Some of the most progressive healers in the world have used stones in their massage work.  They have not used stones as a replacement of the healing hand, but as an adjunct to their traditional massage. Hot stone massage is an ancient form of bodywork using heated stones as extensions of the therapist's hand.  It is a wonderful collection of healing energies between the stones, the massage therapist, and the client. In the hot stone massage session that we have at the center, we not only use our hands during massage, but we use the heated stones as well.  Also the stones are placed at various parts of the body to warm the muscle tissue and the body before massage is even taking place.  For some clients, the hot stone massage can bring deep tissue release.  For others, it means allowing the the heat of the stones to relieve tension and melt worries away.  It is a very grounding and therapeutic experience.

The purpose of the hot stone massage is to anchor the root (muladhara) chakra and the (svadhistana) chakra of the body.  These chakras help our bodies stay connected to the earth.  The warmth, energy, and texture of the stones help distract the client from his or her busy thoughts, leaving the client with a quiet focus and in a very relaxed state of mind.  The hot stone massage is a form of Ayurvedic massage.  Ayurvedic recognizes that there are five directional flows within the body.  Hot stone massage is most effective when the downward flow called apana vayu in the Sanskrit language, is activated.  Apana vayu is associated with the first (muladhara) and the second (svadhisthana) grounding chakras.  Since stones are an earth elemnt, they are perfect vehicles to help us reconnect with the earth's stable force.

There is nothing more grounding and wonderful than our hot stone massage at The Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing.  With the combination of hot oils, heated stones, healing hands, aromatherapy, and the therapist's specific intentions based on your needs at the time, you will leave with the muscular tension release and stress relief that you were hoping for that day. Please take the time to go to our website and learn further about the sessions that we have to offer.

Lifestyle recommendtaions to remain more grounded...

*Think positive thoughts and read daily affirmations.

 *Avoid chatty people and long phone calls.

 *Eat warm foods.  Especially on cold, windy, dry days.  (We will have a lot of these coming up in Pittsburgh.) 

 *Avoid scary movies.

 *Go to bed at or around 10pm.

 *Avoid being late or rushed.

*Avoid carbonated beverages.

 *Surround yourself with soft things.  For example, pillows, and friends who make you laugh.

 Thanks to a few articles written by Karyn Chabot, LMT, this blog was written with ease. She is the owner of Sacred Stone Center for Holistic Education and Healing Therapies in Newport County, Rhode Island.  :)  

 Hot Stone Massage at the  Pittsburgh Center for Complementary Health and Healing is unique in the sacred awareness we bring to the sessions.  To enjoy the experience for yourself try the DAILY DEAL...call TODAY (412)242-4220 and MENTION THIS BLOG to save$15 off of a hot stone massage session.