Last August, for my birthday, my family gave me a spa treatment at the European Skincare Institute. I finally used it yesterday to gift myself with an 80-minute hot river stone massage. I’m the kind of person that does very little research on what you are going to do to me. I’m very trusting. It sounded soothing so I just made the appointment and showed up.
While I waited I prepared myself a cup of herbal tea. Cinnamon sounded good. I sat and sipped my tea while I completed the “in take” paperwork.
Skye was my massage therapist. I am not sure if this was her “stage” name because I also heard someone introduce themselves as “Sunny”. Skye got me all set in a room that was dimly lit with candles and Enya playing in the background. Before we started she explained the benefits of this type of massage. Ancient civilizations believed that hot stones were beneficial in healing in many ways, especially for cleansing the body, relaxing the heart, grounding the soul and soothing the mind. Shaman placed stones on or near a body to facilitate healing. Native American women would place a warm stone on their belly during menses and they used heated stones in their sweat lodge. The Roman baths involved hot water and the
cooling effect of lying on marble tables. Japanese priests that fast wear sashes in which they put three stones to help slow the digestive process. Since I had just finished planting 80 annuals in my garden, I knew this would prevent the lower back ache I always get the next day.
Skye presented me with a tray of small white bowls. In each bowl was a stone inscribed with different words — Believe, Prosper, Peace and Harmony. She asked me to select the stone that most described what I wanted to achieve during the treatment, holding it in my hand to allow the stone to run through my mind and body. I chose peace.
She started with the massage and after she got my muscles warmed up with essential oils she started with the hot stones. They were heating up in what looked like a giant crock pot.
I was laying face down and had my eyes closed so I really have no idea the size of the stones. She started with a line of them down my spine. I was thinking this was relaxing and different. Then I noticed the weight of the stones seemed to increase. At one point it felt like she was putting hot lava rocks on my back, but she assured me they wouldn’t burn my skin. If I felt they were too hot, she would either swap one out for a smaller rock or would put a towel on my skin, then the boulders stones on top of the towel. As the massage progressed I eventually had a line of stones down my spine, all along the back of both legs and tiny stones between my toes. I knew the massage was therapeutic because my nose was dripping like Niagara Falls.
After it was over, I walked out of the room like a mole coming into the sunshine — all squinty and puffy eyed with rosy cheeks. She gave me a glass of lemon infused ice water had me drink it and advised me to follow up with two more when I got home. I felt so relaxed when I left, different than any massage I had ever had. I felt a little nauseous when I got home and I know it was because she had released toxins that had built up in my muscles. The water helps to flush these toxins out. The best part when I woke up this morning my back felt great. Skye also recommended a new product to help with achy muscles. I’ll share what it is in a future post. I tried it last night and OMG I love it.
Summary: I liked the massage. I found myself focusing more on the stones rather than the relaxation of the the massage probably because the process was new to me. Now that I know what to expect I might be more relaxed during the massage. Regardless, I felt wonderful today. So my verdict is that a hot river stone massage is worth a try.
Hospitality is in my DNA. I founded Home with a Twist, a daughter’s twist on her mother’s traditions, in memory of my mother to celebrate her life and the gifts she shared with me. Mother loved to celebrate life’s occasions – big and small.
A massage is great treat for one’s body. It helps to relieve tension in muscles and work out those tough, stiff spots. It's great that you liked your last visit to the masseuse and felt great afterwards. Well, I think everyone would love massages if they received the same treatment they gave to you – from the moment you stepped in to their place until the finishing touches, they really pampered you and gave you all that you needed to relax. Cheers!
Ervin Willis @ Main Street Massage Therapy
Thanks, Ervin, for taking the time to reply. I always appreciate reader feedback.