Stone therapy has been around for thousands of years in several different cultures, but it wasn’t popular in mainstream massage therapy until the last 20 years. Mary Nelson helped channel hot and cold stone therapy into what it is today by starting what is known as LaStone Therapy.

LaStone therapy consists of techniques using both hot and chilled stones for therapeutic benefits. There is also an energy part of the therapy that many believe to be a powerful metaphysical aspect.

Many traditional massage therapists are intimidated at incorporating stones into their therapy sessions. What many of these therapists don’t know is that LaStone includes an incorporation of traditional massage techniques. The stones are used as an extension to the therapist’s hands in performing these traditional techniques. Many of the strokes remain identical to those used in Swedish massage with pivotal difference being the incorporation of temperature and rocks.

LaStone therapy incorporates stone layouts where a client will lay on an arrangement of hot and chilled stones. Various stones will also be placed on different areas of the client’s body. Each stone within a layout serves a purpose in aiding the body in the healing process. The chilled and warm temperatures are used to expand and contract areas to stimulate blood flow and to aid in the extraction of toxins. Fluids that are built up in problem areas become areas of focus in restoring the body back to the proper balance. By alternating between warm and chilled stones, the circulatory system is stimulated. The stones only aid the body in the detoxification process and do not actually do any “healing” themselves. The body contains the remedial ability, and the rocks help release that ability.

Various sizes of stones are used from large sacral/belly stones to small toe and finger stones. Different stones of varying weights are placed or used on key energy channels on the body. These are often referred to as Chakras. Because these areas are believed to be powerful energy channels it is important that only trained experts should practice energy work.

LaStone therapy is meant to improve the overall well being of a client with longer lasting effects than a traditional massage. Sometimes a session of healing will require a deeper massage that may be uncomfortable to the patron. This is sometimes required for the full beneficial effects. The massage is not always meant to feel amazing right at first, it is meant for the client to feel amazing for the next several days. Of course the client should always let their therapist know what their limits are. Sometimes all the patron wants is a soothing massage. In this case there is nothing more delightful than a gentle massage incorporating warm and chilled rocks. The difference is the effect will likely only last hours instead of days.

Some of the different varieties of LaStone tools include basalt, marble, Chinese fluorite, Selenite wands, Labradorite, Petoskey and various oils. Each tool is natural and comes from the earth. Cool temperatures come from chilling stones in ice water, on ice blocks, or in refrigeration units. Warm temperatures come from warming stones primarily in water. Other techniques of warming stones are typically discouraged because of the possibility of burning the stones or the clients.

The combination of massage with temperatures and the natural elements has unparalleled results when compared to other traditional therapies. LaStone trained therapists are a powerful force for good when it comes to natural remedies to stress on the body and mind.

Author Bio: I write for TIR Massage Stone about performing hot stone massage and about obtaining a proper hot stone massage kit.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: hot stone massage, hot stone massage kit