Hot / Cold & Aroma Stone Treatment
Why have a Hot Stone Treatment?
Hot Stone Therapy is a unique experience; for a relaxing treatment hot stones are used, for therapeutic treatment the application of hot stones are used, through these treatments you will experience a deeply profound healing sensation that brings us closer to our true essence. Hot Stone Therapy involves the application of Water-Heated Volcanic Basalt stones of varying sizes to key points on the body; this provides a deep massage and creates a sensation of comfort and warmth.
The direct heat from the Basalt stones relaxes the muscles and in the case of muscular injury the direct cooling from the Marble Stones contracts the muscles. This form of Thermo-Therapeutic ‘vascular gymnastics’ in the circulatory system which helps the body detoxify and promotes healing.
The Warmer Stones expand the blood vessels, pushing blood and unwanted waste through the body. This has a sedative effect on the nervous system. The Cold Stones cause the blood vessels to constrict, stimulating the nervous system and drawing blood and waste through the body. This ensures that every cell in the body receives more oxygen and nutrients while at the same time waste material is removed more effectively through the corresponding increase in lymph flow. Pre Blended oils are used during the treatment: Deep Relaxation (Sandalwood, Marjoram) Balancing and Harmonising (Grapefruit, Geranium).
The ASA and CAP has no specific guidance of what is acceptable for Hot / Cold Stone Therapy, therefore the massage and body work, Aromatherapy and general guidance for Therapies will apply. (see Massage and Bodywork, Aromatherapy and Therapies General under CAP Tab)
What are the benefits?
For relaxation we normally use only hot stones on the body, with cold stone being used on the eyes or the face at the end of the treatment to gently wake the client. Heated Basalt stones, for traumatised or stressed muscles alternate strokes of heat and toning, refreshing cooling marble stones are used; coupled with either a balancing and harmonising or deeply relaxing blended massage oil, the hot and cold stones can be used with aromatherapy oils to increase the potency of the treatment.
The Treatment
Before the initial treatment, a full consultation will be conducted in confidence in order that the client’s medical history and lifestyle can be recorded. This will enable the therapist to identify for example any medical reasons that would make Hot Stone Therapy undesirable and if necessary obtain the client’s GP’s consent. It also enables the therapist to gain information on the client’s past and present state of mental and physical health and to identify any particular needs and expectations of the treatment.
Hot Stone Therapy is based on the tradition healing practices of Zen philosophies and the ancient rituals of the Peruvian Sweat Lodges and Native American Indians, having evolved over many hundreds of years the therapy has now been introduced into Europe. The Volcanic Basalt Stones have excellent heat retention properties and are very smooth having been tumbled in mountain streams for many hundreds of thousands of years. The heated stones give up their heat at a controlled rate this along with their deep resonant vibration releases muscle tension and provide a deep sense of relaxation.
Some people have experienced Benefit for the following conditions:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Exhaustion
- Pain Relief
- Poor Circulation
- Rheumatism
- Arthritis
- Back Pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Stiffness
- Muscle Pain
- Migraine
- MS
- RSI
- Headaches
- PMT
- Depression
- Asthma
- Menopause
- Insomnia
- Tension
- Sport Injuries
- Work Related Injuries
Following a Hot stone massage you should rest for a minimum period of 30 minutes to an hour, you should drink plenty of water ideally 1.5 to 2 litres during the rest of the day following the treatment there may be some reddening of the skin, this is a perfectly normal reaction to increased blood flow in the skin, an increase in urination is also perfectly normal as the body is releasing toxins that require to be discharged this is a perfectly natural reaction to the increased blood in the skin.
The ASA accepts that aromatherapy massage might help people relax, sleep and destress.
The ASA states that Marketers should not, however, claim that aromatherapy can be used to treat the causes or symptoms of serious or prolonged ailments.
The ASA states that Marketers may claim that the use of essential oils combined with massage might help relieve muscle strains or muscle tension but emphasis should be placed on the massage and not the action of the oil.
Contents of Hot Stone Body Oils:
Basic Oil: A light fragrance free oil to complement the body hot stone therapy.
- Grape Seed Oil
Deep Relaxing/Sedating: A blend of essential oils chosen specifically for their calming, relaxing and grounding effects.
- Grape Seed Oil
- Majoram Oil. Warms, comforts and sedates the body physically.
- Sandalwood Oil. Bridges Heaven and Earth balancing the physical and spiritual body.
Balancing and Harmonising:
- Grape Seed Oil
- Grapefruit Peel Oil. To create spiritual clarity
- Geranium Flower Oil. Harmonising you and promoting unity of mind and body.
Contents of Hot Stone Facial Oils:
Strength: This blend calms tension at the deepest levels, strengthening and grounding you through the 3 lower physical Chakras, aiding focus and control.
- Grape Seed Oil
- Sandalwood Oil
- Canarium Commune Gum Oil
- Mandarin Orange Peel Oil
- Linalool
Spirit: This blend connects with the true self through the 3rd eye chakra, whilst encouraging the expression of truth and hope. Achieves peace through the throat chakra.
- Grape Seed Oil
- Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil
- Boswellia Carterii Oil
- Citrus Aurantum Amara Oil
- Linalool
- Geraniol
- Citronellol
- Citral
Sense: This blend encourages the giving and receiving of love by opening the heart chakra, promotes spiritual healing whilst calming and reducing stress through the solar plexus chakra.
- Grape Seed Oil
- Bergamot Fruit Oil
- Lavender
- Linalool
- Rose Oil
- Citronellol
- Geraniol
- Citral
- Eugenol
- Farnesol
Hot / Cold Stone and Aromastone Therapy is a complementary therapy and does not take the place of conventional medicine but is believed by many to ‘complement it’, should you have any concerns about receiving a Hot / Cold Stone and Aromastone Therapy treatment you are advised to consult a approprietly ‘Qualified Medical Practitoner i.e. your GP’.