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.

The Massage Stone - The Revolution in Massage Treatment

As with most other industries that exist, the massage industry has gone through some revolutionary changes in order to provide increasingly effective services to people looking for massage therapy and treatment. Of particular popularity is the massage stone, which provides a full body massage, depending on the types of stones used and the massage parlor that is visited.

Many massages stones are created from basalt, which is one of the most abundant igneous rocks that exist, and are used primarily for hot stone massages because they naturally retain heat quite well. Basalt stones vary in size as well as assortment of shapes, which can be used on various parts of the body. For example, contour stones and neck stones exist for the back and neck area respectively. There are also foot stones, and stones that go between fingers and toes, which help to provide a soothing manicure or pedicure treatment. Basalt stones are said to help remove toxic waste from the muscles, and are also effective at relieving stress, depression and even stiff joints!

Massage stones also come in the form of marble, which are typically used for cold stone massages. Chilled marble stones best retain the colder temperatures, and they work at constricting and dilating the blood vessels, thereby allowing for a cleansing effect. Marble stones are effective at deep tissue massage, facials, full body massages, manicures, pedicures, as well as any other type of massage treatment. If you feel you would prefer a cold stone massage treatment, then a marble stone treatment would definitely be perfect for you.

Chakra stones are also very effective as popular massage stones, and are used in conjunction with hot stone massages to enhance the effects. As you probably figured, these stones are directly related to the Chakra healing techniques, which concentrate on seven centers of energy said to exist in the human body. Chakra stones are meant to be placed on specific points of the body, or pressure points, so blocked negative energies and tension can be released.

A combination of hot and cold massage stone therapy can provide beneficial treatment, as well as ultimate relaxation for people who experience it. Today, there are even stones that are used specifically for deep tissue massages that go much further than the standard surface massage. If you have been accustomed to the regular, plain old massage treatment from the masseuse at the salon around the corner, how about introducing yourself to the power of massage stone treatment? With massage stones, you can basically achieve the same results that a regular body massage would provide, plus added benefits. Depending on what your needs and preferences are, you can perhaps try out hot or cold stone massages - or both.

Be a part of the revolutionary massage treatment that has created quite a stir in the massage and specialized treatment industry. Give your body the treatment and relaxation it deserves by introducing yourself to massage stone therapy. Your body will definitely feel the results almost immediately.

Massage Oil Is A Must For The Ultimate Full Body Massage

If you’ve ever had a full body massage, you will know that masseuses usually use massage oil to perform the various techniques they use to relax you and to perform a great body massage. Using massage oil is a must if the masseuse hopes to dig deep into the muscle and ligament without causing undue discomfort. This is because using massage oil makes the hands slippery, which reduces the friction and chances of getting skin burn as the masseuse works his or her magic on your tired body.

Various Massage Oil Scents Are Available

Massage oil comes in a variety of scents, some scents are tailored towards a totally relaxing experience, which makes for a great full body massage. If you’ve never had a massage before using one of the scented oils, ask your masseuse to use it on you the enxt time you get a body massage. You will love the way the various scents as it relaxes all your muscles and, essentially, take you to another place.

However, the massage oil does not need to be scented in order for it to work. All you have to do is to feel the masseuses well oiled hands on your skin and tired muscles to tell how effective using massage oil truly is. There is no discomfort as the masseuse slides his or her hands over your muscles, digging in deep to get out any tight knots that may have formed from stress.

Stress can cause all sorts of problems if leaves untreated. There are many ways to relieve stress, but a good body massage is still one of the best. It’s relaxing, for one, and it’s almost as if you are king or queen for a day, or an hour at the very least. There’s nothing else like having a great body massage. So, if you feel stressed, go schedule an appointment with a masseuse today. Most charge by the hour and the rates vary so make sure you shop around for a good deal. The best way to find a reliable masseuse is to ask your friends or coworkers to recommend one.

Let’s face it, we live in a very stressful times. Everyone experiences stress at some point in their lives and a massage with massage oil is the perfect way to relieve that body and mental stress. If you’ve never had a massage before, you should schedule one today. When you’re in the room with the masseuse, ask them if you can have scented massage oil for the body treatment. If not, ask them if they offer various massage oils. They will explain what each oil does and, when they finally get to work, you’ll have a chance to finally relax your tired body and you’ll never want another massage unless they are using your favorite massage oil.

What a Massage Therapist Should Remember During Stone Massage Sessions

Massage is an essential way to make people forget about all their aches and pains. The gentle, firm touch of the therapist makes a whole new difference in delivering comfort, rejuvenation, and relaxation. It is no different from grinding up different spices to bring out their unique flavors. Therapists do the same thing with their clients. They knead and rub their muscles to bring out the new person, who is renewed and completely rid of stress.

Clients know what they need when it comes to acquiring massage services from health spas. They take notice of what ails them and consult the massage therapist. With this, they work together in knowing the trigger points that need attention. This way, the therapist finds it easier to target the pain spots during the session.

Therapists spend a lot of their time in making their clients feel comfortable. They have dependable equipment and supplies that help them enhance the massage experience. But if the therapist wants to do a good job during the session, kneading, rubbing, and having all those supplies are not enough. Like any other specialization, there are some things that the therapist has to take into careful consideration during the stone massage session.

a.) Safety. This should be primarily considered because safety includes both the therapist and the client. During a hot stone massage, the therapist and the client both get in contact with the hot stones. The massage therapist handles the hot stones. The client endures these hot stones during massage sessions. Towels and tongs make it easy for the therapist to handle these massage stones. The therapist should always have an ice bath ready to use for cooling down the client's skin or the stones themselves.

b.) Temperature. Therapists should always take temperature into consideration. They use the heated stones all throughout the session, so heating them up should be done properly. The temperature of these stones should be between 120 and 150 degrees. Massage therapists should maintain the temperature for about 15 to 55 minutes before each session begins. They should carefully monitor their stones as they heat up so that they are of the right temperature for the client. They should also make sure that the client finds the heat of the stones just right for them to take even if they are supposed to be hot to begin with.

c.) Stone placement. During each rejuvenating, relaxing stone massage session, therapists should always consider where to carefully place the heated stones. They should know the trigger points on the client's body so that they could strategically place the hot stones. They should also know which areas of the client's body they should use the working stones during the stone massage session.

Massage therapists who are dedicated enough to do their jobs right have clients who come back again for another round of relaxation.

These are only some of the basic things that the therapist should remember during stone massage sessions. With these always in mind, massage therapists are assured that they will be able to perform their stone massage efficiently and effectively, much to the satisfaction of their clients.

Massage Stones as Perfect Tools For a Massage Therapy

It is essential for any type of job to have the right equipment. This will always be a crucial factor in the success of any work that needs to be done properly and extensively. In a basic sense, tools make it easier for work to be done more efficiently. This also applies in the usage of massage rock or stone in the effectiveness of a hot stone massage therapy. Finding the ideal types of stones is significant and creates a better massage experience for any individual.

When providing a massage with the use of heated stones, it is important to be knowledgeable on the proper use of these stones. The best stones should be heated in the most ideal temperature and placed correctly on specific points of the body.

A perfect stone massage will begin by using the right stones. Basalt stones are usually the type of stone used for this treatment. These are black rocks which are often a result of undersea volcanic eruptions. It is considered as an igneous rock and has oxygen and silica as its main elements. A basalt rock is rich in iron and magnesium. It composes 90% of the materials that escapes from a volcano.

A basalt stone is ideal for a hot stone massage therapy. It is capable of absorbing heat and is able to retain it in a long period of time. The heated stones are used together with a Swedish massage to create that soothing and calming effect on the body. It comes in a variety of different sizes and shapes.

It is also vital to keep these rocks in good condition by properly taking care of them. When you buy these stones for the first, it is essential to heat them first in water. Dry it completely and apply essential oil on the stones. Allow it to sit awhile until the oil is completely absorbed. Let it air dry inside or outdoors.

It is imperative that a massage rock be correctly heated. During a massage session, boil them in a heater especially designed for stones so they will be warmed evenly. There are special stone heaters available in the market and in the internet. This process should be done even before the client arrives. Also make sure that the stones are not too hot for the client by always checking up on its temperature. You should be careful in placing these stones on the client’s back and ensure that it will not cause burns.

Finally, these stones must be properly positioned on the client’s back. Wipe the rocks first before placing it on the client’s back to avoid slippage. Special utensils are used when handling these stones, use it well to avoid burning your hands. You should also advise the client to speak up if he feels uncomfortable with the stone’s temperature in any way.

A massage stone is a perfect tool in relieving stress and tension of everyday life. It is important to take care of them properly to maximize its performance and provide your client with a wonderful hot stone massage therapy. It will definitely be a basic tool that can provide wonderful results.

Your Massage Presentation Professional For Massage Business Success

For those of you who are planning on going into the field of massage therapy, or if you are already in the field, you should make sure that you present yourself in the best possible light. Brush up on your people skills and learn how to make a conversation open and pleasant. Learn how to listen instead of talking and learn when, not to say anything. One of the secrets to being an excellent massage therapist is by learning the importance of communication skills in your massage business.

But the biggest impact that you can make in your massage therapy business is learning how to present yourself, in a professional and business-like manner. I know that this may sound like common-sense but more likely, either you forget about the importance of it or you forget that your massage business, even though it is a very nurturing, holistic and relaxed atmosphere, is still a business.

Your business still must pay the bills, support yourself and your family and most of all, meet the need, to have a steady stream of clients, both old and new. In my 10 plus years of working for myself and various spas, I contribute most of my success just purely on my presentation alone.

Here are some questions to consider.

•How do you speak? Are you speaking in terms that your potential clients understand?

•Are presenting yourself in a professional and clean manner?

•Are dressed professionally?

•Is your hygiene where it should be?

•Where are you conducting your business, do you have a clean and professional facility?

These are just some of things that you need to consider, the other thing is, how do you want to brand yourself?

The branding aspects are so important here, it is the very thing that will make you a successful bodyworker or massage therapist or it will drive you out of this business. Most massage therapist, do not consider the branding aspects and fail they miserably. The most successful corporations are successful because of this element of branding alone, their branding value, in many cases will be much higher than their market value. Think about this way, what if you walked into a McDonald’s, one of the best known brands in existence today and it was dirty and not kept up, would you go back? This is precisely my point.

When I first started my career as a massage therapist, I was working at corporations doing chair massages. One day while working at Yahoo, this was one of my biggest accounts, I all of sudden realized that the whole time I am doing a chair massage, the customers, only view were my shoes. They were good shoes, not dirty, a little worn and had some signs of aging. But here I am working on Managers, Supervisors, Dept heads and regular staff members, and I had some Rockports from Mervyn’s, not quite the professional, I am successful look that I wanted to put out there.

That very next day I went out and broke down on a pair of $175.00 pair of ECCO’s, it was a very steep cost at that time, but instantly when I returned to my corporate sites, I was getting compliments after compliments on my shoes, which directly increased my leads for massage services outside of the corporation. I also went out and got manicures every other week, my hands were my money makers and I treated them as such. Presentation to success; is what I would tell every massage therapist out there in the field.

Massage Oils Can Elevate the Healing Properties of Massage

Massage oils are a staple for many masseuses. Not only can they heighten the massage experience by offering aromatherapy benefits in addition to allowing for greater ease of movement over the body, but many massage oils are believed to contain healing properties for everything from breakouts to arthritis. As a part of the art and science of massage for centuries, it's no wonder that massage oils continue to be a must-have for massage therapists all over the world.

Challenges of Working with Massage Oils

One of the biggest challenges of working with massage oil is the skin irritation factor. Although there certainly are some massage oil types that are gentler on the skin and preferred by professionals, each person's skin is different. What works wonderfully for one client may cause skin breakouts or an allergic reaction on another.

Feeling greasy after a massage is something that almost no client wants, especially if that grease will rub off onto their clothes and leave hard-to-get-rid-of stains. For this reason, many massage therapists prefer oils that absorb quickly and easily into the skin, despite their need for constant re-application.

Storage and length of shelf life are also important considerations. Oils with high levels of vitamin E and those that have been cold-pressed tend to store well over long periods of time. For all other types of oils, the addition of vitamin E or storage in a cool, dry place can help to increase shelf life.

Base Oils

All massage oils are made up of a base (or carrier) oil, which is considered the starting point for any massage oil mixture. Base oils are derived from either mineral oils or vegetable oils. Mineral oils, which are extracted from petroleum, tend to have a longer shelf life and offer the right amount of fluidity over the skin, but they do contain synthetic materials. These are more likely to cause reactions on the skin, and some people prefer the more natural approach of vegetable oils. Because vegetable oils are made from plant products, they do “go bad” faster than mineral oils, but they are easily absorbed into the skin and mix well with other oils.

Of the base oils, sweet almond oil tends to be the favorite of the majority of massage therapists. As the name suggests, it is derived from almonds, so it isn't good for people with nut allergies. However, it is one of the most inexpensive products on the market and its absorption rate is ideal for human skin. It doesn't have to be constantly reapplied, but it won't linger after the massage to leave marks on clothes or chairs.

However, there are countless other base oil options on the market. Many companies offer a generic massage oil base, while others sell specific oils (such as sunflower, jojoba, apricot kernel, and many others). Each of these carries its own healing properties and uses, so many massage therapists keep a wide array of choices on hand.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are any oils that are derived from plants, including trees, roots, and seeds. They are typically added in small amounts to the base oil for aromatherapy or healing properties. For example, lavender and chamomile oil may be added to provide a relaxing smell or, when combined, they can be used to treat eczema. Essential oils can be purchased either in concentrate and added to a base oil or they can be purchased as part of a “massage oil” package.

The art of combining essential oils for these types of uses is actually a study all on its own, and many massage practitioners develop their own unique combinations as part of their sales angle. Recipes for the different types of oil mixtures are also widely available, and are best for those just starting out.

Fragrance Oils

Fragrance oils are those that are used to add a smell to essential oils for aromatherapy purposes. They are almost never used on their own, since they tend to be of poorer overall quality and can actually be harmful to the skin when used in concentrate. They differ from essential oils primarily in their synthetic composition.

Choosing a Massage Oil

Although massage oils are used primarily to facilitate the movement of a massage therapist's hands over the skin, they also can be used as a way to treat the skin. Dry skin, skin that is prone to breakouts, and deep muscle pains can all be treated using different types of oils.

When you consider that oils can be mixed and matched, there are literally hundreds of options for massage therapists to choose from. Each type of oil has its pros and cons, so it is important to consider the type of massage and clients you work with before using any specific one.

11 Super Steps to Give the Perfect Massage With Massage Stone

Can something constructive come from something destructive? In short, yes. Consider that the Hawaiian Islands, which many have called “paradise on earth,” originated from volcanic activity. It is ironic, when you think about it. The temperature of lava from the Hawaiian Islands’ volcanoes can reach temperatures of 1,250 degrees Celsius (2,282 degrees Fahrenheit), destroying anything in its path. Yet that very lava can create some of the world’s most gorgeous landscapes. In addition, massage hot stones often originate from volcanoes. That includes the type of rock known as Basalt. But what exactly makes these stones ideal for therapeutic massages?

Why basalt is best

Basalt rocks are frequently used as massage stones. These smooth, black volcanic rocks become perfect for massage regimens, when heated. Why is that? Basalt rocks can easily absorb heat, making them a perfect tool for professional therapists, when creating a balanced regimen of heat and cold. The tiny grains in Basalt rock are responsible for their smooth appearance.

Due to their originating from hot magma, Basalt rocks are classified as igneous rocks. These massage stones contain a very high amount of magnesium and iron. When volcanoes erupt, Basalt comprises 90% of the material that escapes from the volcano. In its lava form, Basalt is often fragile and soft. Amazingly, flows of Basalt blanket nearly three-fourths of the Earth’s total surface!

After the eruption of a volcano, super hot Basalt spreads quickly, to create a layer of lava that is frequently hundreds of kilometers wide. Besides being prevalent on earth, Basalt is also the most common rock that makes up the seabed. These rocks are also related to the gaps between the Earth’s plates, which form its surface.

One in a million

Considering how commonplace Basalt stones are throughout Earth, it should be a piece of cake to find an ideal one for massage, along a shoreline by a volcano, right? Well, not exactly. You should consider various factors when searching for massage stones to use as part of your massage regimen:

• An important characteristic of a massage stone is its capability to retain heat, and retain it for a long time.

• Massage stone kits are ideal for finding the perfect stones. These kits include stones that have been buffed and treated, creating the perfect stones for massage sessions.

• It is important to use stones of various sizes and shapes. The massage therapist must position the stones on various body parts, so the variety of stones will make the process easier.

• The stones’ weight and density are the most important factors when shopping for your massage hot stones.

Ready to roll

Like a brand new car, a massage stone must be properly cleaned and maintained, to increase its effectiveness. After each session, make sure to sanitize the rocks by completely cleaning them. This process is particularly important when you use oils during the massage, as they could eat away at the stones. You will just need a brush and a soft antibacterial soap used for washing dishes, to clean the stones. Make sure that they are dried completely, to avoid them becoming tarnished. If you used oil during the session, it is also advisable to clean and then air out the basin of the heating machine.

When heating your stones for massage, place a wet towel at the base of the heating machine’s basin, to previous your precious stones from becoming burnt.

While conventional wisdom says that it is wise to avoid volcanoes while they are erupting, what they produce can be truly amazing. Look at Hawaii! In addition, as Basalt lava transforms into Basalt rocks, the vital element for a massage with hot stones, is formed. We can thank Mother Nature for transforming such a destructive event, into a truly magical stone!

Massage Therapy Schools in Colorado - Starting a Career in Massage

Are you are person that enjoys the sciences? Perhaps more than you liked literature or English class? Maybe you are interested in the body and how it all works. Enjoy having the opportunity to make other people feel better? If this is the case, then massage therapy may be a good choice for you and the good news is that there are a variety of massage therapy schools in Colorado that you can choose from.

When you get involved in an education to learn massage therapy, you'll find that you will have to learn the functions and forms of the body. These are the basics that you need to know to get started out in this career. Some of the main courses that you are going to end up taking include anatomy, biology, pathology, medical terminology, physiology, and even some psychology as well. All of these courses are going to be a part of massage therapy schools in Colorado, although you may have never realized that before.

If you are going to be a great massage therapist, you need to enjoy helping others and working with them to make them feel better. The education that you go through to be a massage therapist will help you learn how to work with others. Some of the classes that will help you in this area include customer service and psychology. You may learn some about the theory and history of massage therapy as well as the practical application of the techniques that come along with massage therapy. If you want to be involved in rehab programs, then you'll want to have massage therapy schools in Colorado that teach you all about medical massage as well.

Believe it or not, many of the programs out there for massage therapy teach you important things about running a business. This is to help you out if you want to run a business of your own later on in our career. Some of the business courses that you may be required to take include marketing, ethics, management, computer usage and functions, business accounting, and the laws and regulations of the state you live in.

If you are considering massage therapy schools in Colorado, you need to do so very carefully. You want to find a school that is accredited so that you get the best education possible to jump start your career in massage therapy. Ensure that curriculums are industry approved as well. Some of the symbols that will show that these programs are accredited and approved by the industry include AMTA, ACCET, COMTA, ABHES, ACCSCT, and NACCAS.

You may have a specific area that you want to work in. If there is, take the time to research the area. Find out what you need to practice in that area. No doubt schools will be happy to talk to you about their programs and accreditation. Before you decide to get involved in massage therapy schools in Colorado, make sure that this is really a good choice for you. If you feel it is the right option then make sure you choose a quality program. This way you will be sure to get a great education, leading you to a successful future in massage therapy.