By:  Kristi Larsen and Mike Rebuck

Love is in the air… and we’d like to remind you - there’s more to Valentine’s Day than just flowers.  Those expensive bouquets wilt and die in just a few short days.  Chocolate makes a direct route to your thighs.  Jewelry is… well… fabulous… no denying that.  Aside from sparkly jewels, may we suggest the perfect Valentine indulgence?  Imagine being pampered with a soothing Couples Relaxation Massage with your favorite Valentine.  Not only that, but if it’s a gift to your Valentine, you get the perks, too! 

It Feels Good AND it’s Healthy

Need we even discuss the multitude of reasons massage is good for you, aside from “it simply feels good”?  In case you were unaware, we’ll provide a brief education in massage (like you needed an excuse to partake in frequent massages?)  Now you have a legitimate excuse, per the following information. 

There’s simply no denying the power of bodywork. Regardless of the adjectives we assign to it (pampering, rejuvenating, therapeutic) or the reasons we seek it out (a luxurious treat, stress relief, pain management), massage therapy can be a powerful ally in your healthcare regimen- and even your love life with couples massage!

Experts estimate that upwards of ninety percent of disease is stress-related. And perhaps nothing ages us faster, internally and externally, than high stress. While eliminating anxiety and pressure altogether in this fast-paced world may be idealistic, massage can, without a doubt, help manage stress. This translates into: decreased anxiety, enhanced sleep quality, greater energy, improved concentration, increased circulation, reduced fatigue, and more.

Furthermore, people often report a sense of perspective and clarity after receiving a massage. The emotional balance bodywork provides can often be just as vital and valuable as the more tangible physical benefits.  In response to massage, specific physiological and chemical changes cascade throughout the body, with profound effects.

Pamper Your Valentine

One of the hottest services at the spas today is couples massage. Two people are massaged in the same room, at the same time, by two different therapists.  The couples massage experience is the perfect daytime activity before your romantic evening out together, but also works well just as an opportunity to experience some relaxing quality time together.

We arrived for our appointment at the newly opened Hand & Stone Massage Spa in Chandler, where we chose the 50 minute Couples Relaxation Massage with a Hot Towel Foot Exfoliation Massages. The waiting area is welcoming with a beautiful, relaxing stone waterfall and comfortable, contemporary furnishings.  We were immediately greeted by our massage therapists, Kent and Ilda, who invited us to the couple’s suite equipped with 2 massage table’s side-by-side.  After briefly reviewing our intake forms, we were allowed to undress and hop onto the warmed massage tables.  That alone felt wonderful.  The room was spacious and smelled fabulous.  After 50 minutes of heaven, we experienced the Hot Towel Foot Exfoliation Massage.  Our feet were stretched and compressed while wrapped in hot towels. An exfoliation scrub is applied to stimulate and invigorate, followed by two more hot towels are used to remove the exfoliation scrub. Then an intense hydrating foot cream is used to perform a full foot massage. This is a 10 minute add-on service, and it was the perfect finale for an amazing massage experience.

Benefits of Couples Massage

Couples massage is a great way to introduce men to massage. Some men are apprehensive about being nude during massage. To have their first massage in the presence of a wife or girlfriend makes it a “safe” experience. Men usually discover that therapeutic touch is very relaxing and restorative. Once they experience a couple’s massage, they are more willing to book a massage on their own

She Says:

Being that most people have experienced at least one massage, I will refrain from the typical play-by-play and comment on the couple’s aspect.  I have had a handful of massages in the past, but I must admit it was so much more fun with Mike.  What a unique way to bond in the midst of our crazy busy lives and leave feeling relaxed and reconnected  I cannot rave enough about Hand & Stone!  From Theresa, the owner, who is just the sweetest lady, to the fantastic therapists – everything was perfect.  It was rather amusing breaking the news to the Kent and Ilda partway through the massage that basically they were on Candid Camera.  They had no idea we were reviewing their services for the magazine, so I assure you everyone receives the wonderful treatment we did.  Both were truly fantastic.  Only downside – Mike is a motor-mouth and did not stop talking for a second during the entire treatment.  He felt it necessary to interview both Kent and Ilda non-stop.  Luckily they were both great fun.  Mike had never experienced the wonders of massage prior to this, which I was completely unaware of until I had to instruct him about how to undress and how to position himself onto the table.  I will definitely be returning to Hand & Stone - this time for a Signature Hot Stone Massage!   Take your Valentine for a couples massage.  They will love you for it!

He Says:

I guess many people may consider me odd since I have existed 38 years without every experiencing a massage.  Yes, this was my very first massage adventure.  I confess - I didn’t realize you shouldn’t really wear boxers during a massage. It isn’t very conducive to an effective massage.  After that surprise, I settled on the table and Ilda began the treatment.  I couldn’t handle it.  I couldn’t keep quiet.  After 5 minutes I had to ask questions.  My curiosity was getting the better of me.  All of my questions were very pertinent, of course:  “Can you actually feel if someone’s muscles are really tight?” “Do you prefer massaging males or females” “Do I have knots in my back muscles?” “How many massages do you perform in a day?” Ilda and Kent were very nice and answered all my questions. Kent taunted us with details of how incredible Hot Stone Massage is.  He explained the benefits of utilizing the stones for additional healing benefits.  The Relaxation Massage was just what I needed, however, I am definitely returning to test out the stone treatment.  This may have been my first massage, but it surely won’t be my last.  I wholeheartedly recommend Hand & Stone Massage Spa!

The newly opened Hand & Stone Massage Spa is located in the Raintree Ranch Center on the SE corner of Ray and Loop 101 next to Whole Foods.  Call that location at 480-899-9930.  The Ahwatukee location, opening in February is at the Foothills Park Plaza on the NE corner of Ray and 48^th Street next to Albertson’s.  You can reach that location at 480-961-0027.  The spas are 3,000 square feet and will feature 11 spacious rooms.   Hand & Stone is open 7 days a week.  www.handandstone.com

About Hot Stone Massage

Hot Stone Massage Therapy is a concept that has seemed spring into popularity within the last 5-10 years. Even within the last few years, it has become the rage at spas and therapeutic centers all over the world.  Hot Stone Massage involves the application of water-heated basalt stones of varying sizes to key points on the body, giving a deep massage and creating sensations of comfort and warmth.

How Did Hot Stone Massage Come About?

This age-old treatment dates back 5000 years to the Indian and Mayan cultures. Ayurveda, the ancient healing tradition of India, spoke of a universal source of all life. The energy called "prana" is the energy, or the breath of life, which moves through all forms to give them life. Yogis work with this energy with breathing techniques, meditation, physical exercise and massage to produce altered states of consciousness, healing and longevity. They would not only use their hands for manipulation and healing, but they would also utilize “tools” provided by the earth such as herbs, flowers, crystals and stones.

The rocks used for massage and healing came from river beds and were warmed on hot coals. The therapist would place these stones along the energy centers of the body, causing healing to occur. They seem to connect with the flow of energy to rebalance the physical body, emotional mind and spirit as one.  As the stones cool, the healer replaced them with hot stones again. The feet are extremely energy sensitive and are also stimulated in Hot Stone Massage.

What Happens During a Hot Stone Massage?

*Before you arrive, the massage therapist sanitizes the stones and heats them in 120 and 150 degree water.

* The therapist uses traditional strokes of Swedish massage while holding a heated stone. As the stone cools, the therapist replaces it with another.

* The therapist might also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or in the palms of your hand, or even between your toes to improve the flow of energy in your body.

* If you have inflammation or muscle injury, cold stones are sometimes used.

What are the Benefits of Hot Stone Massage?

The direct heat relaxes muscles, allowing manipulation of a greater intensity than with regular massage. Hot stones expand blood vessels, which push blood and waste through the nervous system. This gives the body a sedative effect. Hot Stone Massage is a deep, healing massage technique to enhance our awareness and bring us close to our true essence. This treatment is as beneficial and healing to the client as the therapist.