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Baadhi ya faida zinazokuja na kuwa mtaalamu wa urembo ni pamoja na:

Kufanya kazi na watu
Wataalam wa urembo hufanya kazi na watu wapya kila siku. Kwa wengine, fursa ya kufanya kazi na watu na kuwasaidia ni faida kubwa ya kufanya kazi kama mtaalam wa urembo. Madaktari wa esthetic mara nyingi huwasaidia watu kujisikia vizuri zaidi juu yao wenyewe kwa kufanya kazi ili kuboresha mwonekano wao. Hii inaweza kumpa mtaalamu wa urembo uzoefu wa kazi unaothawabisha, kwa kuwa wana nafasi ya kufanya maisha ya wateja wao kuwa bora zaidi.

Kujitegemea
Wataalamu wengi wa urembo huchagua kufanya kazi kwa kujitegemea, ama kwa kuwa na wateja wao wenyewe au kwa kumiliki saluni zao. Watu wengine wanapendelea uhuru katika kazi zao, ambapo wanaweza kujifanyia kazi. Hii inawaruhusu kuwa na udhibiti zaidi juu ya nani wanafanya kazi naye, mishahara yao na ratiba yao. Kwa kuongezea, hata kama mtaalam wa urembo anafanya kazi katika saluni au spa, ana fursa ya kufanya kazi na wateja nje ya kazi yao ili kupata mapato ya ziada. Hii inawapa mchanganyiko wa utulivu kwa kufanya kazi kwa biashara iliyoanzishwa na uhuru kwa kujifanyia kazi.

Siku za kazi
Kwa kawaida, wataalamu wa esthetiki wana siku nyingi. Wanatumia siku zao kutoka kwa mteja mmoja hadi mwingine, na mapumziko mafupi tu kati yao. Kwa watu wengine, hii ni faida kubwa, kwani inamaanisha kuwa hawatatumia siku zao nyingi bila kufanya kazi. Badala yake, wana jambo la kufanya kila mara, iwe ni kufanya kazi na mgonjwa au kujiandaa kwa miadi inayofuata.

Kufanya kazi kama mtaalam wa urembo mara nyingi huhitaji kuwa kwa miguu yako na kutumia mikono yako. Mstari huu wa kazi hukushirikisha moja kwa moja na wateja wako. Baadhi ya wataalam wa urembo hufurahia kipengele hiki cha kazi, kwa kuwa wanaweza kubaki wakijishughulisha kikamilifu na kazi zao kwa muda mwingi wa siku.

Elimu
Kuwa mtaalamu wa urembo kawaida huhitaji kupitia shule ya urembo. Programu hizi zinaweza kuwa za muda mrefu wa mfupi lakini nyingi huchukua kati ya saa 600 na 750. Ikiwa unahudhuria programu kwa muda wote, inachukua karibu miezi minne hadi sita. Huu ni mfupi zaidi kuliko wakati wa kupata mshirika au digrii ya bachelor. Kwa kukamilisha mahitaji ya kielimu haraka, wataalamu wa urembo wanaweza kuanza kufanya kazi na kupata mshahara haraka zaidi kuliko taaluma zingine.

Maarifa
Madaktari wa esthetic wana ujuzi wa kitaalam wa utunzaji wa ngozi. Kwa sababu hiyo, wataalamu wa mambo ya urembo wanaweza kupata kwamba marafiki na familia zao huja kwao kwa ushauri wa jinsi ya kutunza ngozi zao vizuri zaidi. Wataalamu wengine wa kiestiti hujivunia kuwa chanzo hiki cha maarifa kwa watu katika maisha yao na kuweza kuwasaidia.

Mtaalam wa urembo ni mtunzaji wa ngozi ambaye huwasaidia wateja kuboresha mwonekano wa ngozi zao. Wataalam wa urembo kwa kawaida hushauriana na wateja wao ili kukuza matibabu au utaratibu wa kuwatunza ngozi ambao huwasaidia kufikia matokeo wanayotaka. Wanaweza kufanya kazi katika spa, salon au kwa kujitegemea. Baadhi ya taratibu za kawaida zinazofanywa na wataalamu wa urembo ni pamoja na:

• Facial
• Hair remover
• Makup
• Nk…

Program ya mafunzo
Programu ya mafunzo ya urembo hufanyika katika shule ya urembo. Ingawa mitaala inatofautiana kutoka shule hadi shule, maeneo ya kawaida ya kusoma ni pamoja na utunzaji wa ngozi, facial, uondoaji wa nywele. Baadhi ya shule pia hutoa madarasa ya biashara na usimamizi ili kuwasaidia wanafunzi kujiandaa kuendesha saluni au kuanzisha biashara zao wenyewe. Katika mpango mzima wa mafunzo ya uanasheti, unajifunza taarifa muhimu za kufaulu mtihani wa leseni katika nchi yako. Pia unaendesha mafunzo ya vitendo ambayo yanakidhi mahitaji ya saa ya mafunzo ya nchi yako.

Leseni
Kila nchi ina na mahitaji yake ya kupata leseni ya mtaalam wa urembo. Mahitaji ya kawaida ni pamoja na cheti cha mafunzo, kukamilisha mitihani fulani na kupita mtihani wa leseni. Shule yako ya m urembo inaweza kukupa maelezo zaidi kuhusu mahitaji mahususi ya nchi yako au unaweza kupata maelezo haya mtandaoni kupitia mashirika kama vile Wataalamu Wanaohusishwa wa Utunzaji wa Ngozi. Mara tu unapokidhi mahitaji yote ya bodi ya leseni ya nchi yako, unapokea leseni yako, ambayo hukuruhusu kuanza kufanya kazi.

Ujuzi
Kuna ujuzi fulani ambao unaweza kukusaidia kuwa mtaalamu wa urembo. Ujuzi huu ni pamoja na:

• Usimamizi wa wakati
• Mawasiliano
• Mauzo
• Kutatua tatizo

Kwa kukuza au kuboresha ujuzi huu wakati wa mafunzo yako, unaweza kuboresha nafasi zako za kupata nafasi kama daktari wa urembo baada ya kuhitimu. Kuna njia nyingi za kukuza ujuzi huu, kama vile kufanya kazi ya muda inayohusiana, kusoma vitabu au kuchukua kozi za mtandaoni.

Some benefits that come with being an esthetician include:

Independence
Many estheticians choose to work independently, either by having their own clients or by owning their own salons. Some people prefer independence in their job, where they can work for themselves. This allows them to have more control over who they work with, their salaries and their schedule. In addition, even if an esthetician works for a salon or spa, they have the option to work with clients outside their job to earn additional income. This provides them with a mix of stability by working for an established business and independence by working for themselves.

Education
Becoming an esthetician typically requires going through beauty school. These programs can range in length, but most take between 600 and 750 hours. If you attend the program full time, it takes around four to six months. This is much shorter than the time to get an associate or bachelor’s degree. By completing the educational requirements faster, estheticians can begin working and earning a salary more quickly than in other professions.

Work with people
Estheticians work with customers and clients daily. For some, the opportunity to work with people and help them is a major benefit of working as an esthetician. Estheticians often help people feel better about themselves by working to improve their appearance. This can provide the esthetician with a rewarding work experience, as they have the chance to make the lives of their clients better.

Knowledge
Estheticians have expert knowledge of skincare. Because of this, estheticians may find that their friends and family come to them for advice on how to best take care of their skin. Some estheticians take pride in being this source of knowledge for the people in their lives and being able to assist them.

Active days
Commonly, estheticians have busy days. They spend their days going from one client to the next, with only short breaks in between. For some people, this is a big benefit, as it means they won’t spend too much of their day inactive. Instead, they constantly have something to do, whether it’s working with a patient or preparing for the next appointment.

Working as an esthetician often requires you to be on your feet and using your hands. This line of work engages you directly with your customers. Some estheticians enjoy this aspect of the job, as they can remain fully engaged with their work for most of the day.

An esthetician is a skincare expert who helps customers to improve the look and feel of their skin. Estheticians commonly consult with their clients to develop a skincare treatment or routine that helps them achieve their desired results. They can work in spas, salons or independently. Some common procedures performed by estheticians include:

• Facials
• Makeup
• Hair remover
• Extractions

Training program
An esthetician training program takes place at an esthetician or beauty school. While curriculums vary from school to school, common areas of study include skincare, facials, hair removal and anatomy. Some schools also offer business and management classes to help students prepare to run a salon or start their own business. Throughout the esthetician training program, you learn the necessary information for passing the licensing exam in your state. You also conduct hands-on learning that satisfies your state’s training hour requirements.

License
Each state has its own requirements for earning an esthetician’s license. Common requirements include a certain amount of training hours, completing certain exams and passing a licensing test. Your esthetician’s school can provide you with more information about the specific requirements for your state or you can find this information online through organizations like the Associated Skin Care Professionals. Once you meet all the requirements of your state’s licensing board, you receive your license, which allows you to begin working.

Skills
There are some skills that can help you become an esthetician. These skills include:

• Time management
• Communication
• Attention to detail
• Sales
• Problem-solving

By developing or improving these skills during your training, you can improve your chances of obtaining a position as an esthetician after you graduate. There are many ways to develop these skills, such as working a related part-time job, reading books or taking online courses.

Taking care of your skin should be an essential part of your health regimen. It is, after all, your body’s largest organ.

The first thing most health professionals will tell you to do in order to keep your skin healthy is to limit your exposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and wear protective sunscreen when you’re exposed to sunlight.

But the sun isn’t all bad. Just 10–15 minutes of daily exposure helps manufacture vitamin D throughout the skin. Vitamin D is one of the best vitamins for your skin, along with vitamins C, E, and K.

Making sure you get enough vitamins can keep your skin looking healthy and youthful. This could translate to a reduction in:

• dark spots
• redness
• wrinkles
• rough patches
• excessive dryness

Essential skin vitamins are available in supplemental form, but they are also found in skin care products. Learn more about these four essential vitamins and how they can help you achieve optimum skin health.

Vitamin D
Vitamin D is most often made when sunlight is absorbed by your skin. Cholesterol converts to vitamin D when this happens. Vitamin D is then taken up by your liver and kidneys and transported throughout the body to help create healthy cells. This includes the skin, where vitamin D plays an important role in skin tone. It may even help treat psoriasis.

Calcitriol is a man-made version of a kind of vitamin D that humans produce naturally. Calcitriol is a topical cream that has been effective in treating people with psoriasis. A 2009 study published in the Journal of Drugs and DermatologyTrusted Source found that applying calcitriol reduced the amount of skin inflammation and irritation in people with psoriasis and produced few adverse side effects.

The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University recommends a daily vitamin D intake of 600 IU per day. You may need more if you are pregnant or over the age of 70.

You can increase your vitamin D intake by:

• getting 10 minutes of sun exposure a day (check with your doctor first, especially if you have a history of skin cancer)
• eating fortified foods, such as breakfast cereals, orange juice, and yogurt
• eating foods that have vitamin D naturally, such as salmon, tuna, and cod

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is found at high levels in the epidermis (outer layer of skin) as well as the dermis (inner layer of skin). Its cancer-fighting (antioxidant) properties, and its role in collagen production help keep your skin healthy. This is why vitamin C is one of the key ingredients found in many antiaging skin care products.

Taking vitamin C orally can enhance the effectiveness of sunscreens applied to your skin for protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It does this by decreasing cell damage and helping the healing process of bodily wounds. Vitamin C can also help fend off the signs of aging because of its vital role in the body’s natural collagen synthesis. It helps to heal damaged skin and, in some cases, reduces the appearance of wrinkles. Adequate vitamin C intake can also help repair and prevent dry skin.

Due to the prevalence of vitamin C in over-the-counter products, dietary supplements, and foods we eat, deficiency of this nutrient is rare. The recommendation is 1,000 mg per day. If you find that you don’t get enough vitamin C in your diet, you can:

• eat for more citrus foods, such as oranges
• eat other plant-based sources of vitamin C, such as strawberries, broccoli, and spinach
• drink orange juice
• take supplements, as recommended by a doctor
• look for antiaging skin treatments with vitamin C for treating dryness, redness, wrinkles, and age spots

Vitamin E
Like vitamin C, vitamin E is an antioxidant. Its main function in skin care is to protect against sun damage. Vitamin E absorbs the harmful UV light from the sun when applied to the skin. Photoprotection refers to the body’s ability to minimize the damage caused by UV rays. This can help prevent dark spots and wrinkles.

Normally, the body produces vitamin E through sebum, an oily substance emitted though the skin’s pores. In the right balance, sebum helps keep the skin conditioned and prevents dryness. If you have particularly dry skin, vitamin E can possibly help counteract a lack of sebum. Vitamin E also helps in the treatment of skin inflammation.

While vitamin E is available in many skin care products, the problem is that any effects could be minimized upon sun exposure. Getting enough vitamin E in your diet is preferable. Most adults need about 15 mg of vitamin E per day. You can increase your intake by:

• eating more nuts and seeds, such as almonds, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds
• taking a multivitamin or separate vitamin E supplement
• using topical products that contain both vitamin E and vitamin C (this can be more effective in photoprotection than those that contain only one of the two)

Vitamin K
Vitamin K is essential in aiding the body’s process of blood clotting, which helps the body heal wounds, bruises, and areas affected by surgery. The basic functions of vitamin K are also thought to help certain skin conditions, such as:

• stretch marks
• spider veins
• scars
• dark spots
• stubborn circles under your eyes

Vitamin K can be found in many different topical creams for the skin, and it can help treat a variety of skin conditions. Doctors frequently use creams that contain vitamin K on patients who have just undergone surgery to help reduce swelling and bruising. This may help speed up skin healing. However, research on vitamin K’s effects on the skin is more limited than that for vitamins E and C.

According to the University of Florida, vitamin K deficiencies are rare in the United States. Adults need between 90 and 120 ug per day. You can increase your intake by eating:

• kale
• spinach
• lettuce
• cabbage
• green beans

Whether you want to match your favorite strappy sandals or add a little color to look at during your yoga class, grabbing a pedicure is an easy way to brighten your day. Maybe the draw of adorable toes draws you in, but pedicure’s luxurious experience and healing properties will keep you coming back.

Here is the ultimate list of pedicure types to keep your feet looking and feeling fresh!

What is a pedicure?
A pedicure is a treatment that pampers your feet and toenails.

A great pedicure is so much more than a simple swipe of polish. An expert will smooth cracked heels, trim unruly cuticles, shape nails and add a bit of glam. When you finish, your feet will look great. And from smoother skin to healed heels to fewer hangnails, they’ll perform better, too!

What to expect from a pedicure
After getting a pedicure, you can expect beautiful feet and toes for weeks. People prone to dry or cracked skin can expect smooth, hydrated and nourished feet. Since toenails grow about 7x slower than fingernails, the polish can last a long time – though some toes may fare better than others. Some pedicure lovers say that results can last over a month!

What to do before a pedicure appointment
To prepare for a pedicure, make sure you offer your nail technician clean feet! Making sure your feet are freshly-washed is definitely a courtesy you want to follow. Also, if you have a foot condition, plantar warts or fungus, make sure to wait to schedule an appointment until after you confirm anything contagious is gone.

How is a pedicure done?
When you head into that comfy seat and get ready for self-care, you will experience:

• A warm, bubbly foot bath to cleanse and prepare your feet
• A detailed foot wash and scrub
• A luxurious foot and calf massage (a popular favorite part)
• Filing or smoothing of any calluses or dry skin
• Clipping, filing and smoothing of cuticles and toenails
• And finally, the bottom coat, color polish, and topcoat add a bit of color to your nails!

These offerings may vary slightly depending on the type of pedicure you book – an express color will be quicker, while a luxury pedicure may add or draw out steps.

The best types of pedicures to book
These are the best types of pedicures to book:

• Basic pedicure
• Spa pedicure
• Paraffin pedicure
• French pedicure
• Gel pedicure
• Athletic pedicure
• Waterless pedicure
• Basic Pedicure

It’s in the name! A basic pedicure will follow the classic structure we listed above. This type of pedicure is the most popular and well-known option, thanks to all of the pampering it covers in a relatively short amount of time.

This pedicure costs about $35 on average and lasts about 30-45 minutes.

Spa pedicure
A spa pedicure is a perfect splurge if you want something a little more luxurious. Spa pedicures usually take place in a more zen environment, so when you buy a spa pedicure, you also purchase the spa ambiance. Spa pedicures will remove dead skin cells and can prevent nail diseases with the deep cleanse they provide.

Thanks to a drawn-out massage, a spa pedicure may last a bit longer. These pedicures can last 30-90 minutes and typically cost around $60.

Paraffin pedicure
A paraffin pedicure may be an excellent treatment for those who care about baby-smooth skin as much as they do colorful nails. Paraffin pedicures focus on moisturizing and softening the feet by covering them in paraffin wax. Some spas cover the foot in wax, while others will put your foot in a bag of wax. Either way, the result is supple, soft skin! A paraffin pedicure has healing benefits as well. The wax is a form of heat therapy, increasing blood flow, relaxing muscles and decreasing joint stiffness.

A paraffin pedicure treatment is a luxury add-on and costs about $20- $40 on top of the standard pedicure price. In addition, the paraffin treatment adds 20-30 minutes to your overall pedicure time.

French pedicure
If you want timeless and stylish toes to match any strappy shoe, the French pedicure is a perfect choice. The only difference between a French pedicure and a basic pedicure is the polish style – adding French tips. In a classic sense, this means a nude polish with white tips, but in theory, it could be any color tip (colorful french tips are all the rage right now!).

French pedicures usually only cost a little extra – around $5-$10 – compared to a basic pedicure and take about the same amount of time.

Gel pedicure
Tired of looking down and seeing chipped paint on your toes after a few weeks of wear? You may want to upgrade to a gel pedicure! Gel pedicures use pre-mixed acrylic to the nails for a more substantial coat of color. The polish hardens under ultraviolet light, and then the process is repeated 1-2 more times. The result is colorful toes that don’t chip or wear off. Gel toenails will look fresher for longer, even if you’re on your feet all day long.

Gel pedicures usually cost a $10-$15 additional charge and last about an hour.

Athletic pedicure
Spend your days pounding the pavement in running shoes or sending some routes in rock climbing shoes? From callouses to bruised nails, your feet may look a little beat. Athletic pedicures focus on the healing and tidying benefits of a pedicure by tidying toenails, getting rid of dead skin, massaging your soles and relieving muscle tension in your lower legs. This treatment will result in tidier feet and can release pressure points, improve foot health, and can even reduce pain and inflammation.

Since this treatment does not include a polish, it is a popular option for all genders. This pedicure is perfect for a few days after a grueling workout or big race – as long as you’re not coming in with open wounds or overly-sensitive feet. The cost and length of an athletic pedicure are comparable to that of a basic pedicure.

Waterless pedicure
Some people look at the warm foot bath as a relaxing soak. The idea may turn others off. The risk for bacterial infection is very low at reputable nail salons, but not quite zero. Or, there are medical conditions like diabetes that benefit from a soak-less treatment.

If you don’t want to mess with a soak during your pedicure, a waterless pedicure will solve that problem! Instead, the technician will use a warm soapy washcloth to cleanse the foot before the treatment. Some fans of this treatment say the lack of a soak leads to longer-lasting polish, fewer cuticle tears and a more sanitary experience.

A waterless pedicure can cost up to $95, especially if booked through a medical spa. The length of this treatment depends on the condition of the feet.

Unapaswa kuchagua Facial kulingana na aina ya ngozi uliyo nayo na shida unayotaka kushughulikiwa:

Ngozi ya Kawaida/Kavu
Kwa ngozi ya kawaida na kavu, chagua facial inaojumuisha utakaso wa kina, massage ya unyevu na matibabu ya mvuke ili kuondoa uchafu wa ziada. Chagua mask za kulainisha au seramu ya kuongeza maji ili umalize. Ikiwa ngozi yako iko upande wa kavu, epuka kujichubua kupita kiasi.

Mchanganyiko wa Ngozi
Kwa kuwa ngozi iliyochanganywa ina ngozi ya mafuta na ya kawaida kukauka, hakikisha kuwa bidhaa nyepesi hutumiwa. Hii ni ili usizidishe ngozi ya mafuta kuwa milipuko na ngozi kavu isikauke na bidhaa zinazotumiwa kwa ngozi ya mafuta.

Ngozi ya Mafuta
Kwa ngozi ya mafuta, chagua facial inaotumia dondoo za asili, unaozingatia utakaso wa kina na uchimbaji kwa toning, mask ya uso na seramu ya kinga. Mask itaondoa mafuta ya ziada, kupunguza pores na kufanya ngozi kuwa laini.

Ngozi Ilioaribika
Kwa ngozi hii, epuka facials zinazochubua, au tumia AHA kwani hizi huchubua ngozi zaidi. Chagua facial na massage mpole ambayo hutumia bidhaa zilizo na chai ya kijani au chamomile; oksijeni Facial na nyengine kwamba hydrate ngozi pia inafaanya kazi kwa ajili ya ngozi ilioribika.

What happens during a hot stone massage?
A hot stone massage is a type of massage therapy. It’s used to help you relax and ease tense muscles and damaged soft tissues throughout your body.

During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat, heated stones are placed on specific parts of your body. The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of volcanic rock that retains heat. According to the University of New Hampshire Health Services, hot massage stones are heated to between 130 and 145 degrees.

The stones may be placed:

• along your spine
• on your stomach
• on your chest
• on your face
• on your palms
• on your feet and toes

Massage therapists may hold heated stones as they massage your body using Swedish massage techniques such as:

• long strokes
• circular movements
• vibration
• tappingkneading

Sometimes, cold stones are also used during a hot stone massage. Cold stones may be used after hot stones to calm any engorged blood vessels and to soothe the skin.

Benefits of hot stone massage
All massages generally fall under the alternative medicine umbrella. They’re becoming a popular complementary therapy for many conditions. Here are some advantages of getting a hot stone massage:

Helps relieve muscle tension and pain
Heat has long been used to ease muscle tension and pain. It helps increase blood flow to the affected area. It may also reduce muscle spasms and increase flexibility and range of motion. Cold therapy helps relieve inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, alternating hot and cold stones during your massage may be helpful.

Reduces stress and anxiety
It’s the position of the American Massage Therapy Association that “massage therapy can be effective for stress relief.” Research supports their opinion. A 2001 study showed that a ten-minute massage improved cardiovascular responses such as stroke volume. A 1997 study found that 15-minute, onsite chair massages in the workplace significantly reduced stress compared to a 15-minute break without massage.

A 2015 studyTrusted Source found that people who underwent abdominal colorectal surgery had less pain, tension, and anxiety after receiving post-operative massage.

Promotes sleep
A 2006 literature review found massage may be an alternative to sleeping pills in adults with insomnia. The research showed that back massage helped promote relaxation and sleep. A 2001 study showed that infants with sleep problems who were given a 15-minute massage by their parents went to sleep faster. They were also more alert, active, and positive upon awakening. Massage is thought to help you enjoy more restorative sleep, although it’s not completely understood why.

May help relieve symptoms of autoimmune diseases
Hot stone massage may relieve painful conditions such as fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes widespread, chronic pain. According to a 2002 study, people with fibromyalgia who received a 30-minute massage slept longer, had fewer trigger points, and had decreased levels of substance P (a substance involved in transmitting pain signals) than people with the condition who received relaxation therapy. More research is needed, however, before massage becomes a standard fibromyalgia treatment.

A 2013 studyTrusted Source found that people with rheumatoid arthritis may benefit from a moderate-pressure massage, such as hot stone massage. Participants in the study experienced less pain, greater grip strength, and a greater range of motion after one month of massage therapy.

May help decrease cancer symptoms
A large, three-year study published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management examined how massage affected pain, fatigue, stress and anxiety, nausea, and depression in 1,290 people with cancer. The study showed massage, especially Swedish massage, improved cancer symptoms, even in those with substantial symptoms. Researchers believe the comforting use of human touch played a role.

May boost immunity
Massage may give your immune system a boost. According to a 2010 studyTrusted Source, a single session of Swedish massage therapy had a positive and acute impact on immunity. Blood samples taken before and after the massage showed a decrease in arginine-vasopressin, a hormone that helps regulate blood pressure and water retention.

Who may benefit from a hot stone massage?
Anyone who is experiencing muscle tension and pain, insomnia, or stress may benefit from a hot stone massage. If you have a chronic condition that causes pain, talk to your doctor to see if a hot stone massage is a good option for you.

Risks and warnings
When performed by a trained therapist, a hot stone massage is generally safe. There are some circumstances where it should be avoided. Consult your doctor before getting a massage if you have:

• a bleeding disorder or take blood thinners
• burns on your skin
• open wounds
• a history of blood clots
• had surgery in the last 6 weeks
• a fracture or severe osteoporosis
• a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
  diabetes

A prenatal massage may help relieve stress and ease uncomfortable pregnancy symptoms. Still, most massage therapists won’t use hot stones on pregnant women. If you’re pregnant, you should only get a massage with your doctor’s approval, and under the hands of a trained prenatal massage therapist.

To prevent burns, there should always be a barrier, such as a towel or sheet, between hot massage stones and your skin. Check with your therapist to see how they heat the stones. A professional massage stone heater should be used. Never use stones that have been heated with a:

• microwave
• slow cooker
• hot plate
• oven
• The bottom line

Studies show that a hot stone massage may be a helpful way to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and ease pain and muscle tension. It may be helpful for a variety of conditions and circumstances.

More study is needed to find out exactly why massage therapy has such a powerful impact. It may have a lot to do with human touch. For many people, touch offers a sense of connection and security.

To make sure you have a positive hot stone massage experience, only use a massage therapist trained to work with hot stones. You may feel sore during your massage or the day after. This may be due to deep tissue manipulation and pressure. You shouldn’t feel pain. If you are uncomfortable or experience pain during your massage, let your massage therapist know right away.