There are just two reactions from people who have never tried a hot stone therapy. One is to welcome this new variation of traditional massage with open arms. Another is to scratch your head, find it kind of bizarre and wonder what the stones have got to do with the therapy.

Whether you’re the first person or the second, you cannot take that little feeling of uneasiness and apprehension about getting a new kind of massage. Knowing what to expect can indeed make a big difference.

Here are some of the things you can expect from your first hot stone therapy:

1. The therapist will be using basalt stones that are rich in Iron and can retain heat well. These stones, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes, are river rocks that have been smoothed over time by the current of the river.
2. Before you get to your appointment, the therapist will be preparing to get ready, heating up the stones in 120-150 degree water. The heating process is done by immersing the stones in water and then heating with electric heating equipment until they reach the right temperature.
3. The heat in the stones helps in the release of muscular tension and relieves stress. The stones warm and relax the tension in the muscles, helping circulation and soothing the nervous system.
4. Once you get into the massage room, the therapist will give you some time alone to undress, get onto the table face down, and relax.
5. You won’t have to be nervous about being completely naked since you will be covered, usually with a sheet or blanket.  Only the area of the body that will be massaged, at the time, will be undraped and worked on.
6. The therapist will apply oil on your body to allow the hot stone to slide smoothly on your skin and will then place the massage stones on key energy points such as the back, palms and between the toes to improve energy flow.
7. Don’t be scared about getting scalded by the heat because the therapist will always hold the stones first to make sure that they are not too hot for your skin to handle. If you feel that the stones are too hot, be sure to let the therapist know as soon as possible.
8. Traditional Swedish massage strokes will be used while holding the stone or while leaving the stones on your body. Cooled stones will be replaced with new heated ones.
9. You will be asked to turn over onto your back and the therapist will repeat the process.
10. A reputable massage therapist will not include women’s breasts or the lap area of either sex.
11. If there’s anything that you feel uncomfortable with like the temperature of the room, type of music or lighting, don’t hold back and discuss it with the therapist.
12. The therapy will last for 60 to 90 minutes long and may cost somewhere between $50 to $190.
13. After the session, the therapist will leave the room and allow you to have some time by yourself to rest and relax. Don’t rush to get off the table after the session, but don’t spend the entire afternoon on it either.
14. Give your therapist a 10%-15% tip.

Getting a hot stone therapy is truly a pleasurable activity to indulge in. Knowing what to expect will erase any doubts and uneasiness you might feel for your first session.

Mary Singleton regularly writes for TIR Massage

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Because of the different influences in massage therapy, there are numerous variations in techniques, but all these various techniques, still provide the same health benefits. The Swedish and Ayurvedic massage both have very different origins and styles, but they still contribute a lot to attain a healthy and relaxed body.

With so many various forms of massage therapy programs available today, it has made it difficult for individuals to select which one is for them.

The Swedish Massage, which is also known as the classic or traditional massage is the most common massage therapy method and is ordinarily preferred by the majority of individuals. It is characterized by long and flowing strokes which relax muscles, improve joint flexibility and help in better circulation.

The first stroke is known as effleurage, involves long, gliding strokes from the neck down to the base of the spine, or from the shoulder down to the fingertips. It is also done on the limbs with all strokes directed toward the heart to aid blood and lymphatic flow. The therapist uses their whole hand or a thumb pad. This technique is done for familiarisation of the person’s body

Next is petrissage, this consists of the gentle lifting of muscles, then rolling and squeezing them, while applying a gentle pressure. This assists to enhance deeper circulation, it also increases circulation which in turn eliminates toxins from muscle and nerve tissue.

Friction, the third technique and the most forceful one is characterized by deep circular movements using fingertips applied near bony areas and joints and it relaxes the muscle fiber which enhances flexibility in muscles and joints.

After friction, another technique called tapotement is done. Tapotement is a series of quick forceful movements made by striking or tapping the muscles with the hand. It can be applied with a closed fist, fingertips and the edge of the hand. It releases tension and relieves muscle cramps.

Lastly, the therapist uses vibration or shaking that entails the pressing of hands on the back or limbs and shaking in a rapid motion for a few moments. It improves circulation and muscle contraction and is advantageous to individuals with low-back pain.

On the other hand, Ayurvedic massage originated from India and its purpose is to create harmony and balance within the person and it aids in the removal of toxins and rejuvenation of the body. It was not practiced publicly until Indian practitioners decided to roam around and give muscle, joint and back massages

Ayurvedic massage is based on a specific system that includes the knowledge of Ayurvedic and Greek systems of medicine which is focused on Ayurvedic doshas and marmas or pressure points. Muslim massage techniques were also adapted in this system.

Ayurvedic massage techniques uses specific oils that suit your dosha and depends on your being. Another one is the Abhyanga-Garshana which comprises of skin brushing followed by an oil massage, Udwarthanam which is a slimming massage that uses herbal powders and the Ayurvedic foot massage which is a deep massage where the therapist uses his feet.

Now you have sufficient knowledge on both Swedish and Ayurvedic massage, it is up to you to choose between the two which best suits your style of relaxation. Remember both massages have special qualities and techniques, the selecting part can be a little difficult though, so if you are still undecided why not try both?

Would you like to learn more about Massage Therapy Benefits or Swedish Massage Therapy. Then visit this popular website, that provides more free information to help you relax and de-stress with its Massage Therapy Tips.