In a dimly lit room filled with harmonic sounds streaming from a CD player positioned in the corner, two stones glide smoothly across my back. Their touch at first is quite hot, but within seconds they cool to a perfect warm temperature which radiates down through to the muscles in my tense neck and back. Within seconds I have entered a state of incoherent oblivion and am completely useless as an eager, constantly curious journalist. Instead I find myself picturing pebbles, smooth and round, decompressing every stiff and stubborn muscle from head to toe.

Rocks are often used for throwing when anger runs high. They are also used in art projects, as decorative pieces in people’s gardens and to help prop a slightly too short table leg up to help achieve balance. It is a little known fact that these grey hunks of rubble are also used in conjunction with attaining inner body equilibrium.

Doug Lehenbauer, a massage therapist at Aesthetically Pleasing Medical Spa in Carlsbad explained, “Hot stone massage has been in use for centuries and probably the most well known is the Japanese technique. Stones can be placed upon the body to help restore the flow of life energy through the channels, or meridians in our bodies, much like what is achieved through acupuncture.”

While most people indulge in massages to treat common aggravating neck cramps or clenched back muscles there are some who search for the touch that goes just a bit deeper. According to the theories of Chinese Medicinal practices, often times the Qi, or Life Energy becomes obstructed due to diseases or injuries. Specific treatments can help alleviate the pain by adjusting the circulation of the Qi. Acupuncture, massage, herbal medicines and special diets are all some of the therapies used to help restore the life energy. Hot Stone massage has quickly become one of the most popular treatments that is not only used as a stress reliever, but also as a way to retain positive energy flow within the soul of the individual.

The National Holistic Institute suggests that hot stone massage might also help aid digestion, can alleviate muscular aches and pains, as well as stress, insomnia and depression. It can also help people who are suffering from rheumatic and arthritic conditions. There is no substantial evidence to prove these claims, although many patients have offered favorable reports after receiving a hot stone treatment. There are of course individuals who should avoid submitting to the stones. Those who just received surgery, or radiation, or are prone to blood clots or any type of skin rash or disease should not receive a massage that incorporates hot stones. Also pregnant women should always check with their doctor before signing up for any type of massage and must request a therapist who is trained in giving pregnancy massages.

Stacy Grissen is a Certified Esthetic Nurse who owns Aesthetically Pleasing Medical Spa and performs a variety of treatments on patients including: skin peels, photo rejuvenation, Botox treatments and laser hair reduction. Though her facility is not very big, she has also made room for a day spa, where an assortment of luxury treatments are offered, including a Healing Stone Massage. Grissen emphasizes the benefits of massage therapy from personal experience, “Because of my work operating large machines on a daily basis I am in need of a massage at least once a month and when I don’t receive it, I can definitely feel the repercussions.”

Massage therapy has become more than just an extravagant indulgence that is enjoyed only by the extremely wealthy. As with Grissen’s incorporation of it into her medical spa, hospitals and even schools have started adding the therapeutic treatments to the health curriculum.

The University of Maryland Health Center has been offering massage therapy for their students, faculty and staff for seventeen years now. The specific treatments offered are: deep tissue, zero balancing and reflexology.

Pamela Gandy, Coordinator of Complementary and Alternative Medicine and Staff Acupuncturist said that, “Including holistic health options for the students helps educate them about ways to further care for themselves.” Gandy also noted that the most popular type of massage requested by students is the deep tissue treatment. “Students are usually under a lot of stress and it is an effective tool in helping them to manage their stress.”

Though the days of all night study sessions and last minute cramming for an upcoming exam are thankfully over for many of us, the aches and pains of everyday life never cease to plague us. Occasionally it seems more than necessary to seek out the benefits of a nurturing and relaxing massage.

Admittedly no one looks their best when they emerge from the massage table. I was no exception. Looking as if I had just downed several gin and tonics and was awakening from a sort of drunken stupor I stumbled into the reception area and filled out an information card. Math was completely out of the question, as I could barely fill out my own name. I thanked Doug profusely and somehow exited the area without running into any walls. The receptionist called after me, telling me to drive safely. The pebbles had successfully restored the energy in my body to its natural flow though there was still the pressing question of being able to operate machinery.

I pondered for a brief moment if there should be warning label slapped on the explanations of any massage: could cause body to become gooey and non-functional for several hours while the patient sits in a puddle of contented bliss, do not stand up, walk, run, engage in conversation or drive. Embarrassing repercussions could occur. Do not underestimate the power of the stone.

Aesthetically Pleasing Medical Spa, Carlsbad
2745 Jefferson St., Suite E
Carlsbad, CA
Tel: (760) 434-2700
www.apmedspa.com

- Reviewed by Alexa Trotta (alexatrotta@gmail.com)

Alexa Trotta is a full-time travel and spa writer. She has worked at a day spa, dines out at fine restaurants frequently, and her family is in the wine business.