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Stone therapy utilizes heat-retaining warm basalt and cool
sedimentary massage stones, as well as chakra balancing using
semiprecious stones and crystals, and aromatherapy.
Hot stone massage is a specialty massage that uses smooth,
heated stones. They are often basalt, a black volcanic rock that
absorbs and retains heat well. It is a deeply soothing, relaxing
form of massage. The heat helps tight muscles release.
Thermal conduction in the warm stones brings about local and
systemic changes in the body, and influences the energy centers
for body and mind balancing. The use of massage techniques in
conjunction with the |
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stones helps produce energy that assists with and directs vital
flow to areas of blockage. Lymphatic drainage can also be
addressed by combining cold and warm stones. As lymphatic flow is
altered, the body is transformed on a cellular level. This
combination is also effective for increasing general circulation
to vaso-restricted areas of the body.
All stones in the basalt set serve different purposes - some
are used for the layouts (mainly back layouts), palm rest stones,
7 Chakra stones are for bringing balance to Chakra centers, others
are used in massage. There is even a governor in a set - the
sacrum stone. These heated stones, by giving their heat and
electromagnetic energy to your client, virtually 'feed' the
person, encouraging relaxation and bringing a sense of peace.
How is stone therapy practiced?
The client begins by reclining on a series of flat hot and cool
stones - covered by a thick towel - that trace the spine. Within
minutes, the breathing slows as oils are applied to the skin. The
therapist, with hot stones in hands, rhythmically glides across
the meridian lines. Starting at the foot, the stones move up the
leg, along the side the torso and up the arm, right to the
fingertips, all in a delicate, non-stop ritual. Next, the chest
and shoulders receive the same mindful practice. Large stones are
cradled in the palms and coin-sized stones are lightly wedged
between the toes. Heated Chakra stones align and balance chief
energy centers, sending their healing properties deep to the
client's core.
As the client turns to rest upon his/her stomach, a large, flat
hot stone is carefully placed on the cotton blanket, just above
the tail bone supported by the sacrum. The sequence of
synchronized movements follow the peaks and curves of the body,
careful not to cross the spine or come in contact with bones and
joints. Cool stones are placed on key areas to alleviate stress.
The client's senses detect the ritual clicking of stones,
followed by the meditative deep breathing of the therapist.
The basalt stones are heated to the temperature of 125 - 135C
in an 18-quart roaster-oven. The marble stones are cold but not
frozen. This combination of stone compositions and temperatures
brings about a truly unique experience.
Stones are adaptable to a myriad of uses. Reflexologists,
aromatherapists, aestheticians, occupational and physical
therapists, chiropractors, Oriental body workers, light, sound and
vibrational therapists, Reiki and polarity practitioners, sports
and medical massage therapists, now use stones. |
