hot rocks and rolling stones

by Dave Harney

Hot rocks and rolling stones? Are we talking about a famous British rock album from the 1970s? Not exactly. We’re talking about a form of massage therapy that has been used throughout history in both Eastern and Western cultures. It involves the use of carefully selected black volcanic rocks known as basalt. Not only do they retain heat well, but they are believed to have medicinal qualities and are applied to the body to maximize healing and therapeutic properties. Today it is practiced in many forms, one of the more notable being LaStone™ Massage Therapy. This branded massage technique was created when massage therapist Marie Hannigan combined Southwestern native American traditions involving heat therapy, stones, and energy work performed by the therapist.

Heat has well known relaxation properties. In a hot stone massage, the stones are sanitized and then heated to a temperature between 125 to 150 degrees. They are then used in two ways. One is similar to a heating pad. The stones are placed at strategic points on the massage table that correspond to various energy points in the body. The client lays on the stones and the heat helps loosen tight muscles. Then the therapist places heated stones in his or her hands and uses traditional light massage strokes to release muscle tension, often more quickly than traditional massage. The stones may also be placed at other points on the client’s body, including between the toes! This can improve energy flow all over the body.

While hot stone massage can be more relaxing for the individual than a regular massage, it also has other unseen benefits for both the client and the practitioner. Melissa Buchanan, a Licensed Massage Therapist in Victor, says that in her practice, she finds she is able to work deeper on her client’s muscle tissue because of the special shapes of the stones used for this purpose. She also says her hands don’t get as tired so she believes she is able to work more effectively in breaking up the body’s toxins and detoxifying muscles. If the client has chronic pain, Melissa can apply both heated and cooled stones in a process known as Geo-Thermo-Therapy, which can help alleviate that pain, often with long-lasting results.

There are numerous practitioners in the Rochester area who perform hot stone massages. Technique is very important, since it is a different type of massage from the traditional method. Ask about training and the therapist’s experience. Also, be sure to tell the therapist of particular trouble spots in your body. That way the correct technique and stone can be used to help. Always tell the therapist if the stones are too hot or cold. It’s a simple matter to increase or decrease the temperature of the heating unit. Finally, expect to pay a bit more for this type of massage. Not only is it longer, but more preparation is required for an optimal experience.

Rock on!

ROCHESTER RESOURCE
Melissa Buchanan, LMT, Victor, NY (585) 924-3332
The Springs at Clifton, Clifton Springs, NY (315) 462-0390