Want To Relax? Try Stone Therapy
Experts Say Stones Are Deeper, More Penetrating
UPDATED: 11:10 a.m. EST February 25, 2003
WESTLAKE, Ohio -- For many people, there's no better way to relax than by getting a massage.
And now, there's a new, better massage out there.
Stone therapy may seem new to many Americans, but it has been performed around the world for hundreds of years.
"It's very tranquil," Jennifer Ouk said. "You just want to relax. There (are) no worries whatsoever."
Why is stone therapy so different from other traditional massages?
First, the stones are heated to about 125 degrees. But they're still safe to use on a person's skin.
"What they do is actually help out by loosening the ligaments and muscles," massage therapist Joe Vicario said. "You put them in different areas, and it really helps calm a person down a lot more and help them really relax."
The stones give a deeper, more penetrating massage than hands ever could, according to experts.
"A lot of people hold a lot of tension in their necks," Vicario said. "The stones help a lot because you have an extra tool in your hand rather than being able to get in with your fingers."
The combination is outstanding, according to Ouk.
"As soon as the stones are on you, it (is) instant relaxation before you actually receive the massage part of it," she said.
The size of the stones is what really makes a difference. Depending on what muscle is being worked, the therapist uses a stone that fits that area. For example, the bigger the muscle, the bigger the stone.
If red spots appear on the skin, it's a sign that they're working.
"It warmed the area that it was on and then it just kind of fled out," Ouk said. "Eventually it felt like it was through your whole body."
Unfortunately, stone therapy isn't for everyone. Those who have any serious medical conditions are urged to check with their doctor before trying it.
The deep massage really overworks the body and can release toxins into the bloodstream, so any existing condition could get worse.
And now, there's a new, better massage out there.
Stone therapy may seem new to many Americans, but it has been performed around the world for hundreds of years.
"It's very tranquil," Jennifer Ouk said. "You just want to relax. There (are) no worries whatsoever."
Why is stone therapy so different from other traditional massages?
First, the stones are heated to about 125 degrees. But they're still safe to use on a person's skin.
"What they do is actually help out by loosening the ligaments and muscles," massage therapist Joe Vicario said. "You put them in different areas, and it really helps calm a person down a lot more and help them really relax."
The stones give a deeper, more penetrating massage than hands ever could, according to experts.
"A lot of people hold a lot of tension in their necks," Vicario said. "The stones help a lot because you have an extra tool in your hand rather than being able to get in with your fingers."
The combination is outstanding, according to Ouk.
"As soon as the stones are on you, it (is) instant relaxation before you actually receive the massage part of it," she said.
The size of the stones is what really makes a difference. Depending on what muscle is being worked, the therapist uses a stone that fits that area. For example, the bigger the muscle, the bigger the stone.
If red spots appear on the skin, it's a sign that they're working.
"It warmed the area that it was on and then it just kind of fled out," Ouk said. "Eventually it felt like it was through your whole body."
Unfortunately, stone therapy isn't for everyone. Those who have any serious medical conditions are urged to check with their doctor before trying it.
The deep massage really overworks the body and can release toxins into the bloodstream, so any existing condition could get worse.
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