What is Hot Stone Massage?

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The ancient healing art of hot stone therapy uses various massage techniques and hot stones, allowing the heat generated by the basalt stones to penetrate deep into the muscles, softening and loosening them and improving circulation throughout the body.

 

The basalt stones I use are a product of volcanic action, washed along seashores and riverbeds for thousands of years, creating a smooth stone which retains heat for long periods. Hot stone reflexology has similar benefits to hot stone massage. I apply heat to the feet with smaller basalt stones, in combination with hand pressure on the reflex points on the feet. 

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What is Warm Bamboo Massage?

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​Using warm bamboo during massage is a newer innovation in the UK than hot stones. The heat of the bamboo (and the heat of hot stones), allows for deeper work on muscles whilst enhancing relaxation benefits. Depth of pressure is tailored, to ease muscular aches and pains using pressure that feels good for you.   

 

What is the history of Warm Bamboo Massage?

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Warm bamboo is used to increase the effectiveness of massage in China, Brazil and other countries. In China bamboo is used in the construction industry, to make musical instruments and farming tools. Bamboo has a structure that is stronger than steel. In Australia it is used by Aborigines in medicine to treat infection and speed up healing. 

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I use bamboo cane of twelve varying lengths and diameters. There is a smooth quality to the bamboo, promoting an energizing, revitalizing, and relaxing treatment. 

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What is the history of Hot Stone Massage?

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Historically hot stones have been used in ceremonies and treatments that are as old as the Incas, the Shang Dynasty in China around 1500BC, the ancient Egyptians and Greeks.

 

• Hippocrates, the father of medicine, believed all doctors needed to know how to use hot stone massage for healing purposes.

• The Romans used hot stone massage to treat sore muscles and the joints of Gladiators after fighting and as part of the preparation for the original Olympic Games.

• Nurses in wartime Britain, France and USA trained in massage, often combined with hot stones, found to help recovery from shell shock and nerve damage.

• Native Americans use hot stones to place on the abdomen to ease menstrual pain.

• Japanese use hot stones on the abdomen to aid digestion. Traditional Chinese Medicine which is an essential part of my shiatsu massage, considers that heat aids well being and conception.

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How does a Warm Bamboo or Hot Stone Massage treatment work?

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Initially I apply oil to the muscles to warm them up. Then I work progressively deeper with my hands and elbows. Using my hands I am able to easily locate muscle tension and treat trigger points.

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Hot stones can then be introduced to relax the muscles even deeper with larger stones for bigger muscles and smaller stones for smaller muscles.

 

I can continue to work even deeper with the bamboo which acts as an extension of my hands and fingers, allowing me to work longer and deeper overall than by just using my hands. I also use the bamboo to roll and knead muscle tissue.

 

The different sizes of bamboo cane allow for precision with smaller as well as bigger knotted areas of muscle.The Bamboo enables me to work more effectively on larger muscle groups such as the quadriceps, IT band or hamstrings, as well as smaller muscle areas across the shoulders or each erector spinae along the spine for example. 

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What are the benefits of Warm Bamboo and Hot Stone Massage?

 

• Works deep on muscles and helps with relaxation

• Loosens tension better than hands-on massage alone

• Eases all sorts of muscular aches and pains

• Reduces stress in body and mind

• Helps enhance the quality of sleep

• Improves circulation

• Helps prevent and minimise injury

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Which treatment is best for me, Warm Bamboo or Hot Stones? 

 

Bamboo has the potential of working more deeply into muscles than hot stones. The different sizes of bamboo allow for smaller precision work on tense muscles compared to the hot stones, and can be more easily used on smaller and larger muscles. However, the various sizes of the hot Stones and bamboo are designed to be used on different sized muscle groups or areas of tension.

 

If depth of pressure isn’t so important to you, then the hot stones may be more preferable. Also the hot stones retain heat for longer than the bamboo and are thought to increase the flow of the body’s natural energy better.

 

If you are not sure which to chose, warm bamboo or hot stones then I can combine both into your treatment. Combined they are effective too!

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What client's are saying

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"I first met Emma for a reflexology session which was incredibly relaxing and just what I needed to relieve some stresses and worries. I returned a month later for a hot stone massage and wow it was incredible. Unlocking knots in my shoulders and neck, de-stressing my muscles and so relaxing too. Emma has a wonderful style – she is calm, mindful, considerate and gentle in nature and then becomes a wonderful force of energy when she is massaging which means she works the back better than any other massage I have ever had and combines this with the ability to really relax. Most recently I have had bamboo massage with Emma. Words can’t describe it so go try it for yourself – it’s fabulous in all sorts of ways and I can’t wait for my next session!"  (J Bamford, Ashtead)

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"I’ve seen Emma several times over the last few years and always walk away feeling so much better. Her massages are tailored to the individual and she listens thoroughly so you get what you need. I’m looking forward to trying out some of her other therapies in the near future."   (B Hynd, Ashtead)

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"The bamboo massage was really relaxing. My lower back was in a lot of pain, and the massage released the tension in one session. I would recommend the Bamboo Massage to everyone who has body pains. It is a real treat! I feel so much better."  (C Hart, Ashtead)

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“I had a warm bamboo massage from Emma today. It was both relaxing and invigorating. I usually have a regular sports massage or reflexology, which are both great. It was good to try something new and I would definitely recommend it to anyone if you want to try something different. It was effective in getting rid of my knots and tension, especially in my neck and back.” (Emma G, Sutton)

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Price

£55 per hour - Book Now