“With gentleness, a gentle hand, touch, for there is a spirit in the earth”                                                                           – William Wordsworth

To almost every group of people, some sort of stone played a central role in their beliefs, either medicinal, spiritual or as a symbol of power.

Various unique forms and adaptations of stone therapy have been part of the Eastern world’s regime of science for thousands of years. Healers from every corner of the globe have incorporated stones in one form or another.

The Native Americans used stones in sweat lodges, where as spiritual refuge they could repair the damage done to their spirits, minds and bodies.

Ancient Chinese medical practitioners massaged acupressure points with “Bian Stones” before the invention of metal needles and used hot stones as a means of improving the function of internal organs.

Using warm hot stones that are formed by sedimentary and volcanic action, hot stone therapy is a powerful tool for unwinding stressed minds and bodies and sedating the nervous system.

The stone’s thermal conduction effect causes local and systemic changes in the body and it influences the energy centres of both mind and body, causing a transformation on a multitude of levels.

A variety of large, medium and small basalt, shoreline and river stones are used to massage the body in firm rhythmic sequence.

The body is initially anointed with oil to allow the stones to glide smoothly over the muscles and along the meridians, releasing stress, tension and emotional fatigue.

Stone massage helps shift stuck energy, thoughts and emotions and the grounding properties of the stones will assist the reconnecting with self.

Further benefits of hot stone therapy include:

• Increases circulation and lymph vitality
• Promotes the release of toxins and eliminates excess
• Irons out tight muscles
• Gently exfoliates the skin
• Adds more energy to the session since stones are living, swirling microcosms of energy