The practice of placing hot stones on the body is one with ancient origins. The use of basalt, marine, or other kinds of stones in massage therapy is still very popular today, and many are drawn to this technique due to the physical and emotional relief it provides.

What Are the Benefits of a Hot Stone Massage?

This therapy can have a tranquilizing effect; reducing stress, relieving pain, and promoting a sense of deep relaxation. Each therapy is tailored to the needs of the individual and this results in varied effects and experiences. The warm sensations of a hot stone massage are profoundly comforting to most who experience them, reducing tension in the body and mind alike. Some individuals dealing with insomnia may also find relief through this treatment.

How Should I Prepare for a Hot Stone Massage?

First, we recommend scheduling your massage on a day that will not be very hectic. This can help you get the most out of the experience and extend the effects of the massage. Avoid eating a heavy meal for at least an hour before your appointment and dress comfortably. When you arrive, be sure to communicate with your therapist about your preferences and any points on your body that need focus.

How Will the Stones Be Used?

The stones will be heated to between 130 and 145 degrees and will be placed on the areas your therapist identifies to best treat you. This could include on your spine, chest, stomach, palms, face, or even your feet and toes. Your therapist may also hold the stones and work them against your muscles manually in circular or stroking motions.

Our Massage Spa in Chicago

LillieAnn’s Massage and Spa in Chicago is a destination for individuals seeking relaxation from the stresses of the modern world. Visit us for hot stone or other types of therapeutic massage, skin care, and more.

LillieAnn's blog / posted on Mar 26, 2020

Getting up and getting going every day presents many challenges, especially for those leading active lives that include regular exercise and excursions. Putting that energy out is only half of the picture; to attain a healthy balance, we must return the favor to our hard-working bodies. Swedish massages are popular because they are gentle but effective, and capable of soothing many common ailments.

Increased Blood Flow

Professional massage therapists use a technique called effleurage, a stroking motion that helps direct blood flow from the extremities back towards the heart. Opening up your blood vessels and improving your circulation assists nutrients and oxygen in reaching your muscles more effectively. Immediately after the massage, your body will feel rejuvenated and relaxed. In the days following your massage, you may notice feeling stronger and slower to fatigue.

Muscle Rehabilitation and Flexibility

This type of massage is especially useful to athletes for its restorative and optimizing properties. Adhesions (a fusion of muscle tissue) and the symptoms of other minor muscle injuries may be relieved through a professional Swedish massage. The techniques used in this type of massage can help enhance overall flexibility, reducing the risk of sport-related injuries and improving the effectiveness of future workouts.

Pain and Stress Management

Identifying your pain points before a massage will give your therapist a road map of what to focus on during the session. In fact, the symptoms of chronic conditions like osteoarthritis and sciatica may be mitigated with a Swedish massage. Those of us dealing with regular—or perhaps extreme—stress can benefit greatly from the soothing sensations, soft music, and subtle lighting that comes with a professional massage.

We welcome visitors to Chicago and locals to join us at our spa in South Loop for a Swedish massage. Give back to your body and book an appointment online today.

LillieAnn's blog / posted on Feb 25, 2020

If you’ve been considering getting a couples massage in West Loop, you’re on to something. Couples massage is a wonderfully relaxing, personal experience for you and your partner. Not only does it rejuvenate, it brings couples closer together.

Experience Something New

If you and your partner find yourself doing the same thing every weekend, switch it up! Couples who share new experiences, like massage, bond more closely with each other. Experience the feeling of exploration and adventure, and of creating new memories together. Finding new ways to get to know each other is the key to a fun and healthy relationship!

Be in the Present

We could all use a reminder to live in the moment, and massage helps us do that. By embracing the present and being fully engaged in an activity together, you and your partner can reconnect and enjoy being mindful together.

Healing Together

Massage can reduce stress and muscle tension, boost circulation, minimize stiffness, and bring about feelings of calm and happiness through hormone release. Couples who strive to practice a healthy lifestyle together can enjoy these benefits and more.

Couples Massage West Loop

Couples massage has all the benefits of an individual massage, and more. When both partners in a relationship have to opportunity to unwind, focus on their well-being, and feel taken care of, the relationship itself can become stronger as a result. Don’t wait any longer, book your appointment at LillieAnn’s Massage & Skin Care Spa today!

LillieAnn's blog / posted on Oct 10, 2018

As we stray away from artificial additives and make the shift towards more natural skin care treatments, it’s important to know which home remedies are actually beneficial. If you want to know which natural ingredients are the best additions to your Chicago skin care routine, you’ve come to the right place.

Coconut Oil

To many, coconut oil is seen as a superfood of the skin care world, and we can see why. The popular base oil strengthens underlying skin tissue, removes dead skin cells, and is naturally antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal.  Use coconut oil on your skin or hair to cleanse and moisturize, as well as remove makeup, treat wounds, and prevent razor burn.

Tea Tree Oil

For those who have trouble with acne, tea tree oil is an excellent remedy. Instead of subjecting your skin to harsh salicylic acid, tea tree oil reduces acne and clears up irritation with its natural anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties.

Sea Salt

If your Chicago skin care routine could use a new exfoliant, add sea salt to the equation. Sea salt gently scrubs your face and body without the abrasive ingredients present in store-bought products.

Avocado

Avocado is a favored alternative to drug-store moisturizers. Its high levels of vitamins A, D, and E soothe sunburned skin, boost collagen production, and help treat age spots.

No Chicago skin care routine wouldn’t be complete without a face mask. Try combining avocado and honey for a powerfully moisturizing face mask. Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse!

LillieAnn's blog / posted on Sep 28, 2018

So, you’ve already decided to book your relaxing massage in the West Loop at LillieAnn’s. We want you to get the most out of your experience with us, and we know you do too. Here are four simple, effective ways to maximize the effects of your massage.

1. Stay Hydrated

After your massage, be sure to drink plenty of water for the next couple of days. Drinking water will help reduce post-massage soreness and flush the toxins and metabolic waste released during your appointment out of your body. You’ll avoid feeling fatigued and be able to experience more benefits from the massage.

2. Get Some Rest

Massage therapy is a tool for restoration and healing. Allowing yourself to rest after your appointment will increase the therapeutic benefits of the massage and encourage your body to repair and regenerate.

3. Don’t Stress

If you can, don’t participate in any stressful activities. Reconsider strenuous exercise, such as lifting weights or going on long runs, in order to avoid taxing your muscles.

4. Take a Detoxifying Bath

Soak in the tub with Epsom salts, a naturally occurring mineral compound of magnesium and sulfate known for its healing powers. Epsom salt baths are a great way to flush out toxins from cells, relieve muscle pain, and relax.

Try taking a hot bath with two cups of Epsom salt for 12 minutes, you won’t regret it!

Get a Massage in West Loop

Now that you know how to maximize your massage, it’s time to unwind and enjoy your experience at LillieAnn’s. No matter if you’re booked for a deep tissue, Swedish, sports, or trigger-point massage, these tips are good to follow.

LillieAnn's blog / posted on Aug 27, 2018