Stone therapy - from time immemorial to the present day

In this material we will tell you about stone therapy - a procedure that even a demanding customer will appreciate. This is a technique that has been used by masters for thousands of years to achieve a healing, rejuvenating, immune-strengthening effect. We talk about how to conduct sessions from a massage master for your clients or at home for loved ones.

What is stone therapy? What stones are used?

Stone therapy originated in Ancient China. Its peculiarity is that during a massage session the master uses stones heated to the required temperature. As a rule, volcanic rocks such as basalt are used for heating in massage, while white marble is usually classified as cold.

The stones used in stone therapy are characterized by a special shape: flat and round, and their surface is polished, although in some cases (for example, for cleansing the skin) rough specimens are used.

Often, facial massage is performed using various semi-precious stones, which, according to professionals, have unique energy and properties. Naturally, the cost of such attributes is high, it is reflected in the price of the massage itself, which does not stop connoisseurs who believe in the beneficial effects of minerals.

The heat that black stones give off gradually warms the body and improves blood flow. Due to this effect, the flow of oxygen and beneficial nutrients to the organs increases. And the use of white pebbles helps relieve pain and inflammation.

For black stones, specialized heaters are used to heat them to a temperature of 45 to 55 degrees. In this case, the temperature of white stones depends on the chosen technique and ranges from 0 to +10 degrees.

For stone therapy, the environment of the office is important. As a rule, during the session a peaceful atmosphere is created, in which relaxing music is played and the lights are dimmed. Aromatherapy techniques are often added to this, which allows the patient to tune in to the procedure, relaxing as much as possible.

Proper massage gives positive multidirectional results:

• relaxation of the body;
• getting rid of swelling;
• reduction of headaches;
• acceleration of metabolism;
• improvement of blood circulation, acceleration of lymph flow;
• relieving muscle spasms;
• increasing the level of immunity;
• rejuvenation of the skin of the face and body, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and other age-related manifestations;
• improvement of mental states;
• cleansing the pores of the face and body;
• increasing skin tone and elasticity, reducing the appearance of cellulite;
• removing toxins from the body, improving well-being.

The principle of stone massage

Stones are characterized by slow heat accumulation and equally slow heat transfer. This allows you to gradually warm up or cool the bioactive zones of the body, which are the projection of internal organs and various structures onto the skin. The gradually increasing thermal effect provides the following effects:

1. Heating allows blood vessels to slowly and naturally dilate and increase blood flow to a specific area of ​​the body. Thanks to this, nutrients and oxygen enter the tissues in greater quantities. In addition, heat has a relaxing effect on muscles, eliminating spasms. This is especially important for diseases of the musculoskeletal system and, in particular, for diseases of the spine. Heat combined with massage movements helps relieve spasms and relieve pain, which is most often caused by pinched nerves from overly tense muscles.
2. Cooling, which is most often used alternately with heating, is a kind of “training” for blood vessels, which improves their tone and stimulates blood circulation. Also, massage with chilled stones helps relieve pain caused by inflammation in the muscles or injuries.

Important: The effectiveness of stone therapy increases significantly with simultaneous treatment using other methods - medication, orthopedic, physiotherapy, etc. As an independent method of treatment, stone massage can be prescribed as a “symptomatic remedy” that helps eliminate muscle spasms and pain for people who, for some reason, or for reasons that medications cannot be prescribed.

Just what the doctor ordered: who should use stone therapy?

People who have problems with:

• chronic fatigue;
• headaches, muscle pain:
• depression, stress, apathy;
• insomnia;
• with a reduced level of immunity;
• age-related changes in the skin of the face and body;
• metabolic disorders;
• decreased muscle tone;
• cellulite, unwanted fat deposits;
• slowing down the outflow of lymph;
• physical and/or mental fatigue;
• stomach ulcer;
• vegetative-vascular dystonia, bulimia, anorexia;
• diseases of the genitourinary system;
• angina pectoris.

When is stone therapy indicated?

Stone massage is indicated for a wide range of conditions and diseases. Among them:

• disorders of muscle tone caused by diseases of the musculoskeletal system, neuralgia, injuries, characteristics of professional or daily activities;
• pain caused by various diseases or injuries;
• diseases of the spine and back muscles;
• headaches, circulatory disorders, insomnia and other conditions accompanying diseases and injuries of the spine;
• chronic stress, physical and nervous fatigue.

Read also…. Tourmaline knee pads: instructions for use, mechanism of action, prices, reviews

The list of indications for stone therapy can be expanded if the doctor sees reasons for prescribing this treatment method.

Hot or cold: performing stone therapy using different temperatures

The stones are heated to a temperature of 44-55 degrees. They are often lubricated with an aromatic liquid and then placed on the client’s body. It is useful to combine this with massage sessions. Stone therapy dilates blood vessels, relaxes muscles, speeds up metabolism and blood flow. Heated stones affect the deep layers of muscles, which provides a powerful analgesic effect, which also enhances the overall relaxation of the body. Stone therapy fights insomnia better than many medications.

Sessions using cold stones (from 0 to +10 degrees) are an excellent technique that improves immunity, fights shortness of breath, and chronic sinusitis. Stone therapy is used to relieve pain from injuries and sprains, and to relieve headaches.

Can we do it all together? We are talking about performing stone therapy using hot and cold attributes at one time!

The most powerful effect of increasing immunity, improving blood circulation, improving skin condition, removing toxins from the body - and this is not all the positive aspects of this procedure. Hot stones dilate blood vessels, cold stones constrict, which “invigorates” all body systems.

Main types of stone massage

Currently, there are three main types of this procedure:

1. Using hot stones. Used everywhere. It is based on the principle of heating minerals to a certain temperature. The correct temperature is determined as follows: the stone is heated and applied to the knee. If the sensations are pleasant, then it can be used in massage.
2. Contrast massage - alternate use of cold and hot gems. This change in temperature has a positive effect on blood vessels and stabilizes metabolic processes.
3. Massage using precious stones. This procedure involves unique samples that are most suitable for a particular person. The master independently selects the mineral for a specific client and develops a massage principle to optimize the result.

Stone massages can be:

• energy;
• modeling;
• classic;
• aromatic.

Massage impact areas

Before starting the procedure, you should pay attention not only to the general condition of the human body, but also to his individual physique. As a rule, all parts of the body are involved in the process: from the top of the head to the tips of the legs. As for the face, movements take place exclusively along massage lines through light pressure on active points. If a person suffers from headaches, then much attention should be paid to the temples and the back of the head.

The Thai type of massage makes it possible to influence all human organs: intestines, spine, gall bladder, kidneys, liver and so on. For these purposes, pebbles are laid out in the area of ​​certain vertebrae. To achieve complete relaxation, gems are placed along the ridge on both sides, gradually kneading the muscles on the side.

The palms of the hands, the arms themselves, the legs, including the feet and knees should be massaged. This procedure is especially important for those who spend the whole day on their feet or in uncomfortable shoes. Much attention should be paid to the areas between the toes, ankles, and feet.

You can choose the massage technique yourself, but no matter which one you choose, it will have a positive effect on your health, improve your body condition, and stabilize the body’s energy balance.

Basic principles of massage

There are certain rules for doing a stone massage. The best option is alternating cold and hot gems. Cold stones are usually marble, which keeps the temperature from 0 to -15 degrees. Thanks to this, narrowing of capillaries and blood vessels is achieved, increasing muscle tone, improving metabolism, eliminating stagnation in blood vessels, stabilizing the functioning of the nervous, endocrine and immune systems.

To improve the desired result, it is customary to use calm music or sounds in natural nature - birdsong, the sound of a stream, the splash of the surf, the rustling of leaves, the sound of rain, etc. Aromas have an excellent relaxing effect. To do this, the patient's body is first rubbed with various oils. Great importance is given to olive, sesame, and grape seed oil. Essential oils with an aromatic component are often added to the main one. Tea tree oil is used to calm and relieve stress, and grapefruit or orange oil is used to combat cellulite. The aroma of lemon, mint and sandalwood can reduce swelling.

Algorithm for performing Thai massage

This procedure looks like this:

• gems are prepared for use;
• at the same time the human body is rubbed with oils;
• Large stones are placed on the hips and back, medium-sized ones on the legs and arms, and smaller ones between the fingers;
• The specialist carefully performs a stone massage, starting with the feet, then the arms, back and head.

The procedure itself takes from 20 minutes to 80 minutes. If a contrasting technique is used, then first they work with hot gems, and then with cold ones. After a certain time, they change places. The face is massaged almost identically. Stones are placed on the forehead, under the eyes, on the chin. This procedure can smooth out wrinkles, improve the condition of the skin, rejuvenate it and refresh it.

The basic principles of Thai massage are:

• vibration;
• stroking;
• pulling;
• tapping;
• shaking.

This technique is also used in combined form, which helps restore the patient’s emotional and physical health, as well as his relaxation.

Details about choosing stones for massage

First, decide why you want to perform stone therapy for a family member at home or what effect your client expects. The choice of stone type directly depends on this. We talk in detail about each of them.

Basalt. If you are conducting a stone therapy session with hot stones, you should take a closer look at this black or gray igneous rock. Basalt retains heat well. You can buy small stones from this rock to work with your toes, as well as medium and large stones for the areas of the back, abdomen, and legs.

White marble, jade, slate are suitable for cold massage sessions, as they hold low temperatures well.

Topaz, amethyst, malachite, agate, aventurine, amber. These semi-precious stones are used as a conductor of the energy a person needs to influence a certain area of ​​life.

Stages of a stone therapy session

1. Rubbing with aromatic oils to relax the patient and prepare the body for further manipulations.
2. Placing small fragments in areas of biological activity - between the fingers.
3. Placement on certain areas of the human body (legs, lower back, etc.)
4. Rubbing, pressing, stroking individual areas using heated stones.

Traditionally, massage begins from the bottom up: from the feet to the neck. In this case, the patient must immediately report the appearance of discomfort, after which the stone therapy tactics must be adjusted or radically changed.

After the massage, the person is recommended to relax and drink green tea. Experts are confident that this drink can increase the effect of stone therapy by accelerating metabolic processes.

And now about everything in more detail: the rules of stone therapy, techniques and techniques

1. The session time is 40 minutes. The massage procedure can be performed once to relax the body, or as a course to get rid of specific problems.
2. Ventilate the room. Before a massage session, it is useful to use aroma diffusers with natural oils. The smell should calm the client - strong scents are not suitable. Dim the lights and play relaxing music.
3. Heat the stones to a temperature of 45-55 degrees using a heater. You will need more stones than you will use at the same time to influence the client's body: when some cool down, others must already be heated in order to replace the first.
4. Assist the patient into a supine position. The buttock area remains covered with a towel.
5. Before starting stone therapy, some therapists ask the client to do breathing exercises for a minute or two to start the relaxation process.
6. Apply the oil to the client's body. To achieve the best effect from stone therapy, use aromatic oils.
7. Take small stones and wrap them in natural fabric. Place between your toes.
8. Place the stones near your face and on your palms. They should also be wrapped in cloth so that they do not cool quickly.
9. Place it on the active points of the body located on the back, arms, legs.
10. If you want to add a stone massage to the procedure, then you should walk along the main massage lines with warm stones lubricated with oil.
11. Cover the client with a towel and leave him lying down for a few minutes.

Massage techniques and techniques

Massage masters distinguish 3 main techniques of influence.

The first of them uses hot or warm stones. Hot massage is a classic technique and is used to relax, normalize blood circulation and relieve energy tension. Massaging helps relieve pain and spasms, improve the conduction of nerve impulses. Working out also allows you to increase concentration and improve thought processes.

Hot stone massage

The second technique is contrasting. They alternately use hot and cold stones for stone massage, which normalizes muscle tone, relieves swelling, and strengthens blood vessels.

Another technique is the gemstone or intuitive massage technique. Massagers are selected by the stone practice master depending on the psychological and physical condition of the patient. Precious stones restore energy balance, restore strength and vigor.

The techniques are the same for all techniques, the only difference is in the choice of stones and the duration of the effect.

Separately, there is a stone facial massage, which involves only local treatment and is used to eliminate age-related changes in the skin, correct the shape of the face, and relieve puffiness.

Preparing for the session

Regardless of the chosen stone therapy technique and type of treatment, the preparatory processes for the session are the same. The emotional mood plays an important role: before the procedure, turn off the phone, tune in to positive emotions, and enter a meditative state. It is also necessary to take a warm shower or bath, preferably with essential oils.

Before massaging with volcanic or other stones, be sure to carry out a short classic warming massage, because... manual treatment prepares the skin for subsequent treatment. The massage master always takes into account individual indications and contraindications, and selects aromatic oils for weight loss and cleansing, to improve skin condition, relieve swelling or pain, etc.

Combinations of massage with stones and herbal bags, with scented candles

Also, during processing, be sure to use a relaxing sound background: it can be meditation music or sounds of nature. Clients are given a choice of:

• the sound of the ocean surf;
• Birdsong;
• the singing of dolphins and the splashing of waves;
• sounds of the rain;
• sounds of the rain forest, etc.

Mantras, music of Tibetan bowls, and recordings of meditations to expand or purify consciousness can be used as audio accompaniment.

Massaging rules

During the treatment, be sure to follow the rules of massage:

• the stones are laid out along energy or massage lines, swapped and gently moved over the skin;
• hot stones should have a temperature of no more than 70°C, and the temperature of cold stones should not be lower than 5°C;
• for energy processing, vibrations of semi-precious or precious stones at room temperature are used;
• The duration of work should not exceed two hours (with a minimum of 1 hour).

The number of therapy sessions depends on the goals, indications and limitations. For therapeutic purposes, a course of 15-20 procedures is usually prescribed, and to relieve tension and as a prevention of stress, you can attend 1-2 sessions per week.

How does the session work?

The first stage is the relaxation stage, when cold or hot stones are placed on the body, leaving them motionless for several minutes. Then comes the main part of the treatment: the stones are laid out along massage lines and smoothly moved. At the end of the session, small stones are placed between the fingers and under the feet to work on biologically active points.

The direction of movement is always from bottom to top. Massaging the body begins with the feet and with kneading the muscles and joints of the ankle, thigh, and buttocks. Then, according to the treatment method, the lower back, back and neck are worked on. After this, massage the abdomen, décolleté and arms.

Treatment with stone therapy

With the help of stones you can cope with cholecystitis: for this they are placed for 10-15 minutes in the area of ​​9,10 and 11 vertebrae. After 5-10 sessions, there is an improvement in well-being and the release of sand naturally. For chronic pancreatitis, hot stones are placed at the level of the 7-8 vertebra to the right of the spine. The effect of heat helps to relax the tissues, stimulates the pancreas, and a symmetrical place on the left side of the spinal column is massaged to get rid of stomach ulcers.

Pebbles are placed on the sacral area to treat diseases of the genitourinary system, and to prevent and treat diseases of the heart and blood vessels, they are placed on the left shoulder or on the outer edge of the left clavicle.

Massage with stones of contrasting temperature is carried out in a similar way, but warm ones are placed on the body first. They do this according to the following scheme:

• large ones are placed on the back, hips;
• medium-sized stones are used for legs and arms;
• The smallest ones are placed between the fingers.

On each of the points or lines, the stones can lie for up to 15-20 minutes without moving, provided that their temperature is maintained.

Facial massage

Facial massage using the stone therapy technique is commonly used in spas.

Facial massage with stones always begins with the classic stroking technique, before which oil or nourishing cream is applied to the skin. Usually, masters prefer to use natural sesame oil or grape seed oil, and to eliminate puffiness and reduce the severity of wrinkles, they add esters of lemon, sandalwood, lime, and tea tree. They have neutral aromas and do not distract from the procedure.

For processing, cold and hot stones of small diameter are used, which are periodically cleaned in a container with water at the appropriate temperature.

The first techniques are performed on the décolleté and neck, gradually rising to the chin. Each massage line is passed 2-3 times. In the description of the procedure you can often find an alternation of working with stones and classical stroking techniques. This is done for problem skin to enhance the effectiveness of the procedure. To improve skin color and reduce puffiness, stones are left on the main biologically active points: they transmit energy and vibrations help cope with the signs of aging.

Facial massage with stones always starts with hot ones, because... the tissues must be pre-warmed and relaxed. The duration of each stage should not exceed 2-3 minutes. Cold stones follow the path of hot ones.

How to carry out stone therapy at home?

Home stone therapy sessions are carried out according to the same scheme as professional ones. Such procedures provide an excellent relaxing effect, help get rid of insomnia and moderate headaches. Home massage is carried out according to the same scheme as a professional procedure. Be careful with the temperature: don't overheat. Can be heated in hot water. After removing the stones from the water, wipe them with a towel and only then place them on your “client’s” body. This massage procedure will be an excellent evening gift for a loved one and will help your loved ones save money on sessions with a specialist.

Advantages and disadvantages

Any effect on the body has a number of pros and contraindications. Stone therapy has a positive effect on muscles and joints, has a lymphatic drainage effect, relieves fatigue and eliminates depression. Benefits also include increasing skin elasticity, smoothing wrinkles, neutralizing external irritants, and getting rid of insomnia.

Contraindications to this massage include diabetes, instability of blood pressure, pregnancy, oncology, varying degrees of irritation or damage to the skin.

How to perform stone therapy with cold stones?

Many people are stopped by the fear that a massage session will not have a relaxing effect. On the contrary, cooled stones heat up from the body and help produce a relaxing warming effect, which many patients find even more pleasant than a hot massage. The body begins to work more actively because it tries to warm up the cooled areas, all internal processes start “at full capacity.” The massage session is performed in the same way as a hot one, only the stones are not heated, but cooled. The difference from the procedure using heated stones is that during its implementation the master asks the client to take a deep breath and exhale, only then place it on the body. The cold stone is not placed next to the face, as is done in the previous method. First, the abdominal area, outer areas of the arms and legs are worked on, and then the patient is helped to gently roll over onto his stomach.

Contraindications to stone therapy

• acute infectious diseases;
• circulatory disorders, bleeding;
• cancer, some skin diseases;
• diseases of the cardiovascular system;
• chronic diseases in the acute stage;
• diabetes mellitus, pregnancy;
• inflammatory processes, elevated body temperature;
• phlebeurysm.

Thus, we can state the fact that you should sign up for stone therapy only after consultation with a therapist. If you have no contraindications, then massage will certainly benefit your health. In addition, the massage procedure itself is very pleasant and will give you pleasure.

Contraindications

Stone therapy sessions are contraindicated for skin inflammation, infectious diseases, mental, neurological, cardiovascular, and cancer diseases, inflammation of internal organs, and pregnancy.

SkinLazerMed Medical Center invites you to undergo a stone therapy . We have the most affordable prices in St. Petersburg. stone massage procedure can improve health and bring emotional satisfaction.

What do you need to know before undergoing stone therapy?

1. Always check the temperature of the stones if you heat them with water.
2. Do not place stones on lymph nodes.
3. Use hypoallergenic oils. If performing the procedure at home, 15 minutes before the massage, apply a drop of oil to your wrist and check the body’s reaction.
4. Carefully study the massage lines and active points before you start performing sessions.
5. The patient should refuse to eat two hours before the session and for an hour after. If the procedures are carried out as a course, then during it you should stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

What professions would benefit from studying stone therapy?

1. Massage therapists - you can add a new technique to your price list. Masters who master the stone therapy technique stand out from competitors who can only perform classic massage options.
2. For spa professionals, all guests will enjoy this relaxing procedure.
3. Cosmetologists - any beauty procedure works more effectively if it is complemented by sessions aimed at relaxing the body and getting rid of spasms (especially tension in the CVZ area, which greatly affects the formation of age-related changes in the face).

The secrets of stone therapy are also useful for those who want to help family and friends by giving a massage after a hard day at work. Even home massage sessions have a noticeable relaxing effect and relieve mild headaches and insomnia without the use of medications.

Is it possible to learn the rules of performing stone therapy on your own?

To answer this question, it is worth answering another: why can treatments from one massage therapist be much more effective than sessions from another specialist, provided that the same stone therapy technique is performed? Why can the first one treat headaches and muscle pain in any area, improve the condition of patients with vegetative-vascular dystonia, and provide an anti-aging effect, while the second one can only relax the client for a short period of time? It's all about the knowledge that the specialist has.

What size stones should I choose for impact?

How to take into account the individual characteristics of each patient’s body so as not to harm him?

How to have the greatest relaxing effect when affecting a minimum number of points?

How to prepare the room for the procedure?

What areas should be worked on during a stone massage?

How to properly combine hot and cold techniques together?

A competent master knows the answers to these questions and knows how to solve serious problems of patients, and a specialist who studied the technique on his own, unfortunately, will be able to provide only a minimal relaxing effect, which will be accompanied by the risk of complications, because the person performing the procedure does not know its basics and does not know how to take into account the individual characteristics of the client.

Stone therapy is the oldest massage technique, which is effective only if all the rules for its implementation are followed, which are passed down from generation to generation. This technique requires knowledge of anatomy and the ability to work with human energy - skills that only a practitioner can impart. Unfortunately, due to the apparent ease of performing the session, today there are many “pseudo-masters” who teach the secrets of stone therapy. Beware of such specialists if you want to master the technique to achieve truly good results for your clients.

At the School of Massage Masters, the stone therapy course is taught by a master with extensive practical experience, which he happily shares with his students. If you are getting acquainted with massage procedures for the first time, this is not at all scary, because we provide all the necessary consumables free of charge, as well as a massage table at home for the duration of the training.

Do you want to start a career in the beauty and health industry? It seems like the best time has come for this!

Author of the article:

Practicing: 15 years, Teaching: 8 years