Hot Stones

Stone Therapy

Warm stones have been used as a therapeutic tool for massage for centuries with evidence dating back to ancient Egypt, China, Japan, South America and Australia.
The effects and potential benefits of hot stones include:

• heat penetrates to a much deeper level than finger pressure, reaching around 7cm into tissues. This brings about physiological changes as well as improving energy flow;
• improves blood circulation & lymphatic drainage;
• promotes the release & elimination of toxins;
• boosts immunity and the lymphatic function;
• relieves tension in connective tissues;
• reduces muscular tension which will help muscles to relax and repair more efficiently;
• it is warming, deeply relaxing & soothing helping to melt away any tension or anxiety; 
• helps to bring about a balance of body as well as mind.

Use of Hot Stones In Reflexology

Hot stones can be incorporated into a reflexology treatment to further enhance the benefits of the treatment. It is estimated that one stroke of a hot stone is worth five strokes with the hand! It is also believed to yield five times deeper and five times longer lasting effects compared to a "normal" reflexology session. The heat helps to relax the muscles in the feet allowing the therapist to work deeper into the reflex areas.
The stones are composed of basalt, a volcanic rock, which due to its high density retains heat well. Stones are firstly used to massage the lower legs (below the knees) relieving any tension in the calf muscles and helping to enhance energy flow. Smaller stones are then used to work the reflex areas and points of the feet. The heat from the stones quickly opens the reflex pathways bringing about a much deeper level of relaxation than reflexology alone.

Hot stones may be combined with reflexology in three ways:

• in the opening and closing moves of the treatment by massaging the calves and performing some still work on the plantar (bottom) side of the feet. Toe stones as well as a stone under the Achilles tendon are placed on the foot which is "resting" (i.e. the foot which is wrapped in a towel and not being worked on). Warm stones can also be placed behind the shoulders and hips to help ease any tension or stress in those areas;.
• alternatively, stones can be incorporated into a normal reflexology treatment, especially on any areas which appear as tender or congested;.
• or lastly, the hot stones may be used solely in the treatment allowing the heat to work the reflex areas and points rather than the therapists fingers and thumbs..

PLEASE NOTE: The temperature of the stones can be adjusted according to the needs and preference of the client. The stones are not transferred directly from the heater onto the skin and the stones are always cleansed between clients. I use a vulsini hot stone heating bag to heat the stones.

Use of Cold Stones in Reflexology

Cold stones may also be used during a reflexology treatment and is especially good for for sportspeople when alternating hot with cold to ease msucle tension post workout. It may also help, for example, with:

• easing inflammation;
• headaches;
• sinus congestion;
• muscle strain;
• improves immune function;