The ultimate in massage
- Native Americans and many European cultures wrapped heated stones or bricks to place on the body to ease pain.
- In Hawaii the natives used lava stones wrapped in Kiti leaf for their healing treatments.
- In China they have used heated stones to relieve tired muscles since 1500 BC.
- The Japanese used smooth black stones to keep their abdomen warm after a heavy meal.
- The Russians lined their baths with hot rocks to keep the water warm.
- Cowboys used to place hot stones under their sleeping bags to help keep themselves warm.
It was in Arizona where massage therapist Mary Nelson introduced hot stone massage therapy as we know it today and in 1993 she created LaStone.
The benefits of Stone Massage Therapy
- The stones iron out tight muscles as they soften the tissues with heat.
- Increases circulation.
- Aids in waste elimination.
- Relieves sinus pressure.
- Reduces inflammatory conditions with the use of cold stones.
- Adds ‘Chi’ to the session since stones are living microisms of energy.
- Can help to reduce cellulite when used with castor oil.
- Gently exfoliates the skin.
- Relaxes and grounds the client.
The stones are reported to have 10 times the pressure of the hands when used to massage. They are returned to the natural elements of rain, sunshine and moonlight to be charged with energy after every second therapy. When ready to be used they are gently bathed in sterilising fluid and oiled to regain their dark lustre and smoothness. After heating you can feel the energy vibrate and once tapped together these stones ‘come alive’ and are ready to work for the therapist giving you the ultimate in massage.
Cold stones can also be introduced on any areas of inflammation for a short time and chakra balancing with large stones is an important part in re-balancing the body.
Last Modified on: 05-12-2018