Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses
smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt a black
volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well.
It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The
heat helps tight muscles release.
Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the
stones and heats them in 120 and 150 degree water.
The therapist uses traditional strokes of swedish
massage while holding a heated stone.
Swedish massage is very gentle and is often used to
promote relaxation, improve blood flow and relieve
muscle tension. The therapist uses long, gliding strokes
and kneading and tapping techniques on the top layer
of muscles in the direction of blood flow to the heart.
This may also include moving the joints gently to
improve range of motion.
Acupressure had it's beginnings 4,000 years ago in
China. The Chinese observed that by touching particular
points on the body, a certain effect would occur each time.
These points used in acupuncture lie along channels
called "meridians" which run through the body along
specific lines.
Flowing through the meridian is energy of our life
force. The Chinese discovered that this energy must flow
evenly through the meridians to maintain good health.
They then matched symptoms and the meridian system
with the external elements around them (cold, wind,
damp, heat and summer heat) and developed their
system of medicine.
The aim of acupressure is to allow energy to flow evenly
through the meridian, by increasing the breath (oxygen)
and circulation (which carries the oxygen through the
body). This is accomplished by breaking down the
tension and stress points in the body which restrict
the circulation, allowing the breath to circulate through
the body via the circulatory system.
The tension is broken down by employing finger
pressure techniques applied to any painful point on the
skin and in the muscle system. The application of pressure
breaks up the tension located in the points by stretching
the tissue. This also forces out the toxins and waste
material from the body's cells. The cleaning increases the
efficiency of cellular operations and together with the
re-oxygenation of the cells and the induced relaxation,
the body's energy flows more evenly throughout the
body. This results in greater health.
Deep tissue massage is more active and intense. It is
used to treat deeper muscles than those reached
with a Swedish massage technique.
Our Feet are microcosms - or maps of our entire
bodies.
They contain thousands of tiny nerves
called reflexes
which correspond to every organ and system within
the body. Simply pressing on these
reflex points can
create amazing results. Reflexology reduces stress,
revitalizes and balances energy and creates an
overall
sense of well-being.
Research studies from around the world have proven
reflexology is profoundly effective in either curing or
greatly alleviating health problems.