Nothing beats an indulgent massage after (or before, or during) a long week at work. Plus, did we mention massage is good for your health? It rebalances hormones and even helps us sleep. Just one thing to define: which you fancy; hot stone or hot oil. Sigh – if only every decision in life was that pleasant (anyone else agonise over which pair of black skinnies to wear in the morning?)
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1 The basics
Smooth flat stones versus skilled firm hands: kind of a tongue twister, but easier to get your head around. During a hot stone massage the therapist places basalt stones on pressure points on your body to really get your blood flowing. With hot oil massage they'll rub warm and fragrant oils into your skin, using sweeping strokes. So less blood flow stimulation, more inducing that inner state of calm that seems to always be one step ahead.
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2 The sensation
This depends on whether you prefer someone to rub your muscles with warm, n – or whether you're less into physical contact, and prefer the feel of warm weights around your body. The weight and temperature of hot stones feels both invigorating and soothing at the same time. Oil, on the other hand, does leave your skin feeling, well, oily (in a nice way) – so it's down to personal preference.
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3 The after-effects
If you're going first thing in the morning, go for hot stone massage. The feeling of the hot stones keeps you in the moment and the blood flow stimulation actually helps you to wake you up. (That's assuming you're headed to work afterwards – rather than back to the couch.) Oil massage has the opposite effect. Its gentle strokes and calming scents wind you down – perfect for a Friday night in (you'll feel way more virtuous than indulging in four-too-many after work). We're feeling dozy just thinking about it
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4 The verdict
Luckily, there's no law in life that means you have to choose between the two. So it depends on whether you feel like a more energising experience or a thoroughly relaxing rub down. You can decide that according to your body's physical state, what time of day you've got a free half-hour slot (yep, we agree that lunchtime meeting can move), or today's mood.
With Treatwell, you can book beauty online at all your favourite salons – simple, hassle-free, and you can do it on the go. Discover amazing salons in your area.