title = "Hot Stone Massage Therapy"

content = """
Hot stone massage combines traditional Swedish techniques with heated basalt stones
to deliver penetrating warmth and enhanced therapeutic benefits. The stones serve as
extensions of the therapist's hands while providing continuous heat application.

**Stone Selection and Preparation:**

Basalt river stones are preferred for their smooth surface, iron content enabling heat
retention, and energetic properties. Stones vary in size from small facial stones to
large placement stones for the back. Proper heating equipment maintains temperatures
between 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough for therapeutic effect without burning risk.

Stones require thorough sanitization between clients using hospital-grade disinfectant.
Each client receives fresh stones; never reuse without proper cleaning protocols. Inspect
stones regularly for cracks or rough edges that could injure skin.

**Treatment Protocol:**

The session begins with Swedish massage warming superficial tissues. Therapists then
introduce stones, using larger placement stones along the spine, abdomen, and limbs
while working other areas with handheld stones. The combination of manual manipulation
and sustained heat creates profound relaxation.

Stones glide over oiled skin using effleurage and petrissage motions. The therapist
alternates between hot stones and hands, sometimes using stones as tools for deeper
pressure without increased effort. Cold marble stones may contrast heat in certain
protocols to reduce inflammation.

**Therapeutic Benefits:**

Heat penetrates more deeply than manual pressure alone, reaching underlying muscle layers
and connective tissue. Vasodilation improves circulation, enhancing oxygen and nutrient
delivery to tissues. The warmth sedates the nervous system, reducing anxiety and
promoting parasympathetic activation. Many clients report improved sleep following
hot stone sessions.

**Specific Indications:**

Particularly beneficial for fibromyalgia clients who cannot tolerate deep pressure,
individuals with poor circulation, those experiencing arthritis discomfort, and clients
seeking profound relaxation. The modality suits winter months or perpetually cold clients.

**Safety Considerations:**

Contraindications include diabetes with neuropathy, skin conditions aggravated by heat,
pregnancy (especially first trimester), recent chemotherapy, open wounds, and acute
inflammation. Always check stone temperature against inner wrist before client contact.
"""  # noqa: E501

version = "0.0.1"
