According to the Brown University Health Education website, people get stoned (smoke marijuana) to relax and elevate their mood. I'm sure there are a million other reasons but those were the two that motivated me to drive an hour and a half to Bar Harbor to experience the legal way to get stoned.
A hot stone massage may not be as rebellious as smoking pot but I can tell you it's euphoric. For 60 glorious minutes, I laid on a massage table , first on my back and then stomach, while the massage therapist held a hot stone in his hand and used it to massage my shoulders, arms, back, legs and feet. (Oh, the feet! That is my favorite part!!)
By the way, when they say "hot stones," they really mean it. The few that are placed along pressure points of the spine were thankfully laid on top of oh-so-soft-and-fuzzy towels so their heat penetrated slowly. The stones in my therapist's hands, however, were surprisingly hot when they first touched my skin. That momentary shock, although jarring the first time, seems to be part of the magic of this type of massage. The muscles contract under the intense heat but release quickly and loosen as the pressure of the stone is moved along the length of the muscle.
The hot stone massage was invented in 1993 by Mary Hannigan, a native of Tuscan Arizona, who calls her particular style LaStone Therapy. Hers is certainly not the only kind though. Stone massage has become incredibly popular, not only with clients but also with therapists because it's not as demanding on their hands as other massage styles. As a result, most spas or salons offering massages will have this type as well. You may also find the cold stone alternative offered in some places (from what I learned it's a summertime favorite). Just take a tip from my therapist if you want to be a cold stoner: request a massage table away from the air conditioner. Otherwise, you might find the experience a bit too chilling.
Lastly, if you're in a place like I am these days (Bangor Maine) and you have trouble finding a place to get a stone message, spafinder can help. My hour of bliss cost me $100 but the relaxation lasted for several days. How that would compare in cost to the euphoria of the illegal alternative, I don't know. However, you won't have to worry about getting caught.
Oh, and if you're looking for a great gift idea, this is definitely one to consider! In fact, why not get Mom stoned for Mother's Day?
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