Hot Stone Massage - A Stone's Throw Away By Chris Turley At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

The word massage, which is the practice of manipulating the body or parts of it by the power of touch resulting to a therapeutic relief, has different origins depending on which country we are looking. It is the same in Arabic and Latin, massa but has two different meanings. It means "to touch, feel or handle" on the former and "mass, dough" on the latter. It is said, however, on the older etymology that it may have been from the Hebrew me-sakj which means "to anoint with oil".

From the ancient civilizations-China dynasties, Roman gymnasium and Turkish baths, and even the old world of Greek, massage existed and still does, in one form or another. Massage therapy was introduced in the United States as a profession in 1917, apparently for the rehabilitation of the soldiers wounded in World War 1.

Fast forward to the modern world, massage therapy has also evolved. It's no longer a simple form of touch but rather like an art which has many forms. Few of which are as follows (not in chronological order), choose wisely.

1. Swedish massage-it is the most common type massage therapy in the United States, if it is a medicine, then it is the generic name of it. This is done using long & smooth strokes, kneading and with the aid of massage oils or lotions. This is also recommended for those who will be getting a massage for the first time.

2. Hot Stone Massage-Therapist uses heated stones, it could be basalt, basinite (volcanic rocks) or marble, depending on one's preference. The stones are placed on chakra points-the body's energy center which then warms and loosens tight muscles. It is recommended to those who prefer a lighter massage because it has less pressure or none at all. It is becoming more popular nowadays, literally making it a stone's throw away.

3. Aromatherapy Massage-this is a technique by which essential oils, the most common of which is lavender, are used for specific needs. It affects a person's physical, mental and emotional well being that is why it is suited to those with stress related conditions. Aromatherapy can be considered an ancient form of healing because it has existed in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.

4. Shiatsu-is a popular Japanese licensed medical therapy, from the word shi meaning "finger" and atsu meaning "pressure" therefore it is often referred to as finger pressure massage. It is rather relaxing though the pressure is firm. It normally targets the body's acupuncture points which results to a relaxing pleasure.

5. Reflexology-if is often referred to as foot massage but it's not as simple as it sounds. It entails applying pressure on the foot which corresponds to organs and systems in the body. If a job requires a person to be on his feet all day, reflexology is an unimaginable relief once in a while.

Choosing what sort of therapy to get is a little tricky though, despite the abundance of massage clinics and spa houses practically sprouting everywhere. The best way to go, be it a hot stone therapy or a simple massage, if uncertain, is to consult a professional. It will be worth it.

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