HOT STONE MASSAGE

The integration of heated and chilled stones in massage therapy has become widely appreciated and accepted within the bodywork industry.  Hot stones become the extension of therapist’s hands and rely on the therapist’s knowledge and the client’s trust to be used properly as a healing tool.  The art of hot stone therapy is used in different ways with different body therapies.  In the practice of Ayurveda, stone therapy is connected to the earth element.  Ayurveda connects all healing to one of the five great elements.  “The stones of the earth are the bones of the great earth mother”.  By introducing stone massage the therapist helps to “ground” the energies for healing.  Reiki and hot stone massage combine dense and subtle forms of therapy.  Reiki stone therapy integrates heated stones over specific areas known as “chakras” under and around the body in a specific sequence.  During a Reiki stone treatment, the client is fully clothed and each stone is carefully “attuned” with selected Reiki symbols that have an affinity for each body part.  Hot stones combined with aromatherapy are a perfect union.  Essential oils are absorbed readily into the lymph and blood vessels to permeate every cell in the body.  Consequently, using goal specific oils, with deep pressure of heated, textured stones, glide along the body creating dramatic and profound results.  Hot stones are also useful in reflexology and placement of large, heated stones upon and underneath the body can open and release areas of congestion.  Stone Thai massage uses gentle, rhythmic rocking, deep compression, range of motion, yogic stretching and herbal compresses to integrate the healing powers of these two equal ancient body therapies.  Stone and compression therapy uses heated stones, and sandbags.  The sandbag compresses and initiates the relaxation response.  After the compression is removed, the body feels light and weightless-the hot stones melt the tension away-as it stretches and clears the body’s congestion.  Hot stones are also used in deep tissue and sports massage.  This requires the therapist to use an enormous amount of focus to stay tuned with the client’s pain threshold and the muscle’s texture. 

PRECAUTIONS:

• People who suffer from obesity, heart disease, varicose veins, or broken capillaries should check with a doctor before undergoing stone therapy.                                                       
• Clients with eczema, rashes, acne, psoriasis, or other skin abnormalities should probably not do stone therapy until their skin is clear.                                                                            
• Care should be used in clients with osteoporosis, ruptured, herniated, deteriorated disks.                                                       
• Avoid hot stones on clients experiencing menopausal symptoms.                                                                                
• Children, pregnant women and the elderly should be treated with less extreme temperatures, and more gentle pressure.        
• Avoid areas that are numb or clients on medication that may de-sensitize their body.                                                                    

• Clients with seizure disorders may need to check with their M.D. before receiving a hot stone therapy if their medications cause skin hypersensitivity.                                                        

• Avoid hot stones if taking antibiotics, accutane, or other medications that may cause hypersensitivity to heat on the skin.