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Hot Stone Therapy
Janice M. Lauder RMT
Some history…
Hot stone massage has been reported in history as far back as ancient Egypt. Egyptians even used heated stones to assist during childbirth. Native Indians of North America have widely used stones during rituals and ceremonies. The most familiar way that we know of was that they used them to heat up their Sweat Lodges. The Japanese have also used heated stones for centuries. They were used to alleviate pain by placing them on the troubled areas where they seem to melt away the problem.
Some evolution…
In 1993, Mary Nelson-Hannigan of Tucson, Arizona, formalized the use of heated stones to massage the body and open energy channels, facilitating self-healing and body-mind awareness. She named this modality ‘La Stone Therapy’. Since this formalization of the use of heated stones within the context of Therapeutic Massage, the use of this type of therapy has become widespread.
What to expect…
Hot Stone Massage... Only slightly different from LaStone therapy, hot stone massage is a treatment that is generally shorter in length as it does not include any of the energy work that is signature to LaStone. Hot stone can be used solely as therapeutic, relaxation or a combination of the two. The physiological benefits of alternating hot and cold to the body have long been scientifically and medically proven.
Beyond deep relaxation, grounding, balancing, and releasing of blocked memories frequently occur. This ‘vascular gymnastics’ of the circulatory system assists the body in self-healing.
A regular session last 60 or 90 minutes; the first session is usually longer since a case history questionnaire is completed with the client. This interview takes about 15 to 20 minutes depending on the client's condition and the indications for massage. The information from the interview is used to tailor each session to the client's individual needs, is completely confidential, and will be safeguarded unless you sign a consent form to release your records. Since Stone massage calls for the use of oil, the treatment preference is for the client to be unclothed. During the massage the areas not being worked on are always covered. Your therapist must obtain your consent to work on any part of the body, and you have the right to withdraw your consent at any time.
Your regular massage will relieve muscle stress & tension, reduce aches and pain, as well as improve your overall physical health.
Make it a ritual!
A natural approach to good health.
Janice provides on site massage services at Physio-Logic, North York on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. To book an appointment, please call Janice directly at 416-985-9343 or email terracottamassage@sympatico.ca.