A hot stone massage is not just about the hot stones. Indeed, the hot stones play an integral part of the process. The specially heated stones can provide an array of benefits, such as increased blood circulation, reduction of pain, and a loosening of muscles. However, think of the hot stones in a hot stones massage, as the “warm-up.” After removing the stones from the patient, you may start one of an array of massage styles, including:

1. Shiatsu Massage

People also refer to this type of massage, as acupressure (not to be confused with acupuncture). Shiatsu is based on the meridian system in traditional Chinese medicine. In Shiatsu, the therapist uses his or her fingers, thumbs, and palms, to apply pressure to particular regions on the patient's body. The patient indicates these problematic areas prior to the beginning of the massage session. Shiatsu includes various massage techniques, including squeezing, applied pressure, tapping, and rubbing. The goal, in line with traditional Chinese medicine, is to increase the flow of Qi (Chi) in the body.

2. Sports Massage

This type of massage is ideal for every type of athlete in the world. The methods that the therapist uses are based on the sport that the athlete plays, and often zeros-in on certain body parts. Therapists can give sports massages as athletes prepare for competition, or recover from it. Massages that therapists design for a particular athlete can provide several benefits:

• optimizes athlete's competition

• increases endurance

• boosts flexibility

• prevents injuries

• lowers fatigue

3. Swedish Massage

Today when we use the term “massage,” we often are referring to a Swedish massage. A few hundreds years ago, experts developed the Swedish massage style. The therapist uses long, smooth strokes to rub the body's muscles. These strokes move in the path of blood that is moving back towards the heart. Extra methods include:

• bending

• circular pressure

• kneading

• percussion-like tapping

• stretching

The therapist typically uses lotion, to activate the skin and to lower the amount of abrasion between the therapist's hands and the patient's skin.

4. Trigger Point Massage

Trigger Points are compact regions inside muscle tissue, which create pain in other regions of the body. The type of pain can vary. It can be dull or sharp. Injuries or overusing muscles can cause trigger points.

A Trigger Point massage attempts to reduce the pain's source. The therapist uses cycles of remote “pressure and release.” Patients must perform deep breathing, determine precisely where the pain is, and gauge how strong it is. Trigger Point massage functions in releasing powerful endorphins and releasing toxins that exist in the muscles. In fact, such massages frequently reduce pain after a single treatment!

In a hot stone massage, the hot stones are just the beginning. After loosening the muscles through placement of the hot stones, the therapist can proceed to one of several different massage styles. Each of these methods includes special applications and methods. Before choosing which massage method to use, know what the options are!