One Good Way to Stay Warm
Through this chilly January weather, hot stone massage is an amazing way to stay warm. It might sound a bit frou-frou, but it’s actually one of the more down-to-earth bodywork experiences. It’s very mentally calming and muscle-tension melting. The technique of hot stone massage has its roots in ancient Native American and indigenous Hawaiian rituals. I’ve also seen it integrated into shiatsu sessions at traditional Japanese spas.
Here’s how it works: hand-sized smooth basalt river rocks are heated to just the right temperature (not too hot, not too cold, just perfectly warm) and placed on select areas of the body – like the hands, feet or along the back. The heat selectively warms and relaxes particular muscles, allowing the massage therapist to affect your body in a deeper way, without overheating you systemically. The subtle heat radiates throughout your nervous system, promoting relaxation and stimulating circulation. It’s a very comforting experience and a sweet twist on standard massage.
At IO, we personalize our hot stone massage with the addition of our Anoint body oil. The aromatic effects of white lotus and jasmine flower combined with the antioxidant properties of grapeseed oil elevate this massage experience to a higher caliber of relaxation. The lubricating property of the oil allows the massage therapist to smoothly massage the stones along your muscles for a more dynamic effect.
If you’ve been following this blog for a while, you’ve heard me herald the benefits of our IO Organic Product line. I helped design these products, I really believe in them, and I especially love to see them integrated into our amazing bodywork sessions. If you’re looking for an interesting alternative to traditional massage, might I suggest you give this one a try. I bet you’ll love it.
Stay warm,
Amy
