Feel rejuvenated after a hot stone massage – an age-old technique derived by the Greeks, but nowadays largely used in the modern world as a popular stress reliever. What are the benefits of hot stone therapy and how has it evolved since the beginning of time? Victoria Sutcliffe, Spa Manager of The Heavenly Spa at The Westin Cape Town says there are many advantages. And as the personal and professional demands of people around the globe increase daily, a hot stone massage is “the perfect way to unwind and de-stress”.
The benefits: • Muscle relaxation • Pain relief • Blood circulation. The heat of the stones relaxes the muscles and allows the therapist to manipulate the deep tissue effectively. The temperature of the stones, during upward massage movement will also increase blood flow and help to oxygenate the blood and nutrients levels in the body.
The stones: Sutcliffe says not just any stone will do, instead, it takes a special type of volcanic rock to retain heat throughout the massage therapy and deliver the desired outcome during treatment. She suggests: • Basalts lava stones – comprises high silica and iron content ideal for hot stone therapy.
Helps with stress relief: • Calms the body and detoxes from lactic acid. Hot stone therapy promotes relaxation by opening up the energy pathways; it helps to release tension from those affected muscles, which is an excellent stress reliever.
Top spots to target: Targeting the right spots is necessary during a massage and Sutcliffe says it’s the key to a “fulfilling treatment”. She recommends these spots: • On the hands and between the toes • On the back, specifically around the spine • On the abdomen.
Source: Westin Hotels & Resorts, www.westincapetown.com.