It's c-c-c-cold again - so I think it is only appropriate to talk, 'HOT STONES' or How HOT STONES can benefit you in the cold winter months.

If you are looking for an excellent spa treatment to warm your bones during these cold days, a delicious hot stone massage may be just the answer. Hot stone massage is the use of smooth, heated stones during a relaxing massage session. The use of hot stones for enhancing a massage can actually be traced back over 3,000 years to China and in India - Ancient Chinese secret, as it were.

So what exactly are the stones good for? Your massage therapist will prepare the stones before your arrival by heating to the desired temperature. The stones used in professional massage are either river rocks or basalt stones - both are smooth to touch and excellent to glide across your cold, achy muscles and retain heat for a very long time. These stones are strategically places on specific points of the body, such as the spine, abdomen, neck, legs and/or hands. All along other heated stones are used in gentle strokes over other parts of your body. Lovely massage oils and maybe even additional essential oils are used for ease, hydration and relaxation. Don't worry about the stones being too hot - remember that they must be comfortable for the therapist to hold for your entire treatment in his/her own hands.

It is YOUR job to let your therapist know if anything is uncomfortable in any massage session. This is especially true of a Hot Stone Treatment. You must communicate if you feel the stones are too hot. Of course, after moving the hot stones across your body, your skin may very well become a little pink after completion. This isn't an indication of the stones being too warm, rather showing improved circulation - this is just what you need. Your muscles become warm and relaxed relieving tension all throughout your body. A Hot Stone Massage generally is scheduled in 90 relaxing minutes. Ahhh

My first experience with Hot Stone massage is kinda funny. It is VERY difficult for me to be able to "check out" and get totally relaxed. Hot Stones were just becoming mainstream at this particular time, and I thought, "OK, Why not? Let's try it." I climbed onto the massage table and the therapist began the service. I remember thinking, "Ehh. OK" The next thing I knew, I WOKE UP! WHAT? Really! I NEVER get THAT relaxed. So, this wound up tight, very intense chicky, slept through her entire first hot stone massage. Yes, it was THAT relaxing! Therapeutic? You bet!

Hot Stones can be a beneficial option in the massage room for many reasons. First is that it does allow for deep relaxation of the soft tissue without any significant pressure by the therapist. If you know the typical benefits of massage,(improved circulation, lymphatic drainage (toxic waste), pain relief, stress relief and an improvement in over all flexibility) you'll understand that hot stones only add to that. You should also be aware that there are certain issues that prevent you from being a good candidate for Hot Stones. These include high blood pressure, any open sores or lesions, and diabetes. If you are pregnant, congratulations. You'll have to return for hot stone massage after you deliver your little bundle of joy.

Oh, and finally, here's a great tip: Consider a couples hot stone session for a VERY BENEFICIAL evening!

To schedule your Hot Stone Massage with Latonya Dow, the World's BEST Massage Therapist - or at least the BEST Massage Therapist that I know - click on this link http://www.spa131.com

Spa 131 is always working to improve our treatment menu, but there is no better option for right now, than an amazing Hot Stone Massage.

As IF you need an excuse . . . Here are a few reasons WHY you should get a winter massage:

1) DRY SKIN - Ugh! The biggest winter issue for many of us. Massage is proven to improve skin's hydration . . . that's a guarantee. We use amazing oils, creams, and lotions that contain high amounts of vitamins and nature's hydrators. Massage therapy improves circulation, allowing your skin to absorbs these essential vitamins, leaving your epidermis nourished, refreshed and hydrated. Not only will the outside be radiant, but you'll get your happy from the inside out.
2) IMMUNITY BOOSTER. It's cold and flu season. Did you know that a professional massage is a proved immune booster? Look it up, friends. Google will affirm it. How? Massage therapy increases the lymphatic drainage - our lymph system is the sewer system of our amazing bodies. Enough said.
3) CIRCULATION. I said it above, but massage helps to improve circulation, by enhancing the flow of book and oxygen. Notice cold hands and feet? Notice joints not moving quite as they should? That boils down to a circulation issue, caused by colder temps. This is a "no-brainer" but consider adding hot stones. Oh Baby!
4) WINTER BLUES. Are you one that feels the angst of winter time, also known as S.A.D or Seasonal Affective Disorder? My husband gets really out of sorts when he can't get outside for his normal activities like golf and tennis. Some actually fall into a winter depression. Let us help with that. Massage is proven to improve warmth and provide an overall improvement in well-being. Massage therapy causes our body to release serotonin and endorphins - the "happy hormones." 5) OUTDOOR WORK? Yuck. Well, no matter. Massage really will help after hard physical work. Let us work on those tight shoulder muscles, your lower back, glutes, and forearms.
Simply said, Massage is just what your body is asking for, right now and always.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your 60 minute or and hour and a half massage by clicking this link:
http://www.spa131.genbook.com