapeutic modalities, therapeutic massage principles. It also deals with the external application of water, heat, cold, topical preparations, massage techniques, and mechanical devices.

Diploma.
Massage Therapy, Massage Therapist.
Florida, Pennsylvania.