LaStone Therapy
La Stone Therapy - Hot Stones
LaStone Therapy
LaStone Therapy was developed in Tucson, Arizona by massage therapist Mary Nelson in 1993 and has since become available worldwide. Stones have been used for ritual and healing purposes going back 1000's of years.
LaStone treatment uses the principles of geothermal therapy to deliver its benefits. The application of hot and chilled stones to the body, causes changes in its physiological responses.
Increased blood flow and detoxification enhances the function of the liver, bowels, kidneys, lymphatic and circulatory systems.
Isolated applications of chilled stones help areas of inflammation, while warm stones prepare the muscles for deeper tissue work.
The use of oils with stones enable the therapist to deliver a deeper massage than is possible with other types of massage, working on trigger points knots in sore and stiff muscles.
The Treatment
A typical treatment lasts over an hour during which time various areas of the body are massaged with the stones, adjusting temperature and depth of treatment according to need. The stones are used in conjunction with traditional massage.
After a consultation stones are arranged on the couch for the client to lay-on and also placed on top of the body. Relaxation techniques allow the client to become relaxed and the therapist to become centred and focused on the treatment ahead.
Stones are chosen for the work that is required in various combinations of hot and cold to promote the balance of the treatment, although it is entirely up to the client how much cold or hot they would like to experience.
The whole body receives a massage that is both deep and remedial, healing and relaxing.
Although LaStone incorporates cold into a massage routine, clients can opt to have a purely hot stone treatment if desired.
About The Stones
LaStone therapy uses volcanic basalt stones for their smoothness and density. These are the black YIN stones that are heated in a special tank to temperatures ranging from 49c - 52c. Smooth white marble YANG stones are chilled in an ice cooler.
During a massage the stones become indistinguishable from the therapists hand. A stroke with a hard heated stone is equivalent in its effect to the underlying tissue to 10 regular massage strokes using the hand.
Conclusion
LaStone therapy produces both sedative and re-energising effects; soothing yet stimulating.
