Swedish or Hot Stone Therapy Massage?

[Mommy to be - May 16]

I am planning on giving my mom a day at the spa for her birthday. I am also going to go to the spa with her to make it a mother/daughter day. I have been looking at the spas website to decide what services to get. What is the difference in a Swedish massage and a hot stone therapy massage? With the hot stone therapy, do they give a regular massage and then also use the stones or do they just use the stones? Also, which massage do you prefer?

 

[tritran5555(poetri)]

swedish and foot reflexology work well
I LIKE FOOT REFLEXOLOGY ON MY SOLES

 

[trenardy]

I did not write this, it is from a website advertising massages:

Swedish massage is a system of long strokes, kneading, friction, tapping, percussion, vibration and shaking motions that apply pressure between muscles and bones, rubbing in the same direction as the flow of blood returning to the heart. Swedish massage feels good, and is relaxing and invigorating.

The main purpose of Swedish massage is to increase the oxygen flow in the blood and release toxins from the muscles. Some other benefits include shortening recovery time from muscular strain, increased circulation without increased heart load, stretching of ligaments and tendons, skin stimulation and a soothing effect on the nervous system. It reduces stress, both emotional and physical, and is suggested as part of a regular program for stress management.

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Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth, heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that absorbs and retains heat well.

It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release. Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 and 150 degree water. The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another.

The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body.

If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used. The heat of the stones helps muscles release more quickly than in traditional massage.

Technique is very important. Less experienced practitioners sometimes use too much pressure. Small local day spas might have less experienced therapists. If you have any doubts, ask where the therapist learned hot stone massage, and how long she has done it.

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I love both massages, so can't choose a best one. I would also suggest getting the following done too:

A relaxing facial using organic skincare creams
A reflexology treatment
An Ayurveda treatment called Shirodhara

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[Jen]

I am a massage therapist and use both styles. I use pretty much the same techiques with either style. That may not be the case with all massage therapists, though.
The main difference in my massage is that the hot stone feels more lavish.
If your mother likes heat and a deeper massage then get her the hot stone. I have some clients who cant tolerate the heat and they would never go for a hot stone massage!
Either way Im sure she will think you are the daughter of the year