Hot Stone Massage

Hello ....... brrrrr, it’s been really cold over the weekend and snow - well didn’t expect it.  

So this brings me on to think of how beautiful it is to have Hot Stone Massage.  The thought of those beautiful natural basalt stones, heated and placed on the body and used to massage is just blissful, especially warming those cold tired muscles, which are working hard to keep us warm.

A Brief History of Hot Stone Massage Therapy

Massage is considered to be among the oldest of all treatments used by man.  Chinese records dating back three thousand years documented its use.  The ancient Hindus, Persians and Egyptians used forms of massage for some ailments, and Hippocrates wrote papers recommending the use of rubbing and friction for joint and circulatory problems.  Today massage is an accepted part of many physical rehabilitation programmes and has proven beneficial for many chronic conditions, such as low-back pain, arthritis, and bursitis.  Massage helps relieve the stress and tension of everyday living.

Ancient Hot Stone Therapy

Early use and evolution of hot stone massage originated in four geographical areas: China, India, Hawaii and the mainland United States.

China - As early as 2,000 B.C., ancient Chinese healers applied warm stones to the body in the treatment of disease and muscular pain.  In China stones were heated in the sun and used for muscle and joint pains.

India - The origin of hot stone massage can be traced back 5000 years to India, with the ancient healing tradition of Ayurveda.  According to some researches, this therapy originated from healers who used rocks from the river beds and warmed them in either hot water or hot coals before using them to treat any feeling of discomfort in the body.

Mainland United States - Early Native Americans used heated stones in sweat lodges, placing them on the abdomen for the relief of cramps and other stomach pain.  In Central and South America some Mayan, Inca, Aztec and Peruvian tribes have ceremonies that involve using stones on the body.  Some of these are specially carved (fetishes), some are heated and some are cold.  Reflexology was first practiced in the Aztec temples and often involved using stones.

Looking for a way to continue her work that would overcome her damaged hands, Mary Nelson introduced LaStone therapy in 1993.  Mary’s Story in inspirational and a must read for anyone embarking on hot stone therapy.

Our course will teach you how to apply hot stones and use them in your massage routine.  I must point out, however,  that this course is not the original LaStone – as with other therapies there are vast variations and this is one of them.

The Benefits of Hot Stone Massage Therapy

• Induces deep relaxation, the warm stones work on a physical and emotional level
• Warm stones help ease the muscles and allow a greater intensity
• Every stoke is equivalent to ten massage strokes
• Increases more blood flow to the areas being worked
• Increases the removal of waste products within the muscle fibres
• Improves tissue repair due to the increased blood supply and oxygen
• Reduces stress
• Nurtures and calms with the natural healing properties of the stones
• The stones can also be used cold
• Stimulating
• Good for injuries which need to be cooled

This therapy enhances the overall effect of a traditional massage tenfold whilst taking care of the therapist hands and joints.

Well what do you think - lush or what!!!

Not only is this a beautiful therapy to have but it is a wonderful treatment to give.  As therapists our hands get a hammering, we end up with all kinds of problems if we don’t take care of ourselves, which we must!!

Hot Stones was developed with that thought in mind - using the stones helps ease the trauma to our hands and, I must admit, it does.  It’s wonderful, using the stones takes the pressure off our hands and arms and it’s a must for all you budding massage therapists.  Try it - see what it’s like; maybe we could run a workshop for you to “have a go” so do let me know if it is something you would like to try.

Our course is run over a day and half, we require 12 case studies and the pre-requisite is Anatomy & Physiology and Body Massage.  The course carries 17 CPD points and the cost is £150.00

For further details on this and other courses see our website.

Bless you all, take care in this cold weather and speak soon.

Love and Reiki blessings
Gill