Marble or marine stones are traditionally used as cold stones as they naturally have cold properties and will stay cool for a lengthy period of time. Basalt or desert stones are typically used as hot stones because of their ability to hold heat for a sustained period of time.
Stone therapy is great for a balancing effect and for grounding. This is a therapy which has the ability to provide a deep sense of relaxation and nurture.
As with other massage therapies, stone therapy can be provided using various techniques to manipulate the soft tissues of the body and penetrate deep within a muscle to relieve tension. Massage with or without stones can have a massive effect on the systems of the body including:-
- Lymphatic System
- Blood Vascular System
- Digestive & Urinary Systems
Any form of massage may act to stimulate the systems of the body and temporarily increase the body’s metabolic rate. Stone therapy is a treatment which penetrates deeply and is far more powerful than manual massage. Stone therapy stimulates the lymphatic system to encourage the release of toxins as a result of improved circulation, which has a knock on effect on the digestive and urinary systems as these toxins are secreted. The blood vascular system is affected as the circulation is improved as a result of the expansion of the blood vessels. When working with cold stones on an area of pain, the blood vessels in that area are affected by the cold and become constricted. This de-congesting effect works to reduce inflammation. As the stones have their own properties because of the energy within them, their energy can also affect the client on a psychological level as this energy creates a sense of calm and relaxation within the client. This is one of the ways in which stone therapy can help to alleviate stress, anxiety and tension.