Community Manager
Jolie
Chicago, IL

This massage is hot, hot, hot!

5 star rating

practical, mom of 2, into pilates, into alternative remedies, spa-goer, appreciative of alone time
Pros

    better than massage, heat, good for tight muscles

Cons
    pricey, not performed everywhere

JUL
16
2007
Do you like hot baths? Hot tubs? Warm water? If so, you need to sign up for a hot stone massage. Now!

Don't be afraid. Hot stone massages aren't what you think. They aren't bumpy rocks. And, no, they aren't scalding hot.  

They are super smooth, flat, rounded stones that are heated up (in what looks like a crock pot) to soften up your muscles. They are simply divine and they do require special certification to perform them (at least that is what I have been told).

Here's generally how it works:

  1. You show up at your appointment and you soak your feet in hot water for a few minutes.
  2. You then lie down and they put 5 stones down your spine (keep in mind they are mostly flat) and you simply lay on them. Yes, there is a towel between you and the stones.
  3. They then put a few down the front of your chest and stomach (wrapped in cloths)
  4. And, of course, a few on your neck and a big one in each of your hands.

Now that you have gotten heated up (hehe), the masseuse will start the actual massage. They put the stones in their hands and massage away. They are able to get additional pressure because they have object in their hands. Now, again, they are smooth and shaped in different sizes, so they can clearly manipulate any part you need "working".

Hot stone massages are simply divine. They tend to be a little pricier than average, but a great way to feel rejuvenated. Definitely worth the extra expense.

I have been to two different salons for hot stone massages and never gotten the same person. Yet, ironically, my experience was always consistent.

In fact, I threw out my back a few days ago and had a hot stone massage to work out the kinks in my lower back. It completely did the trick! It was so great that I was tempted to ask for more on the spot. (then, I thought about my bill....)

I probably wouldn't do hot stone on the cheap just because I wouldn't want someone who didn't know what they were doing. But, if you go to a reputable place, you will be blown away by how great they are! To simply die for!

p.s. the photo shows general stones... but there is typically a towel between you and the stones.



I_thumb_up Hot Stone Massage is recommended by Jolie

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I_comment_shdw24 Comments about Jolie’s Review

 


GrandmaIsGod wrote on Oct 23, 2009 at 12:13PM

This sounds like a great relaxing time. How would you go about finding someplace that does this? What would be the listing I look for in the phone book? Thanks

darlyn63 wrote on Sep 17, 2009 at 1:02PM

How do you find a place like this? Sounds very relaxing. That is something I never thought of until now.

CrystaBush wrote on Jan 25, 2008 at 2:52PM

I love Hot Rocks Massages.

LOVE THEM!

BayouBengal wrote on Nov 1, 2007 at 8:50PM

Sounds very relaxing!

Rachel wrote on Sep 21, 2007 at 9:10AM

Sounds great! I've always wanted a hot stone massage. I am definately going now!

redstarr wrote on Aug 31, 2007 at 9:24PM

I heard about this a while back, but not from anyone who'd actually tried it. I was concerned it would be too much hippy dippy feng shui type stuff and not enough about the physically soothing massage. It doesn't sound silly at all the way you describe it. It sounds lovely and totally pleasant.

Jo wrote on Jul 17, 2007 at 12:26AM

That's good to know. It's one kind of massage I've never had though thought about. Jo

Jessica wrote on Jul 16, 2007 at 5:42PM

I'm getting trained in this and it's truly fascinating. You can do the massage with or without the towel, but according to my instruction, if you don't use a towel you have to disinfect the stones differently. Have you ever had them put teeny stones between your toes? I think that technique is to die for!