Hot stone reflexology is the technique of applying pressure to reflex areas on the feet or hands with heated stones to bring about a state of deep relaxation and stimulate the body's own healing processes. It is a natural therapy the boost immune system and calmer mind.

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Hot Stone Reflexology adds another dimension to Reflexology, helping you to feel restored, re-balanced and rejuvenated. It gives an indulgent feeling to the treatment, adding a little luxury, using various massage techniques and warm stones, relaxes the body at its deepest level and is effective in creating harmony and balance. The subtle energies of stones introduced into the treatment calm the senses, relax muscle tension and promote a meditative state. Warm stones have been used as a therapeutic tool for massage for centuries with evidence dating back to ancient Egypt, China, Japan, South America and Australia.

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Potential Benefits

 

The effects and potential benefits of hot stones include:

• Heat penetrates to a much deeper level than finger pressure and may reach up to 7-8cms into the superficial layer of muscle
• Brings about physiological changes as well as improving energy flow;
• Improved blood circulation & lymphatic drainage;
• Promotes the release & elimination of toxins;
• Boosts immunity and the lymphatic function;
• Relieves tension in connective tissues;
• Reduces muscular tension which will help muscles to relax and repair more efficiently;
• It is warming, deeply relaxing & soothing helping to melt away any tension or anxiety;
• Helps to bring about a balance of body as well as mind

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Use of Hot Stones in Reflexology

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Hot stones can be incorporated into a reflexology treatment to further enhance the benefits of the treatment. It is estimated that one stroke of a hot stone is worth five strokes with the hand! It is also believed to yield five times deeper and five times longer lasting effects compared to a “normal” reflexology session. The heat helps to relax the muscles in the feet allowing the therapist to work deeper into the reflex areas. The stones are composed of basalt, a volcanic rock, which due to its high density retains heat well. They are heated at a controlled temperature and are only applied to the skin at a comfortable temperature.

 

Use of Cold Stones in Reflexology

Cold stones may also be used during a reflexology treatment and may help, for example, with:

• Easing inflammation;
• Headaches;
• Sinus congestion;
• Muscle strain;
• Improves immune function;
• Invigorating and refreshing

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What to expect during a Reflexology Treatment Incorporating Hot Stones

Hot Stones are used at the beginning and end of the treatment followed by a conventional Reflexology treatment or as a stand alone treatment session. The heat from the stones quickly open the reflex pathways bringing about a much deeper level of relaxation than reflexology alone. The stones may also be used on areas that may appear tender or congested.

 

What to expect during a Full Hot Stone Reflexology Treatment

Hot Stones are used throughout the treatment allowing the heat to work the reflex areas and points rather than the therapist’s fingers and thumbs. The treatment starts by using Hot Stones to massage the lower legs relieving any tension in the calf muscles and helping to enhance energy flow. This is then followed by applying various size stones to the bottom of each foot. Toe stones are placed between the toes of one foot which is then wrapped in a towel whilst the other foot is given a thorough treatment with the use of various size stones being used to work specific reflexes. Each foot is worked in turn. Warm stones can also be placed behind the shoulders and hips or on the abdomen to help ease any tension or stress in those areas. The temperature of the Hot Stones are regulated in a specially designed bag to ensure that they are kept at the correct temperature before being applied to the foot or leg. For an invigorating treatment, or to soothe headaches and injuries and ease pain and sinus congestion, Cold Stones may be used to replace the Hot Stones.