Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is a relaxing and a soft massage done with oils that aid tranquil, gliding strokes known as effleurage. This article focuses on simple Swedish massage techniques and therapies.

If it's your first visit to a rejuvenation spa, it would be good to introduce yourself to the world of relaxation with Swedish massage. The goal of a Swedish massage is to relax the entire body by rubbing the muscles, with long fluid movements in the same direction of blood returning toward the heart. It not only increases the levels of oxygen in the blood, but also improves circulation and flexibility, decreases toxins, and eases tension.

Swedish Massage Techniques
Swedish massage therapy has six different techniques of long, flowing strokes that make for the entire massage session. Let's take a look at a detailed explanation of how each of these executed.

Effleurage: To warm up the muscles before the deep tissue massage, the masseuse applies gentle gliding strokes with the palms, thumbs, and fingertips. With long, circular, and sweeping strokes, the massage concentrates more than one part of the body. Basically what effleurage does is connect one part of the body to the others, making it seem as if someone is breaking the muscles instead of relaxing them. All Swedish massages start and end with the effleurage strokes which targets to promote healthy functions of the veins.

Petrissage: There are four basic methods to this Swedish massage while performing the petrissage movement: pick-up and squeeze, kneading, squeezing, and skin rolling. During this type of massage, slight force is required to compact the fundamental muscles. Kneading requires slow, rhythmic movements performed with the knuckles and then elevate in upward, round moves. It doesn't concentrate any specific area of the body, but this type of Swedish massage penetrates deep in the muscles. An advanced petrissage movement of scissoring requires a flat surface on the body and massaged with little pressure.

Tapotement: A more technical movement used in Swedish massage, tapotement is performed with palms, side of the hands, or fingertips. When the masseuse uses his/her palms or the side of the hands, it's called hacking. The area concentrated by the masseuse helps in stimulating specific areas of the body and aids in loosening it as well. If someone has any tension built up in their back and/or shoulders, gentle tapping strokes are used to release them. With addition to tapping and hacking, tapotement movements also uses fingers and hands for gentle pinching and slapping moves during the massage.

Vibration: A specific area of the body is concentrated as the masseuse shakes the area to treat it. Similar to the tapotement movement, vibration technique also loosens the muscles with the help of fingertips, base of the palm, and/or side of the palms. The vibration strokes are repeated throughout the body as it releases each muscle tension. The vibration technique relaxes small areas like your face or neck, and large areas like your thighs or spine.

Friction: The only Swedish massage that concentrates on deeper muscles with strong pressure strokes, friction technique is performed by putting weight of the masseuse onto the receiver. It's a consecutive sliding, circular movement where the masseuse generates heat by rubbing the palms of the hands firmly on the receiver's skin. With the help of the knuckles, thumbs, fingers, and back of forearms, the friction movement can be achieved.

Swedish Massage Therapy Benefits
With numerous mental and physical massage therapy benefits, today, Swedish massage is popular throughout the world. Take a look at some these benefits mentioned below.

• Improves the quality of sleep.
• Relieves stress, depression, irritation, and anxiety.
• Helps concentrate on daily activities and improves overall well-being.
• Increases muscle strength, strengthens connective tissues, and relieves cramps and muscles spasm.
• Sedates the nervous system and stimulates good blood circulation.
• Firms up the muscles and skin tone, and speeds the healing process after an injury or illness.
• Swedish massage aids in relieving symptoms like arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, asthma, headache, TJM (temporomandibular joint) dysfunction, and some athletic injuries.

Before I end this article, there are few tips I would like to share with you. To help preserve the feeling of presence and comfort, always maintain physical contact with the person getting the massage. Listen carefully to each and every specific needs of the receiver. Keep the ambiance relaxed with dim lights and soothing music. And last, but certainly not the least, be gentle while performing the Swedish massage, because you need to loosen the muscles for them to start relaxing.

Massage Therapy Benefits

Massage therapy benefits include relief from back pain, neck and shoulder pain, strengthening immune system, and a promise of healthy and good life. Benefits of massage therapy bring about a harmony between body and mind.

A massage after a long week of hard work and running around is surely a deserved treat. As the pudgy hands of the masseuse, slowly knead your body, they entice the stressed parts of the body to relax and rejuvenate. They know which massage therapy will suit your body and relieve you from strain. Massage therapy benefits are not only of relaxation and rejuvenation, but also other medicinal benefits. The history of massages, shows that ancient Greeks used massages for good health and healing. Thus, its clear that the massaging techniques have evolved over a period of 2000 years, granting well-being and healthy living.

Benefits of Massage Therapy
Swedish Massage
Swedish massage is the most popular massage therapy in United States. The masseuse uses long smooth stokes for massaging. They knead the layers of the skin and muscles in circular motions using lotion of oil. The gentleness of the massage makes the body feel light. Swedish massage helps in reducing back pain, arthritis, tendinitis, stress-relief, headaches, migraines, spasms and sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, respiratory problems and post-surgical rehabilitation. The 40-90 minute session begins with consultation about symptoms, lifestyle and medical history.

Aromatherapy Massage
Aromatherapy massage uses scented plant oils for massaging the body. The essential oils, like the chamomile essential oil, have medicinal properties. German chamomile essential oil has the ability of inducing sleep, which is considered to be a remedy for insomnia. Depending on the problems, the massage therapists use the oils for stress relief, balancing and energizing. The most commonly used aromatherapy oil in the aromatherapy massage is the lavender oil. As you inhale the aroma, the essential oil molecules reach your limbic system and positively affect the heart-rate, breathing, memory, digestion and immune system. The oils get absorbed in the skin. The essential function of essential oils is to have a calming effect, uplifting the mood, energizing and de-congesting the system. Health benefits of massage therapy are, headache relief, curing digestive disorders, managing premenstrual syndrome and reducing back pain.

Hot Stone Massage
Hot stone massage, as the phrase suggests uses hot stones or flat stones to massage the body. The heated flat stones are placed at key points of the body for healing. The basalt type rock, is a rich source of iron and thus retains the heat. These rocks are usually found in the river beds, which is the reason why they are flat with smooth curved edges. The heat relaxes the muscles and improves circulation in the nervous system. These stones are kept on the energy centers or Chakras in the body, which bring about the harmony of body and mind. Hot stone massages help people to deal with depression, anxiety, insomnia, Osteoarthritis and arthritis pain, back pain and aches.

Shiatsu
Shiatsu is a Japanese massage, which means using 'finger pressure'. Shiatsu line of thought believes, the reason for illness is blockage in the flow of energy through the body. Basically, Shiatsu 'overactive sympathetic nervous system, which improves circulation, relieves stiff muscles, and alleviates stress.' The masseuse do this body work in a rhythm with their fingers and palms. Shiatsu relieves the body from stress, depression, constipation, poor digestion, tiredness, headache, back pain, neck and shoulder pain and premenstrual syndrome.

It has been medically proved, that massage therapy health benefits are improvement of immune system and render in holistic cure. The biggest massage therapy benefits are union of body and mind. To look at it carefully, a dysfunctional body is a result of disturbed mind. Massages are to calm the sense, improving the thinking ability of the brain. Once the brain begins to function properly, the body automatically gets better. Day-to-day stress cannot be escaped, the remedy to dealing with the stress is to indulge in massages. As a matter of fact, a health benefit of massage is 'powerful self esteem', so why not make a trip to the spa this weekend!

Facial Muscle Exercises

We often read about exercises, but we never bother about facial muscle exercises. I guess we totally forget, that we have muscles on our face too. Scroll down to know which are the facial muscle exercises...

Facial muscle exercises help in improving the look and expressiveness of the face. Facial muscles are directly attached to the skin, which cover them, which is not the case with the other skeletal muscles of the body. Often due to age and gravity, the facial muscles start to lose their tone and elasticity, and the skin attached to them begins to sag. Facial muscle in stimulating the blood flow and blood circulation to the face. It also helps in relieving tension and improves the overall appearance of the face. With the help of facial you will be able to get smooth and wrinkle free skin.

Facial Exercises

When we are looking to design a face muscle workout, we will have to make sure we have face exercises for all parts of the face. Facial muscle exercises include exercises for the forehead, lips, eyes, cheeks, neck and double chin. You may want to read on

Facial Muscles Exercise # 1
The first exercise is for the forehead. The forehead is the most prominent place where we can see the age clearly. To do this exercise, place your index fingers just above the eyes and try to pull down your eyes, as you try to raise your eyebrows. With this exercise, the skin on the forehead will be firmer, but you will have to repeat this exercise for a minimum of 10 counts.

Facial Muscles Exercise # 2
Who would not like to have a beautiful pout, a la Angelina Jolie? This is a simple exercise to firm your lips. All you will have to do is to suck on your finger as hard as possible and then slowly remove the finger. Men will drool over your lips. Do you want to read on facial exercises for jowls.

Facial Muscles Exercise # 3
Every day we strain our eyes so much, but rarely are we bothered about taking care of them. There are two exercises for the eyes, which we will see. To do the first exercise, close your eyes and relax a little. Keep your eyes closed and try to look up and down as much as you can. Repeat the steps ten to fifteen times. Click to read on facial exercises for wrinkles.

The next exercise is also a simple exercise, which can be done anywhere, anytime. Sit straight and keep your eyes closed. Slowly lift your eyebrows and try to stretch your eyelids down to the maximum limit, but make sure your eyes are closed. Hold the position for a count of 10, release and then repeat the exercise ten times.

Facial Muscles Exercise # 4
The next exercise is for the cheeks. Often cheeks are the areas where most of the effects of gravity and age are seen. Raise your cheeks by smiling as hard as you can. Hold the position and place three fingers on the cheeks and try to push them down. When you doing this exercise, it is important to keep your head back.

Facial Muscles Exercise # 5
Most of the people think that the face ends at the chin, however, it is not so. The neck is also a part of the face. After the cheeks, the neck is the area where you will come across sagging skin. Sit straight against the wall and try to tilt your head backwards, so that you are comfortably able to look at the ceiling. Keep your lips closed and now try to move the lower lip over the upper lip as far as you can. Hold in the position for a count of ten, relax, and then repeat the exercise again for 10 counts.

Facial Muscles Exercise # 6
When you are fighting the flab, I am sure you have also seen the fight with flab which is called double chin. Like in the previous exercise, sit straight close to a wall and tilt your head backwards to look up at the ceiling. Close your lips and try to round them. Count till twenty, bring your head back to the normal position, and repeat the exercise again 10 times.

Once you start doing these facial muscle exercises, do not expect the results immediately. For the results to be visible you will have to be patient and do the exercises diligently for at least 3 weeks. However, after you do the exercises, you will also notice that your face glows with radiance and you will start looking much younger than your actual age.

Chinese Massage Therapy

The techniques, principles and benefits of Chinese Massage Therapy.

Chinese Massage Therapy, also called as Tui Na, is a part of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). This is a complete healing system like acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. It includes five parts:

• Amno, press and rub : used for rejuvenation and health maintenance
• Tuina, push and grasp : used for treating injuries, joint and muscle problems and internal disorders
• Infant Tuina : used for babies and young children
• Dian Xue, point press : use of methods similar to Acupressure
• Wai Qi Liao Fa, curing with external qi (energy) : healing with direct transmission by qigong masters who have undergone several years of rigorous training and discipline

The concept is that massage affects the physical body with the network of energy called Qi body and the mental body i.e. thoughts, emotions and spiritual senses. It is aimed to activate and regulate the network of energy and enhance relaxation that raises the flexibility, eases spasms and straightens the joints. It is assumed that the dearth of free flow of Qi and blood gives rise to pain. The massage causes movement and is a good solution for pain relief. It is generally done on a couch or a stool.

Techniques of Chinese Massage
The different techniques are compression, swing, friction, vibration, percussion, pinching and grasping and joint manipulation.

Compression
Pressure is applied by the fingers, limbs and palms to execute motions like nipping, pressing, stepping and twisting. This results in relief of muscular stiffness, removal of blockages and promotion of circulation.

Friction
Rubbing, pushing, gliding and wiping is carried out to create heat on the body surface and improve the underneath circulation. Rhythmic small circular movements are used for abdominal problems and gross scrubbing motions are used for the chest, limbs and back.

Swing
Finger-pushing, kneading and rolling is done. "Pushing with one finger meditation" is a usual technique in TCM massage.

Joint manipulation
Rotation, pulling, abducing and adducting actions assists in increasing the range of joint motion and flexibility of the limbs and spine.

Percussion
Finger tapping is used on the head, abdomen and chest regions, fist striking is used for the back and palm patting for the waist, hip and limbs.

Pinching and grasping
Rhythmic picking up and squeezing of the soft tissues is done by twisting, holding, kneading and pinching with the operator's fingers. If the shoulder is grasped, this enables to resume the flow of qi in the chest.

Vibration
Rapid vibration, shaking and rocking a selected region is done to resume qi movement, get rid of stagnation and enhance gastro-intestinal functioning.

Principles of massage therapy
The underlying principle of Chinese Massage Therapy is called jing luo or channels and collaterals. As per this, the body has a network of pathways that transport qi and blood that regulate yin and yang so that the external pathogens are avoided and the internal organs are linked with the exterior. If the jing luo is blocked, this causes pain and gives rise to many health problems. So, the massage techniques are intended to affect the jing luo by:

• activating qi and blood (for raising its activity)
• regulating qi and blood (for overcoming stagnation and guiding flow)
• dredging the channels (to get rid of external pathogens like cold and damp)

Jin means the work of all soft and connective tissues for movement and flexibility. The massage also relaxes this jin. It is observed that both jin and joints have an effect on the flow of qi in the jing luo.

The aim of Anmo massage is to provide a balanced full body treatment. One session can continue upto two hours. Yang techniques are employed to expel the stagnant qi and activate flow. The Yin techniques are used to calm and relax. During the session, in case there is a strong communication of qi, it results in a very deep experience. Tuina massage is used to overcome any complaint and the underlying pattern.

Benefits

• an improvement in the emotional problems
• headaches, IBS, migraines, constipation, PMS are overcome
• neck, shoulder and back pain are improved
• immobility, sciatica and tennis elbow can be effected
• chronic pain resulting from muscle-skeletal conditions and injuries can be treated

Massage Techniques - How to Give a Massage

Here are a few of the most popular techniques of massage along with their benefits.

Massage is one of the simplest and oldest forms of medical treatment used for easing aches and pain in the body and also for alleviating psychological problems like anxiety and stress. Massage involves stroking and kneading the soft tissues of the body, the muscles and skin, using varying amounts of pressure, and has been in use in many traditional healing systems in the world like Chinese Medicine and Indian Ayurveda. The practitioners of modern systems of alternative therapies such as reflexology and aromatherapy also use a variety of massage techniques.

The sense of well-being and relaxation that a massage creates is due to the nervous system being affected because the nerve endings in the skin are stimulated, which helps to release endorphins, the natural ‘feel good’ chemicals of the body. It is these endorphins that are responsible for relieving aches and pains, along with stress and anxiety, because they reduce stress hormones in the body, like noradrenaline and cortisol. Thus the damaging effects of stress are reversed because high blood pressure is lowered, and metabolism, respiration, and heart rate are slowed down.

More forceful massage improves blood circulation, which in turn results in body tissues getting a better supply of nutrients and oxygen and also stimulates the lymphatic system to clear away toxic waste products. It helps in easing stiff joints and knotted and stiff muscles, thus improving flexibility and mobility.

Given below are a few of the most popular varieties of massage therapy:

Swedish Massage
In the US, this is the most popular type of massage people opt for. Often, it is just called massage therapy. In this system, the therapist uses smooth and long strokes, and circular and kneading movements on the superficial muscle layers, using massage oil or lotion. This massage can be very relaxing and gentle. If you have never experienced being massaged before, this is a good one to try out.

Deep Tissue Massage
In this method, deeper layers of connective tissue and muscle are targeted. The therapist massages across the grain of the muscle, using friction techniques and slower strokes. Deep tissue massage is very beneficial for chronically painful or tight muscles, postural problems, when recovering from injury, or when the body experiences repetitive strain. Being a stronger massaging technique, it may result in a little soreness for a day or two after the massage session.

Aromatherapy Massage
In this type of massage therapy, one or more aromatic oils, also known as essential oils, are used, according to specific needs. The essential oils that are used in the massage are selected because of their energizing, relaxing, balancing, and stress reducing characteristics. The aroma of the oils helps to calm emotions. Lavender and sage are two of the common essential oils used in aromatherapy massage. Usually, a few drops of essential oil is mixed with a base massage oil, which when massaged on the body allows the essential oil to be absorbed by the skin.

Hot Stone Massage
In this, smooth stones that are heated are placed on various points of the body. The warmth of the stones helps to loosen tightened muscles and stimulates centers of energy in the body. The therapist may also apply pressure gently on the stones to enhance the sensation. This massaging technique is beneficial for people who have tense muscles but would prefer a gentler massage.

Shiatsu
This is a Japanese massaging technique wherein pressure is applied with the fingers in a rhythmic order on acupuncture points. At each point the pressure is held for 2-8 seconds, which increases the flow of energy, thus helping the body to regain its balance. Usually, when people try out this massage for the first time, they are pleasantly surprised, because, although the pressure applied is quite firm, it is relaxing, plus there is no post-massage soreness.

Reflexology
In this method, pressure is applied on certain points on the foot, which correspond to systems and organs in the body. People who have to stand all day or just have achy, tired feet find this massage technique particularly relaxing.

Thai Massage
Similar to shiatsu, gentle pressure is applied on specific points of the body in order to align the body’s energies. However, additionally, stretches and compressions are also included. Hence, unlike other systems of massage, you don’t merely lie there; the therapist stretches and moves your body in a sequence of postures, much like yoga, except that you don’t have to make the effort of getting into the postures. Apart from reducing stress, it also improves range of movement and flexibility. Compared to other forms of massage, Thai massage is more energizing.

Back Massage
One of the areas of the body that is most adversely affected by modern sedentary lifestyle, which usually involves poor posture, is the back and the nape of the neck. A 30-40-minute back massage can relieve tensions in that area and also ease aches. If a massage clinic does not advertise a back massage specifically, you can book a session just for it.

Pregnancy Massage
Also referred to as prenatal massage, this massage method is growing in popularity with expectant mothers. The therapist has to be qualified in pregnancy massage, and hence knows the correct way to support and position the woman’s body while giving the massage. She is also trained to modify techniques and is customized according to each woman’s needs. Pregnancy massage reduces stress, relieves pains and aches, decreases swelling, and helps to reduce depression and anxiety.

Sports Massage
As is evident from the name, this type of massage is designed specifically for people involved in sports. Apart from professional athletes, it can also be used by those who workout regularly or are physically active. This method focuses more on preventing or treating injury and increasing athletic performance. Here, a combination of various techniques is used, with the massaging strokes being generally quicker than used in Swedish massage. A common technique is facilitated stretches, and it helps in increasing flexibility and loosening muscles.

Facial Massage Techniques

A facial massage is the best way to give some much needed 'tender loving care' to your face. This is gaining more and more popularity and there are several facial massage techniques that are used in the beauty world. Let us see what some of these are..

Have you ever looked in the mirror and been greeted with a very pale and sallow reflection? Have you felt that the skin has lost its sheen and luminance? There is a high possibility that sometime or the other you have. This effect can be brought about by age and tension. So what then? How do you correct it? Simple. Go in for a facial massage therapy. A facial massage therapy will help in effective blood circulation, such that the blood starts flowing back to the face. This will help to get the lost color back and a visible change in the appearance can be noticed. To achieve this result, there are several facial massage techniques that you can choose from. Some are given below. Read more on massage therapy techniques.

Facial Massage Techniques

Let us review some of the easiest and most effective facial massage techniques:

• Use the index finger and middle finger for this technique. Place the middle finger under the jawline while the index finger rests on top of the jawline. Then slide from the jawline till the ears, using a very firm grip.
• Take some oil (Vegetable or nut) and mix it well onto your palms. Apply this to your neck and face using long, outward and upward sweeping movements. Apply very little around the eyes and massage using only the ring fingers of both hands.
• Massage your neck by using both hands alternately. Slide them upwards from the base of the neck to the jaw line. Turn the hands lightly over the neck and windpipe. This should be done from ear to ear.
• Hold your hands in together, with the fingers clasped and pointing towards the forehead over your nose. Then press for 4-5 seconds and release. Repeat 7- 8 times.
• Put your fingers together and using your whole hand start applying pressure on the left side of the neck with the right hand. Start from the base of the neck and go till the jawline. Then repeat on the other side switching hands.

Facial Massage Techniques - Step by Step

• Head Tap - Tap the scalp and forehead with your fingers (as if drumming the table). This will increase blood flow and help you relax.
• Forehead Massage - Clasp the fingers together over your forehead with the index finger right on top of the others. Then in a smooth movement, take the hands up to the hairline in a firm lifting movement. Repeat this 5-8 times.
• Eye Massage- Fold both hands into a fist at the eye level. Then place the thumb on the cheekbones. Start at the nose bridge and draw the knuckles of the index finger over the eyebrows in an arc. Then get them down from the outside of the eye. Repeat this same action but this time under the eye. Do this 8-10 times.
• Cheek Palming - Place both hands over the cheekbones. Then from the cheekbones till the mouth, draw the palms down and continue doing so along the bottom of the jawbone. Then draw along the same jawline till the ears and down to the cheekbones again. Repeat this cycle 8-10 times.
• Mouth Exercises - Do some mouth exercises to tighten the area. Smile widely 5-6 times. This stretches the muscles. Then look up towards the ceiling and just open and close your mouth several times. This helps in relaxing the jawline and tightening the neck. One can also lightly tap the area around the mouth.
• Throat Strokes - Gently pinch the area over the throat and collar bone. Make sure you don't do it too hard.
• Ear Swipes - Simply massage the entire ear using your thumb and two fingers. Start at the top and continue till the lobe. Use as much pressure as that you are comfortable with. Do this 5-6 times and end by giving the lobe a gentle pull. You can even use oil for this.

What is a Hot Stone Massage?

A hot stone massage can be one of the most relaxing indulgences you can take. Imported from Sweden it is fast growing in popularity throughout the world.

Although the hot stone massage is a relatively new technique it is one that has gained a lot of favor from those who practice its healing powers. It is fast challenging the restorative power of the full body massage in terms of popularity in the world of relaxation. A hot stone massage, first developed in Sweden, is just what it sounds like, the use of hot stones used in addition to a more traditional massage to help relieve stress and relieve tight aching muscles.

A hot stone massage is different then a more traditional full body massage or a therapeutic massage in that it requires a more gentle touch and in some cases the therapist may not even touch you, other then to position the hot stones. The nice thing about this type of massage is that it doesn’t hurt, unlike other forms of massage that require deep and sometimes painful kneading. This makes it perfect for those whose pain threshold may not be very high.

Hot stone massages can vary depending on the massage therapist and the needs of their client, but this is mainly dependent on the training the masseuse has had in the techniques they have studied. The hot stones themselves are always the same, basalt stones that have the ability to retain their heat for the length of the massage. The stones are heated up to nearly one hundred and twenty degrees before they are applied.

After he stones have been heated to the proper temperature the stones are strategically placed on the body parts where they will have the most benefit. Body parts such as the arms and legs will have lighter stones placed on them while the heavier three to five pound stones will be placed on the torso. After the heat from the stones has penetrated into the muscles the therapist will usually begin rubbing a stone over their clients’ body, stopping to work those areas that are unusually tight or tense. Of course if the therapist and client prefer a hot stone massage can be done without any rubbing and accomplished by just allowing the heat from the stones to do all the work.

Massage Tips - Preparing for your First Hot Stone Massage

You've always wondered how it feels to indulge in a massage session. Most of your family and friends have tried it and you hear nothing but positive feedbacks from them. There's a part of you that wants to try it for yourself and another part of you that feels conscious about having another person touch your body.

The hot stone massage is probably the solution for a person like you. During most of the time of the session, it would be the stones which will be doing most of the work, relaxing your body and releasing tension from your muscles. Only minimal skin contact will be received from the therapist.

With the growing popularity of this hottest fad in massage, it is probably about time that you try it for yourself. Here are some tips to help you prepare for your first hot stone therapy.

Select a convenient location and arrangement. A local day spa is a good choice for first-timers since everything is already set up for you. Get recommendations from family and friends or research online to learn about the facilities and amenities of the day spas in your town.

1. Schedule your appointment on a day that is not very hectic. A weekend free from all work and plans is ideal since this will allow you more time to relax before and after a session.
2. Dress comfortably. Avoid wearing many layers of clothing when you go for a massage. A hot stone therapy session will require you to be naked but you will be appropriately covered with a blanket during the session, exposing only a part of the body being treated at a time. If you're feeling self-conscious about being naked, be sure to tell your therapist so she can make arrangements for you to feel comfortable and less anxious.
3. If you have a long hair, tie it up to a ponytail so your hair won't get in the way when the therapist works on your neck and shoulders. It's also a good idea not to wear any jewelry.
4. Arrive on time. You need time to relax and cool down before the session.
   
5. Communicate with your therapist for any preferences that you may have. If you like dimmer lighting, or the aroma of the room makes you dizzy, or you prefer another type of background music, never hesitate to speak up. Good communication is one of the keys to having an ultimate massage experience.
6. Drink plenty of water before the session to help flush out the toxins from your body. Do the same after to avoid getting dehydrated.
   
7. Don't eat a heavy meal at least one hour before your scheduled appointment.
   
8. Relax. This is probably the most important step in your preparation. Loosen up those tightened muscles and let your mind wander and take you to a peaceful place where there is nothing to worry about, where the words laundry, office work or stress do not exist.

Once you've experienced how blissful and relaxing a session of hot stone therapy is, you'll surely be looking forward to your next.

Why Choose Hot Stone Massage ?

Hot stone massage which uses heated basalt stones to relax the body and release muscular tension, has fast become one of the most popular massage techniques there is. To save you from the headache of studying each kind of massage style, here are the top reasons why hot stone therapy is the way to go:

• It can help with a wide variety of health conditions. Some of these include arthritis, fibromyalgia, muscular pain, headaches, carpal tunnel pain, back problems, runners cramps, sciatic pain, plantar fasciatis, and many others.
  
• It helps improve blood circulation and increase oxygen in the body.
  
• It is a wonderful break from your hectic lifestyle which gives you relief from stress and brings you relaxation like no other. For a couple of minutes, you will be taken to a wonderful and peaceful place where no office work, traffic jams, or household chores will bother you.
  
• It is ideal for people who are self-conscious about letting other people touch their body. Compared with other massage styles, in this kind there is minimal skin contact from the therapist since most of the work is being done by the hot stones.
  
• It does wonders in loosening up tight and sore muscles.
  
• It can boost your immune function.
  
• It is a natural process that does not entail any use of synthetic chemicals.
  
• It can re energize you physically. After a session, you'll feel that vigor you haven't felt in years.
  
• It is affordable. You can receive a hot stone massage for as low as $50.
  
• It won't take too much of your time. It's just 60 to 90 minutes per session.
  
• It's not painful unlike other massage styles which will leave you sore after.
  
• It's widely available. Many local day spas offer hot stone therapies.
  
• You can do it in the comfort of your own home. You can buy hot stones and other massage equipment online or at department stores.
  
• It can help make you sleep better.
  
• It is a nice gift you can give yourself which you truly deserve after working so hard each day.
  
• It reduces anxiety and can help you cope with depression. A hot stone therapy can certainly give your spirit a lift when you're feeling down.
  
• It can satisfy your craving for nurturing touch. It's only human to long for another human's touch but since you can't always reach for someone to hug or you can't always have intimate moments with your husband and cuddly moments with your kids, a hot stone massage can be a great alternative.

What's not to love about a hot stone massage? Its relaxing and therapeutic benefits are more than enough reasons for you to experience it for yourself.