Hot and Cold Stone Therapy - What is it ?
Hot and Cold Stone Massage
The history of stone massage
Mary Nelson introduced hot stone therapy into the USA , in the form of LaStone Therapy, in 1989. A technique based on the ancient Native American traditions of using hot and cold stones on the body.
The American Indians used hot stones for therapeutic purposes, women placed hot stones on their stomachs to help alleviate menstrual pain. Hot stones would be placed on the fire and used to sleep on overnight to keep warm.
In Roman baths hot water was used to create heat in the body, after which people would lie on slabs of marble to cool off. This treatment is known as hydrotherapy and is beneficial for healing and balancing the body.
In the East, Japanese priests would place hot stones in a sash on the abdomen to slow down the digestive process during times of ritual fasting.
Why is it different to other massages?
Hot and cold stones have amazing beneficial effects which help create both healing and balance in the body. Stones can be used in a combination of ways - hot only, cold only or a combination of hot and cold stones.
A typical hot and cold treatment involves the use of heated volcanic basalt stones and cold marble stones using a combination of traditional and ancient therapies for deep levels of relaxation, rejuvenation and muscle relief. The treatment uses hot stones on the body and cooled marble stones on the face but you could choose only the heated basalt stones to deeply relax the body or perhaps a facial treatment using only the cold stones if this is what you desire.
Hot stones followed by cold stones (chasing) can also be a treatment option which provides deep relaxation, positivity, balance and healing.
A hot and cold treatment helps to regulate and balance the body’s temperatures, especially in the warmer months (a hot stone treatment alone will not have the balancing effects without the cool marble stone application).
Each treatment is tailored to meet the needs of the individual or to treat specific conditions and ailments. No one treatment is the same.
How does it make you feel?
The work with the hot volcanic stones penetrates to the deeper layers of the the body releasing tension in the muscles and connective tissue, releasing endorphins and bringing about a deeply relaxing and calming effect on the body. Circulation is increased - allowing removal of toxins, increasing the flow of lymph and stimulating the immune system.
The warmth from the stones allows the therapist to work for longer on areas of tension and stiffness providing effective pain relief.
The cool therapy application is both refreshing whilst soothing and calming at the same time. Energy levels can be lifted and revitalised as it boosts the immune and circulatory systems.
Cold stones bring relief to inflamed sinuses and soothes after a sports massage or a wax treatment. When used with the hot stones they can balance the circulation and promote healing. Cold stones are also excellent to use on varicose veins.
There are some contra-indications to hot stone therapy. A qualified therapist will advise of these before undertaking a treatment. As always, after a massage treatment, It’s advised to drink plenty of water to help flush out those unhealthy and unwanted toxins.
Some of the Benefits
Treating of specific ailments
Invigorating
Stimulating
Deep relaxation
Stress reducing
Healing
Balancing
Detoxifying
Skin tone and texture is improved
Cellular regeneration
Improvement in muscle and joint functioning
Reference Books for further reading
LaStone THERAPY - Jane Scrivner
Hot Stone and Gem Massage - Dagmar Fleck & Liane Jochum
Natalie Gilding MIFPA CYT