LaStone Therapy
Sharon Hopkins
What is LaStone Therapy?
The application of hot and cold stones to the body as a
therapeutic massage has been a part of many ancient cultures.
This technique was further developed by Mary Nelson of Tucson,
Arizona in 1993. She incorporated the traditional healing
practices of Native Americans along with Zen philosophies and
the cultural traditions of East Polynesia into this modern
version of stone massage therapy which is called LaStone
therapy.
How does LaStone Therapy work?
LaStone Therapy involves the use of heated and cooled stones
applied to the body to bring about relief to tired and sore
muscles, alleviating chronic and acute symptoms that many of us
deal with on a daily basis. During a therapy session, the
therapist places hot and cold stones on different parts of the
body and massages to open the energy channels. Basalt and
marble stones are used to provide hot and cold massages. The
stones may be heated to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. During the
course of this therapy, the patient may also be asked to lie
down on a bed of stones with a towel between the stones and the
body as an insulator. LaStone therapy is usually carried out in
combination with more intense, deep-tissue massage for added
efficacy. This alternate application of heat and cold gives the
circulatory system a boost and assists the body's self-healing
process.
What are the benefits of LaStone Therapy?
The physiological benefits of alternating hot and cold to the
body have long been scientifically and medically proven. The
heated stones bring oxygenated blood to the area of
application, increasing lymph flow and metabolism. The cold
stones push away unwanted congestion, inflammation and
blockages. In this way, the use of alternating temperatures
brings about healing, balance and rejuvenation. It also aids in
the balancing of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
energies. The use of heated and cooled stones also allows the
therapist to penetrate and work the tissues at a deeper level
than is possible in other traditional massage therapies that
only utilize the hands.
Thus, in addition to being a deep-tissue healing treatment,
LaStone therapy is also a very good detoxification program and
an excellent immunity system booster. LaStone therapy is also a
very good relaxant for the mind. The alternate application of
hot and cold stones causes alternately sedative and energizing
responses. This lulls the mind into a deep state of relaxation.
A lot of patients have reported the feeling of being in a
reverie or deep meditative state by the end of the massage.
About The Author: Sharon Hopkins features articles for
http://www.massagehealththerapy.com , which explains various
massage techniques. This article introduces you to LaStone
Therapy, a massage technique using stones. She also writes on
Yoga, Aromatherapy, Hair-n-Skin Care and many more sites.
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