The Backstory...
Prior to my career as a licensed massage therapist I was a professional sales rep for many years. At various points in my career, I sold medical, fitness and office equipment. The career was a great fit for me for many years. I loved meeting new people, selling stuff that mattered, the flexibility and more.
I enjoyed many aspects of my sales career, mostly I loved helping my clients... but there was often high pressure to meet quotas, deadlines and my least favorite and most stress inducing activity was having to work with a few difficult people (or should I be 100% honest and call 'em co-workers... ha ha), so I needed to practice A LOT of self care outside of work!!
Starting with my teenage years, fitness has always been my #1 go to for stress reduction and fun, but a client actually urged me to try massage therapy as well, about 15ish years ago. She introduced me to both inexpensive, basic massage spas and fancier ones that offered extras such as exfoliating mud baths and hot springs. I found myself booking a minimum of 2-4 massage therapy sessions per month and it didn't take me long to discover hot stone massage, which is my absolute favorite, providing my back, neck, mind, heart and soul with the most peaceful state of calm.
It wasn't until I switched careers and became a Licensed Massage Therapist that I finally was introduced to an experience even lovelier than the already blissfully relaxing hot stones with a smooth texture.
About 5 years ago, as a new LMT, I worked at a few different spas and even an athletic club to gain some well rounded experience. My favorite spa was called Four Pillars, owned by a creative, small business owner who loved offering all the good spa treats. One of the services she offered included Himalyan Hot Stone Massage and she told me I'd love it. She was right.
When you visit me (Tiffany) at A Knead for Wellness, Massage Therapy in Franklin, TN, you can enjoy regular smooth basalt stones or a luxurious Himalayan Salt Stone massage. The pink Himalayan Salt Stones are hand carved and have a more rugged texture which exfoliates the skin. They contain 84 minerals and natural elements such as iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium to help improve remineralization of the body. I personally enjoy experiencing the warmth and texture of both types of stones.
The Benefits...
Himalyan salt stones, mined from the ancient salt beds of the Himalyan mountains, are not only relaxing when combined with massage, but also include wide array of benefits. Here are just a few...
1. Detoxification
The heated salt stones help to draw out toxins and impurities from the skin and body. The minerals in the salt penetrate the skin, promoting a natural detoxification process.
2. Improved Skin Health
During a Himalayan salt massage, the 80+ minerals inside of them are absorbed through the skin, helping to improve skin texture, tone and hydration.
3. Improved Circulation
Himalayan salt massage can enhance blood circulation throughout the body. The heat from the stones dilates blood vessels, which increases blood flow.
4. Pain Relief
Heat from the hot stones help to relax muscles and reduces spasms, which can alleviate pain and discomfort. They can be most comforting for those who suffer from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other musculoskeletal issues.
5. Enhanced Mood and Mental Clarity
The negative ions released by the heated salt stones can help to balance the body's energy and improve mental clarity and focus.
Do you love massage? Have your experienced Himalyan hot stone massage yet? Do you have difficulty relaxing your mind and body or have stubborn knots that could use a little warmth and TLC? If so, schedule one with me today!
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