LaStone Therapy is the "Original Hot Stone Massage". It uses water-heated Basalt stones and cooled Marble stones in a traditional massage setting to warm, relax and at the same time invigorate the body. It is a form of Geo-Thermo-Therapy which can bring relief to tired, sore muscles and alleviate chronic and acute symptoms. It combines its principles with traditional healing practices of the Native American Indians.
There are other hot stone treatments in the marketplace. But, LaStone Therapy is different. It provides a more complete experience and the elements of Native American "spirit medicine" provide a sense of ceremony.
The therapy was developed in the United States in 1993 by Mary Nelson. It was originally developed for use on herself when she was suffering with sore muscles from massage. Over time the techniques used developed into the LaStone Therapy as it is known today.
The stones are used as tools to provide hot and cold "messages" to the body in a form of vascular gymnastics to the circulatory system, which assists the body in its self-healing process. The hot stones help to relax the muscles quicker and enable me to work deeper and with less stress to my body.
Each session is dependent upon the needs of the client and a full history will be taken prior to treatment. Generally stones are laid out on the table for you to lie on, placed on top of your body at the chakra points and put into your hands to hold. This brings about a feeling of warmth and of being enveloped and held deeply within Mother Earth. Holding the stones provides a point of connection and focus. Crystals may also be used in placement at the chakra points or elsewhere in the room.
A massage is given using both the hot and cold stones; this may be a full body massage or one related to a specific complaint. The stones are of differing shapes and sizes which allow deeper work into the muscles. Stones are even placed between the toes. Each session will last 1-1/4 - 1-1/2 hours.
Every practitioner of LaStone Therapy will tell you how important their stones are to them and the connection that they share with the stone people. It is always a pleasure to feel the stones in one's hands. It is also a treatment for me!!
The stones used in LaStone Therapy bring their own 'essence' to the treatment.
Basalt offers stability, strength, clarity in difficult times; it eases anger and promotes understanding from stressful situations. Marble is a stone used for protection; it aids in personal success and body fitness; it assists in recalling one's dreams and promotes meditation.
The size must be perfect. It has to feel easy in your hand when you close your fingers over it. There aren't many things that feel as good as a rock.
From Everybody Needs a Rock by Byrd Baylor
LaStone Therapy is extremely relaxing and rejuvenating at the same time. Anyone who leads a stressful life, needs to relax or just wants a treat will find LaStone Therapy of benefit. LaStone Therapy offers the opportunity to give time to yourself. It helps you to unwind and relax.
LaStone Therapy can help relieve muscular aches and pains. The use of cold stones helps to reduce any painful after effects following deep massage. The combination of hot and cold help to tone the muscles. The application of cold stones help to reduce inflammation, scar tissue and pain, promoting mobility.
LaStone Therapy helps to restore balance on a physical level and alternating between hot and cold stones flushes the body of toxins and cleanses the lymphatic system. It helps to restore balance on a physical level.
LaStone Therapy has been used with fibromyalgia suffers with reported success in the level of pain experienced on a daily basis.
LaStone Therapy goes beyond the physical experience of a typical massage. There is a deeper dimension of relaxation, which can work on a spiritual energetic level. It offers well-being and a positive Body-Mind-Spirit experience.
If you would like to discuss how MLD Therapy may be able to help you, please feel free to call and have a chat on 07803 562248 or use the online form to get in touch or make an appointment
Yvonne Foster-Palmer completed her training in LaStone Therapy Basic Body and was awarded certification in 1999. She is a member therapist of LaStone UK. For more information about Yvonne's qualifications and experience please refer to her biography.
