The Magic of Hot Stone Massage
By Karen M. Rider

A select number of companies specialize in harvesting and preparing the stones for massage therapists. Since therapists use different sizes of stone on various areas of the body, to create a complete stone set is a meticulous process. After harvesting, stones are sanitized through a sort of exfoliation process that smoothes surface imperfections. Next, stones are evaluated for their size, texture, and chemical composition.

The energetic properties of stones are another important factor. “Stones may be placed on specific meridians, according to the tenets of Chinese Medicine. They may also be placed along the chakras, which is probably the most common approach,” Gerri elaborated.

Even though the basalt and jade stones are excellent for balancing the energy body, many therapists opt for a set of seven semi-precious chakra crystal stones for harmonizing body, mind and spirit. Depending on the therapist’s preferences and a client’s needs, chakra stones might include Amethyst, Sodalite, Turquoise, Rose Quartz, Tiger’s Eye, Jasper, Bloodstone, Moonstone, Citrine, Garnet, Tourmaline, Opal, Coral, Amber.

A Final Ingredient for a Unique Massage Experience

“A variety of essential oils can be used to increase the effectiveness of the session, according to the client’s needs. Essential oils, derived from herbs and flowers, can enhance the relaxation effect and have medicinal properties for the relief of muscle soreness and tension,” added Gerrianne.

During my hot stone treatment, Gerrianne incorporated lavender and citrus essential oils. She placed basalt stones in my palms, the small of my back and along the chakras centers. I was amazed that a substance so hard could be so gently stimulating and soothing at the same time. The heat held by the stones is instantly relaxing while the gentle pressure created by the stone’s weight (which is not more than a few ounces) energized the area. This combination of scent, warmth, pressure, and movement of the therapist’s hands rapidly induced relaxation and for me, created an ‘acute healing’ of a nagging knee injury.

The day I had my massage, the knee from which I had recently had a golf ball-size cyst removed, sent searing tension deep into my calf, foot and hip. As Gerrianne worked with the hot stones, tension melted and I could actually feel the toxins that accumulate in injured muscle tissue dissolve. By the end of the session, my muscles were warm, tingly and moving as freely as lava flows. Emotionally and mentally, I felt lighter but strong and ready to engage in life at a higher frequency.

That’s the ‘magic’ of a hot stone massage!

Resources
http://www.lastonetherapy.com/Index.asp
http://www.amta.org (American Massage Therapy Association)

Medical Footnote
Precaution: Hot stone therapy is not recommended for people with high blood pressure or pregnant women. This article is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to suggest treatment for any medical condition. Please consult with you physician/health care provider before having any type of massage therapy treatment.

Side Bar
As the story goes, sometime in 1993, Mary Nelson was enjoying a sauna with a relative. She has described hearing the stones “call to her” to apply them to her skin. So, she picked up the stones and began massaging with the stones instead of just the power of her hands. Over a period of time, she had several visions and received messages through dreams about how to conduct massage with stones. After a period of study of ancient methods of stone treatments, she perfected LaStone Therapy. Now, there are a variety of massage therapy schools offering variations of hot/cold stone massage. Still, the most respected are those that are based in Hawaiian culture.

One of the specialty gemstones for chakra work during a stone massage is Sodalite, believed to balance the mental and emotional bodies. It cleanses the aura, soothes and calms inflammations. It fuels a person’s creative processes and enhances wisdom and self-confidence.

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Karen M. Rider, M.A. is a freelance writer specializing in natural health, conscious living and metaphysical subjects. An advertorial copywriter and ghostwriter she serves healing arts practitioners and soul entrepreneurs. Her interviews with visionary thinkers such as Caroline Myss and Dr. Wayne Dyer appear in regional and national publications. Karen resides in Connecticut with her husband and their two spirited daughters. She’s working on her first novel, The Gathering, a metaphysical suspense story set at Gillette Castle in Connecticut. Visit: www.KarenMRider.com .