While some people think that Hot Stone Massages are trendy, its history actually goes back a very long time.  Hundreds of years ago, heated stones were used as a holistic health treatment by Native Americans living in the Southwest.  The stones were heated and laid directly on the body to boost its blood circulation. Hot stones were also rubbed against hurting parts of the body during ritual healings.

The use of heated stones in massage was reborn in the early 1990’s with the introduction of LaStone Therapy. A woman named Mary Nelson stumbled upon the technique while massaging her niece in a sauna in New Mexico. After Peter Rubnitz, the owner of Urban Oasis, experienced the treatment in 1997 at the Miraval Spa in Tucson, he contacted Mary and, soon thereafter, flew her to Chicago to train his therapists.  Urban Oasis became the first spa east of the Rocky Mountains to offer this unique massage.

It has now become a luxurious experience to feel the deeply relaxing and penetrating heat from the basalt river stones. During the treatment, the stones are heated in 120 degree water and gently placed along the energy pathways and glided over the body to relax the muscles. Stones range in size based on the area where they are used and can be customized for comfort. This treatment helps you let go of all the stress you’re holding within your body. It has been reported that Hot Stone Massage can help alleviate poor circulation, rheumatic and arthritic conditions, fibromyalgia, MS, back pain, insomnia and depression.

Click here to view a short homemade video demonstrating the hot stone massage at Urban Oasis.

To book a Hot Stone Massage at our North Avenue location, please call (312) 640-0001. To book at Maple Street, call (312) 587-3500.