Hot stones were used in many ancient cultures, but seem to be the modern treatment for relaxation.
If you’re heading to a beauty spa or salon for a bit of ‘you time’, the chances are that hot stones therapy will be on the menu. This treatment has grown in popularity over the past five years, but, like many alternative therapies, it dates back thousands of years. Hot stones are believed to have been used within many ancient cultures, but the therapy used today has its roots in India.
Connecting the Flow
Ayurveda, the ancient healing tradition of India, believes that an energy source called prana flows through the body, in a similar way to the Oriental qi. Yogis work with this energy source using breathing techniques, meditation and poses to harness the prana for healing. There is also a tradition of using natural tools such as herbs, flowers, crystals and heated stones. Healers originally used rocks from river beds and warmed them in hot coals or hot water. By placing the hot stones along the energy centres of the body, they are thought to stimulate an internal healing process.
Connecting the flow or paths of energy was used to rebalance the physical body, mind and spirit. Seven semi-precious stones are used in most treatments to bring balance to the chakra centres.
The heat retention capabilities of the smooth stones make them excellent thermotherapy tools. When warmed, the heat they give off warms muscles and quickly relaxes clients. As the result, the healer can work deeper and more specifically than they would in a regular massage. Heat immediately relaxes muscles, which makes hot stones therapy ideal for drawing out muscle pain and discomfort.
Lymphatic Drainage
There is no single way to practise hot stone therapy, so treatments will vary from spa to salon. Some will place the stones traditionally on the energy centres using a ritualistic technique, which also involves lying on cloth-covered stones. Others will combine the gliding techniques used in Swedish and Lomi-Lomi massages, where a little oil is applied to the stones so the therapist can iron out tense muscles.
The stones are often used on pressure points throughout the body and any particular problem areas. The therapy adopts reflexology practices, as the feet contain nerve endings that connect with all other areas of the body. Therapists often incorporate small hot stones, which are placed between the toes to stimulate the nerve endings in the feet. They will also massage the feet using the stones in the same way a reflexologist would. Lymphatic drainage is also possible by combining cold marble and warm stones. This combination is also effective for increasing general circulation to vascular-restricted areas of the body.
Whether you believe in prana energy or chakras, hot stones therapy is a sensual, totally relaxing and deeply therapeutic treatment for you to enjoy.
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