| Hot Stone Therapy - throughout history various | | | | were then laid directly on the body, on a cloth on |
| cultures of the world have used hot and cold | | | | the body or used to massage with (depending on |
| rocks for healing. | | | | the temperature of the stone). |
| The European cultures used hot rocks to heat | | | | This tradition continues today as the knowledge |
| their saunas, and applied hot stones to tired and | | | | of the ancient stones is rediscovered and used |
| sore muscles to alleviate tension and muscle pain. | | | | more and more. People are once again realising |
| Native Americans also used hot rocks in their | | | | the benefits of this special and unique healing |
| traditional sweat lodge ceremony, large rocks | | | | therapy. |
| were used to heat the sweat lodge while smaller | | | | We can see this by the growing popularity of hot |
| hot rocks were passed around to place on | | | | stone therapy treatments in spas and clinics |
| specific areas of tension. | | | | around the world. |
| Various cultures also used cold rocks to slow | | | | In fact, here in Australia hot stone therapy/hot |
| bleeding after labour, women also held the stones | | | | stone massage is fast becoming one of the most |
| during labour believing it would add to their | | | | requested treatments with many establishments |
| strength and endurance. | | | | listing it on their menus as their 'signature' |
| The Chinese history dating back four thousand | | | | treatment. |
| years to the Shang Dynasty also shows the use | | | | So what is it that makes hot stone therapy so |
| of hot stones to relieve stress, tension and pain. | | | | popular? |
| In Oriental Medicine hot stones are used in | | | | Well, a common response from those who have |
| conjunction with the Meridian channels to promote | | | | experienced this specialized treatment is how |
| a better flow of energy around the body. | | | | deeply relaxing it is and how it feels like they've |
| In Ayurvedic medicine in India, the hot stones | | | | had a really deep, thorough massage, without the |
| were used in conjunction with their knowledge of | | | | discomfort often experienced with deep tissue |
| the Marma points. | | | | massage. |
| The Japanese used hot stones in Anma, the | | | | This effect is due to the fact that, 'heat is healing' |
| oldest form of East Asian Massage. The Japanese | | | | and when you have a hot stone therapy |
| hot stone therapy techniques create similar | | | | treatment the eminating heat from the stones is |
| effects to moxibustion, in that heat penetrates | | | | gently, yet continually penetrating into your |
| and stimulates the tsubo, or acupoints. | | | | muscle fibres and literally melting away layers of |
| The Hawaiians also used lava rocks in their | | | | tension. |
| Lomi-Lomi. Rough stones were used to exfoliate | | | | As tension is the root cause of illness, when |
| after a massage, while smooth lava rocks were | | | | tension is alleviated, the body quickly returns to |
| either placed on the body in ti-leaves or used to | | | | it's natural state of wellbeing, promoting a sense |
| massage. At times two stones were tapped | | | | of inner peace in the recipient. |
| together against the body to allow deep tissue | | | | Keeping this in mind, it should come as no surprise |
| vibrational healing. The lava stone was used as a | | | | why more and more people are turning to the |
| symbol for healing and protection. | | | | healing power of hot stones to relieve the |
| Hot rocks have also been used in Ancient Egypt, | | | | stresses of their modern day lifestyles. |
| Africa and South America playing an important | | | | This growing popularity has lead to an increase in |
| part in the healing rituals of these ancient cultures. | | | | demand for skilled hot stone therapy practitioners |
| The healers and bodyworkers used tools to assist | | | | and presents an excellent opportunity to existing |
| the healing process, including crystals, essences, | | | | massage therapists to add an amazing treatment |
| flowers and stones. The hot stone therapy | | | | and invaluable asset to their massage and healing |
| evolved as stones from river beds were warmed | | | | repetoire. |
| in the hot sun, in hot coals or hot water, they | | | | |