 |
|
What
is Stone Massage?
Hot Stone Massage is classified under geo-hydrotherapy
(geo - stone, hydrotherapy - water therapy)
or more specifically geo-thermo-hydro-therapy
(use of stones in variable and/or alternating
temperatures along with a water therapy medium).
These designations are governed by the same
principles as hydrotherapy (use of variable
and/or alternating water temperatures). Hot
Stone Massage is almost self-descriptive.
The technique combines massage with the application
of heated and cooled stones over the entire
body, including the face, hands and feet.
The stones become extensions of the therapist's
hands, almost "replacing" them.
Due to this fact, the massage experience takes
on an entirely different feeling than general
hand massage. It invokes both a sensation
of being a sedative as a result of the warmth
and a revitalizer from the contrasting cool.
The response during a relaxation treatment
has been described as reverie or a "dream-like"
state, floating in and out of consciousness. |
What
is the difference between traditional Hot
Stone and TheraStone™
Massage?
To put it simply, it is the intent and basis
of the treatment. TheraStone™ Massage
is not based on any spiritual ritual, nor
does it involve any body balancing (i.e. use
of chakras), channeling or other such treatments
that may presume "special" qualities
of the stones. TheraStone™ Massage focuses
on the aspect of ultra relaxation and specific
therapy. The course is designed to be a an
independent and new modality (in the case
of relaxation treatments) or as a compliment
modality that may be incorporated into your
existing body therapy practice (i.e. Swedish,
myofascial or deep tissue, trigger point,
reflexology, aromatherapy…) The end
result of either the ultra relaxation or therapy
specific massage is to elicit a therapeutic
effect on a completely deeper level. |
What
types of stones are used?
Basalt lava stones are principally used due
to their mineralogy and density. They are
especially capable of retaining and conducting
temperature, either hot or cold. At times
marble or other red or aqua blue sedimentary
stones are used in conjunction with the basalt
stones for cold therapy, yet, other than aesthetics,
there is no measurable advantage to these
types of stones over the basalt. |
How
many stones are needed?
With TheraStone™ Massage a total of
50 stones are used for a complete relaxation
body treatment. There are no "filler"
or "fluff" stones. Each stone has
a specific purpose or use on specific parts
of the body. Fewer stones are used for more
specific or treatment oriented massage. |
What
type of equipment is required to heat the
stones?
Some have used slow cookers to accomplish
this. It is important that you be able to
regulate the temperature of whatever you use.
Other more efficient heating units are described
and demonstrated at the workshop. |
Do
I have to be a Canadian Registered Massage
Therapist to take the
TheraStone™ workshop?
Not necessarily for Part A,
Foundation / Spa Relaxation. To qualify,
you must
have massage and hydrotherapy training (i.e.
paraffin wax). The workshop is not intended
to teach you massage, but to build upon previously
acquired skills. The final decision will
be
left to the discretion of the trainer.
Part B, Myofascial Release
/ Sports Integration is solely
for those who are registered or licensed in
the field of Massage Therapy, whether in
Canada
or the USA. (i.e. Registered Massage Therapists,
LMT's, Shiatsu Therapists, etc.) The final
decision will be left to the discretion of
the trainer. |
Can
I really learn Stone Massage in one or three
days of training?
Yes. Part A is geared
towards those who already have a good training
in massage and hydrotherapy and are already
working in the massage field (PART A does
not teach you how to massage and participants
will be selected at the discretion of the
trainer).
Part B of the workshop is
primarily geared towards Canadian Registered
Massage and Shiatsu Therapists and United
States Licensed Massage Therapists that have
already achieved some of the world's highest
standards in training within the massage therapy
field. The course complies with all Ontario
standards that may differ greatly from that
of other countries including the USA. It is
therefore not designed to teach you the basics
of how to massage as some other courses may.
Registered Massage Therapists already know
the principles of massage, have a background
in hydrotherapy, understand how to treat trigger
points, have the concepts of myofascial work
and are very familiar with contraindications
to both massage and hydrotherapy. This already
makes the TheraStone™ Massage workshop
an "advanced course" on that merit
alone, thus eliminating the need for different
levels (i.e. a basic course in how to massage).
Time is also not spent on either teaching
nor practicing any eastern or North American
philosophies (i.e. body balancing, channeling,
or other rituals…) that you may or may
not already have training in. Your experience
with the TheraStone™ Massage workshop
is intense and mainly hands-on. In order to
develop and eventually master the art of its
application with elegance and style, the class
size is kept small. This affords the instructor
time to give one-on-one attention to all participants.
Technique, hand positioning and specialized
draping are emphasized, after which specific
treatments are incorporated. Since both partners
are Registered Massage Therapists, valuable
feedback is also given during the treatments.
|
What
are the therapeutic benefits?
Some of the benefits include: an increase
in circulation and lymph flow; a lowered heart
rate, therefore lower blood pressure; an increase
in the release of endorphins; reduces pain,
swelling and inflammation (with use of cold
stones); assists in alleviating acute and
chronic problems. As for the therapist, it
decreases the strains and injuries commonly
caused to the thumbs and wrists. |
Can
I take Part A and at a later date take Part
B? What if I already took your previous one-day
workshop, can I now take Part B alone?
Yes, there may be opportunities to do so.
Some space is reserved for those in this situation.
(Please note that Part A is a prerequisite
for Part B). Also note that taking Part A
and B together will constitute a savings for
you. Please inquire further as to possible
arrangements that can be made. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
| "My
clients kept asking if I did Hot Stone massage.
Not being in a spa, I didn't think I needed
to invest the time and expense to take a workshop.
The TheraStone workshop exce-eded my expectation
of what Hot Stone massage was all about. And
as a bonus, I can work longer hours with less
fatigue. Thanks, Ricardo!" |
| J.
M., MT, Toronto, ON |
 Read
more |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
TheraStone™ Massage?
