Health and Beauty Guide to Hot Stone Therapy

Hot Stone Therapy

Hot Stone Therapy is a concept that has seemed to come into popularity within the past 5-10 years. Certainly within the last 3 years, it has become the ‘in’ treatment at spas, health farms and therapeutic centres all over the world. Contrary to popular belief, Hot Stone Therapy was not actually first discovered in the desert of Arizona.

It is an age old therapy dating back some 5000 years to India and almost certainly the Mayan Culture. Ayurveda, the ancient healing tradition of India, spoke of a universal source in all life. The energy called Prana is the energy or the breadth of life which moves through all forms to give them life. Yogis work with this energy using breathing techniques, meditation, physical exercise and massage to produce altered states of consciousness, healing and longevity. They would not only use their hands for manipulation and healing, but also utilise tools the earth would naturally provide such as herbs, flowers, crystals and stones.

Stone Massage Therapy came from the healers using rocks from the river beds and warming them in hot coals or hot water. By placing the hot stones on cloth, on the body and arranging them along the energy centres of the body, a healing process would occur. The hot stones have a tendency to relax the muscles draw out muscle pain and discomfort.

The Hot Stones appear to connect the flow or paths of energy together in order to rebalance the physical body, emotional mind and spirit as one. As the stones cool, the healer will replace them with hot ones. The feet are extremely energy sensitive and are also stimulated in Hot Stone Massage.

As in Reflexology, the entire body can be reflected in the feet. Hot Stone Therapy works with tiny river rocks placed between the toes to de-stress and stimulate the nerve endings in the feet. At the end, the healer would massage the feet and the body with the stones and scented oils. Cool stones could then be placed on the pulse points for revitalising and rejuvenating. Stone Therapy was utilised by many cultures across Europe and within the Mezo-American and Native American tribes as well.

Within the last 10 years, Stone Therapy has found a new life in the West. Since the ever growing popularity of alternative therapies has been channelling into the mainstream, every Spa and Salon seems to have jumped on the bandwagon to meet the growing demand of the client.

It’s simplicity does not take away from the benefits and usefulness of this natural massage tool. There is no one way to practice Stone Therapy, but temperature control is of the utmost importance. The quality and size of the stone will determine how long the stone will hold heat effectively. They can be used to enhance the healer’s current routine or relaxing 90 minute Hot Stone Therapy sessions can be offered. The Stones Can be used in the following ways:

Effleurage Tool

The smoothness and shape of the stones enhance such gliding techniques used in Swedish and Lomi-Lomi massages. A little oil applied to the stones allows for a graceful effleurage movement whilst warming the muscle. It has a similar effect to ‘ironing a muscle’.

Pressure Point Tool

The natural evolution of Hot Stones permits each stone to have it’s own unique shape, size and function. Certain stones will stand out when you are looking to use one for pressure point application. Reflexology and trigger point therapies can benefit by allowing deeper work without the strain on thumbs and wrists.

Compression Tool

The weight of the stones provide physical and mental comfort and can enhance the compression technique. As they cool, they can remain in a certain position giving it that extra attention whilst the healer can work on other parts of the body. Even by just holding the Hot Stones in the palm of the hand can provide a soothing feeling.

Thermotherapy Tool

The heat and cold retention capabilities of Hot Stones make them excellent thermotherapy tools. When warmed, the natural heat given off by the stones warms muscles and quickly relaxes clients. As the result the healer can work deeper and do more specific work in the time allowed for the massage.

A Health Aid

It is not unheard of to find a therapist who is in desperate need of a treatment themselves. Most bodywork is physical and can cause undue strain on the fingers, hands, wrists and tension in the shoulders. Without compromising the therapist themselves, Hot Stones are the perfect tool to enable a deeper massage. They can also provide relief for tired and sore hands. The heat from the stones works with you and warms muscles, whilst the weight of the stones can assist in releasing pressure.

(From http://www.healthandbeautyguide.com)