Rock On!

While we were at the White Bluff Resort, The Boy and I also splurged a bit on massages. We booked a Swedish Massage for The Boy (work on those tense running leg and stressed back muscles) and, because it was on my 101 List, a Hot Stone Massage for me.

I had no idea what to expect, other than what I'd read online about the treatment. I knew the therapist would be using basalt stones - smooth, flat and good at holding heat.

The photo below gives you some idea of what the process looks like; however, I was covered with a blanket and the stones were set on top:

My massage started with me lying on my back, on top of four warmed stones. Each was placed at a specific pressure point on my back. There were stones cupped under each of my hands and a larger one under my neck, much like a pillow.

The therapist massaged me much in the same manner as a traditional massage - rubbing and working tense muscles. She would use the rocks to warm up a particular spot before switching to regular massage technique.

All in all, it was a wonderful experience. I felt the stones - both the extended pressure they were able to put in key spots and the warmth they exuded - added significantly to the massage experience.

Would I pay extra just for the rock experience? Maybe, maybe not. Probably not - unless the cost difference is negligible. Better to be sure you have a good therapist than to hope that stones work some sort of healing magic.

And fortunately for me, I had a great therapist!