The phrase "everything old is new again" can be applied to virtually every facet of our lives. Trends from the history of fashion and music have reappeared. Generations-old recipes are enjoying a renaissance as today's "comfort foods". Automotive designers have breathed new life into popular hot rod and muscle car models of years past. Even the health industry, despite the staggering advances in medical knowledge, has resurrected ancient techniques to bring tried-and-true comfort and relief to those suffering from stress and pain.

Heated stone massage is one technique that is traced to the ancient native civilizations. According to experts, heated stones can be applied to the body to bring a number of health-related benefits to the receiver. Certain stones possess the smallest amount of vibration of any facet on the planet, are considered to be ideal for their soothing properties.

Heated stone massage is also known as "La Stone" massage. It's a practice widely accepted and appreciated by both the healthcare and bodywork industries. Popular and progressive clinics, spas, fitness centers and other healthcare establishments are now incorporating heated stone massage into their regular massage therapy regime. People around the world are performing and reaping the benefits of this "new" technique.

Heated Stone Massage in History

There is not a great deal of written history about heated stone massage, but researchers have suggested that this type of therapy originated from the ancient healing techniques of the Native Americans. There is evidence indicating that the origins can be traced back to Japanese therapeutic traditions, while others believe that was a part of the Eastern Indian philosophy.

Despite the variances in the roots of performing massage with heated stones, one undisputed fact remains; heated stone massage is considered to be one of the most effective and widely recognized forms of healing therapy.

The Benefits of Heated Stone Massage

Aside from the overall "feel good" benefits of heated stone massage, this type of therapy can also provide relief for many health concerns:

* Promotes deeper relaxation

* A reduction of stress and tension

* Soothing relief to stiff muscles

* Loosens tightened joints

* Calms the nervous system

* Helps to boost the metabolic rate

* Enhances circulation

* Eases bloating caused by PMS

* Helps relieve chronic neck and back pain

* Frees the body's blocked energies

How to Perform Heated Stone Massage

People performing heated stone massage use stones of all shapes and sizes. Before you arrive for your massage treatment, these stones will be heated to varying temperatures ranging from 0 to about 140 degrees Fahrenheit. To prepare your skin and body, you will be treated to an application of aromatherapy oils. This full-body application also helps to bring you to a relaxed state.

While holding a heated stone, the massage therapist will apply traditional Swedish strokes. As the stones cool, they are replaced with new heated ones. Stones on certain parts of the body are left in place, usually along the spine. Heated stones may be placed on your hands or between your toes to enhance the natural flow of energy in your body. The massage therapist may also use cold stones if your particular condition requires it.

It's interesting to note that during the heated stone massage procedure, you and your massage therapist may notice certain physiological changes, including body temperature, heart rate and breathing rate. Your breathing and heart rates will rise and drop, as will the temperature of your body. This should not concern you, as massage with heated stones is used to indicate such changes.

The therapist may use this information to determine the flow of the blood, as well as the exchange of blood and oxygen in your body. The end result is an overall sense of health and well being.

While you may have heard of this "new" health procedure, massage with heated stones is certainly no fad. This type of therapy has been used to calm, soothe and pamper the body for centuries. It's an ancient treatment that can make you feel like new again.