Description
What is Stone Therapy? It is the ancient healing art of stone massage, a
modality for physical and spiritual balancing. The energies of the massage
stones are known generators of energy; they give to an area that is depleted
and help move energy in places of excess, promoting a harmonizing and
cleansing effect. This allowing for a soothing meditative state of
quietude, calm and balance. Working in harmony using various techniques and
incorporating warm and cold stones, relaxing the body at its deepest level,
therapeutic stone massage is very effective to create harmony and a positive
energy flow thus promoting a sense of balance energy and peace.
Key Benefits
- Revitalizes Energies
- Balances Harmonics
- Promotes Sense of Peace
Procedure
Recommended duration - 85 min.
Note: By Scheduled Appointment Only!
Treatment Data
Please read this additional information...
Author/s: Tish Davidson
Definition
Stone massage is a form of bodywork that involves the application of
heated or cooled stones (thermotherapy) to the body during deep tissue
massage.
Origins
The use of materials of different temperatures on the body to bring about
healing is an ancient technique. Stones have been used in many cultures,
such as in the Native American sweat lodge, to adjust the temperature of the
healing environment. Traditional lomilomi (Hawaiian massage) goes further
and applies heated stones directly to the body.
Although stones have been used for many years as an adjunct to bodywork,
their use was formalized in 1993 by Mary Nelson-Hannigan of Tucson, Arizona.
Nelson-Hannigan developed a form of massage using a system of 54 hot stones,
18 frozen stones, and one room-temperature stone, which she calls LaStone
Therapy. In addition to the use of stones as an extension of the therapist's
hands in deep tissue massage, LaStone Therapy involves a spiritual element
that opens energy channels (chakras) in the body, unblocks memories, and
brings about spiritual healing.
Benefits
Stone therapy has benefits for both the client and the massage therapist.
For the client the application of heat and cold on the body:
- Stimulates the circulatory system and promotes self-healing.
- Softens and relaxes the muscles.
- Helps to release toxins from the muscles.
- Induces a state of deep relaxation that washes away stress.
- Helps relieve pain and muscle spasms.
- Creates a feeling of peacefulness and spiritual well-being.
Stone therapy also benefits the massage therapist. It reduces stress and
strain on the therapist's hands, wrists, and arms so that the therapist can
work longer and more efficiently. The stones do the heavy work, so that the
possibility of repetitive stress injuries to the therapist's thumbs and
wrists is decreased.
Description
In many ways a stone massage session is similar to any other type of
massage. The stones are heated (usually to about 130°F or 34°C) or frozen
prior to the client's arrival. Massage oil is spread on the client's back
and legs. The stones are then worked over the body. The client turns over
and the process is repeated on the arms, hands, and fingers. The final parts
to be massaged are the neck, head, and face.
Preparations
The client needs no special preparation before receiving a stone massage.
The therapist prepares the stones in advance and maintains them at the
proper temperatures.
Precautions
No special precautions are necessary in having a stone massage session.
This type of massage is suitable for almost everyone.
Side effects
Generally a stone massage produces only the positive side effects of a
feeling of peacefulness and spiritual renewal. No negative side effects have
been reported.
Research & general acceptance
The use of stones to alter body temperature has been used for centuries.
Little modern research has been done on its effectiveness, although it is a
generally accepted technique.
Training & certification
LaStone Therapy offers its own certification for people already trained
as massage therapists who complete specific courses in LaStone Therapy. Many
of these courses are recognized for credit by the American Massage Therapy
Association, the International Myomassethics Federation, Inc., the National
Certification Board For Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, and the Associated
Bodywork and Massage Professionals.
Key Terms
- Chakras - The energy centers located at points along the body, usually
identified as seven in number in yoga and other Eastern healing therapies.
Stone massage works to open the chakras, as well as relax the physical
body.
Further Reading
For Your Information
Organizations
- American Massage Therapy Association. 820 Davis Street, Suite 100.
Evanston, IL 60201. (847) 864-0123.
- LaStone Therapy. 2919 E. Broadway Blvd., Suite 224. Tucson, AZ 85716.
(520) 319-6414.
http://www.lastonetherapy.com .
Other
Source: Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine. Gale
Group, 2001.
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