When one thinks of spa treatments, the traditional services usually come to mind: facials, full body massage, steam bath, mud bath and even manicures and pedicures. However, the demand for more involved and targeted spa treatments has caused many day spa facilities to step up their game and expand their list of services to include the exotic, indulgent and even the unusual. If you’re looking for something new to try at your next spa appointment, you may want to check out the hot and cold stone massage.

The use of stones in massage is not a new concept, although many people have yet to experience it for themselves. In fact, this practice has been around for thousands of years - roughly 5,000 to be exact. This type of massage was especially popular in India and the times of the Mayans. Hot stones were more common for use in massage compared to cold stones. The heat that comes from the stones works wonders for relaxing the muscles, soothing the ache out of sore areas and promoting overall health and wellbeing. Over time, practitioners began to realize the potential of using cold stones for massage as well as hot stones. Using cold stones has the ability to improve blood circulation, remove toxins from the body and even relax the muscles, contrary to popular belief that only heat can achieve this result. After the body has adjusted to the coldness of the stone, the muscles automatically relax and blood flow is improved, which also gives the skin a natural, healthy glow.

It was only a matter of time before the practice of hot and cold stone massage was perfected to the point where you can now get this service performed at most day spas. While each type of stone on its own has wonderful, natural healing abilities, when the hot and cold stones are combined it makes for a dynamic duo that anyone can benefit from. When receiving this spa treatment, you’ll experience the massage therapist going back and forth between using the hot stones and the cold stones. It can take some getting used to at first but once you body adjusts, you’ll really feel all of the benefits that come with this treatment. Wherever the stones are placed, you’ll experience a deep, soothing sensation as the toxins, tension and soreness leave your muscles. Some massage therapists place the stones on vital areas of the body to promote healing and relaxation while others glide the stones across your body and even your face to stimulate the blood flow. When you’re done you’ll emerge feeling more relaxed, stimulated and refreshed.

Hot and cold stone massage is also ideal for reducing fluid retention. This is especially helpful if you tend to suffer from swollen feet. The cold stones are perfect for treating this common ailment by allowing the fluid to drain from the area while bringing down the swelling.

Not all day spas offer massages that use hot and cold stones, however. If your local day spa doesn’t currently have this service, be sure to encourage them to add it so that you and your friends can indulge in this ancient and completely effective practice.

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