Hot Stone Massage
5 Star Rated
Edinburgh City Centre Salon
Deep Relaxation
What is Hot Stone Massage?
Hot stone massage is a therapeutic massage technique that involves the use of smooth, heated stones placed on specific points on the body and also used by the massage therapist to massage the body. The stones are typically made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat well.
Harmony Thai Massage and Wellness provide an incredibly effective combination of hot stone massage with Thai massage to get to the root cause of pain and ongoing muscle discomfort.
Here's what you should know about hot stone massage:
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Preparation: The stones are heated in water to a specific temperature range before the massage session begins. They are then placed strategically on the body, often along the spine, on the palms of the hands, on the belly, or between the toes.
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Technique: Your massage therapist may use the heated stones as an extension of their own hands or may place them on the body while they massage other areas with their hands. The heat from the stones helps to warm up tight muscles, allowing the therapist to work more deeply and effectively.
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Conditions Treated: Hot stone massage is often used to treat conditions such as:
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Muscle tension and stiffness
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Stress and anxiety
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Back pain
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Poor circulation
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Insomnia
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Safety: While hot stone massage is generally safe for most people, it may not be suitable for everyone. People with certain conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or skin conditions, should consult with a healthcare provider before receiving a hot stone massage.
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Duration: A typical hot stone massage session can last between 60 to 90 minutes. The therapist will use a combination of the heated stones and traditional massage techniques to provide a relaxing and therapeutic experience.
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Aftercare: After the massage, it's important to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help flush out toxins from the body. Some people may experience mild soreness or redness after a hot stone massage, but this is usually temporary.
Before scheduling a hot stone massage, it's essential to communicate with your massage therapist about any health concerns, allergies, or areas of pain or discomfort. Our massage therapists can then tailor the treatment to your specific needs and preferences.
Hot Stone Massage Benefits
Hot stone massage offers a range of benefits, both physical and mental. Here are some of the key benefits of hot stone massage:
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Relaxation: The warmth of the heated stones promotes deep relaxation, helping to reduce stress and anxiety. Many people find hot stone massage to be calming and soothing, creating a sense of well-being.
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Muscle Relaxation: The heat from the stones helps to relax tight muscles, making it easier for the massage therapist to manipulate the muscle tissues. This can help to relieve muscle tension and stiffness.
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Pain Relief: Hot stone massage can help to alleviate muscle pain and discomfort. The heat from the stones helps to improve blood flow and circulation, which can reduce inflammation and promote healing.
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Improved Circulation: The heat from the stones can promote better blood flow throughout the body. This can help to flush out toxins, improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to the muscles, and enhance overall circulation.
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Stress Reduction: The calming nature of hot stone massage can help to reduce levels of stress hormones like cortisol. This can lead to a decrease in anxiety, improved mood, and a greater sense of relaxation.
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Improved Sleep: Many people find that hot stone massage helps them to sleep better. The relaxation and stress reduction benefits of the massage can lead to improved sleep quality and duration.
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Enhanced Mood: Hot stone massage can stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting chemicals in the body. This can help to enhance mood and promote a sense of well-being.
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Joint Flexibility: The warmth of the stones can help to increase joint flexibility by relaxing the surrounding muscles and tissues. This can be particularly beneficial for people with conditions like arthritis or joint stiffness.
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Detoxification: The heat from the stones can help to open up the pores and promote sweating, which can aid in the detoxification process and help to flush out toxins from the body.
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Skin Benefits: Hot stone massage can help to improve skin texture and appearance by increasing blood flow to the skin and promoting cell renewal. The oils used during the massage can also moisturise and nourish the skin.
It's important to note that while hot stone massage offers many benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. People with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or skin conditions, should consult with a healthcare provider before receiving a hot stone massage. Additionally, it's crucial to communicate with your massage therapist about any health concerns, allergies, or areas of pain or discomfort to ensure a safe and effective treatment.
Hot Stone Thai Massage Edinburgh
Edinburgh City Centre Salon
Our salon is ideally located in Edinburgh City Centre, just off Holyrood Road, near Waverley Train Station and the Royal Mile. For people driving from inside and near Edinburgh, the salon has on street parking outside, a multi storey NCP car park nearby.