The Hot And Cold Of It

Stone massage therapy, an ancient practice, is now a popular trend. Kalwyna Rathod looks at the the types and benefits.

While stone massage therapy might seem to be a new trend, the practice has been used for centuries by ancient cultures around the world to treat ailments! Historical accounts show that the use of heated stones to improve the function of internal organs and relieve tired muscles dates back to 2000- 1500 BC in China. The Japanese use stone therapy to keep their abdomen warm after a meal. This keeps them feeling full, preventing overeating. Native Americans have been known to bring relief to aching muscles with the help of sun-heated stones. Stones have been used in divination and healing practices by Chilean tribal healers.

Traditions have included carrying or wearing stones with healing properties to promote health or ward off illnesses, laying stones on the body in patterns to treat illnesses or relieve pain, or using stones for ceremonial purposes.

While the current prevalent techniques are most likely an adaptation of the Chinese therapy, the craze for this wellness treatment catching on can be attributed to the introduction of LaStone Therapy in 1993. Another popular traditional massage treatment is known as Lomi Lomi. Stone massage treatments are also known by the name of the stones used. For instance, lava stone massage and river rock massage. The lava shell massage treatment developed in 2009 involves using recycled Tiger Clam shells, which are selfheating, to administer the therapy. Both hot and cold stones are used in stone massage therapy.

HOT STONE MASSAGE

As the name suggests, it is administered using heated stones. Flat, smooth stones that can retain heat are taken to a temperature of 54° to 62° C and placed on multiple acupressure points on the body—along the spine, on the stomach, chest, palms, and between the toes.