LaStone Therapy
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LaStone Therapy is one of the fastest growing massage techniques in spas throughout the United States. This form of bodywork combines massage with the use of smooth hot basalt lava stones and chilled marble stones. The hot and cold stones encourage blood flow through the muscle tissues which flushes toxins and triggers the body’s self healing mechanisms. LaStone therapy can be nurturing in style, or deep tissue where appropriate.
Clinically it is the application of thermotherapy, using deep penetrating heated stones and alternating with extremely cold stones. Physiological benefits of alternating hot and cold to the body have long been scientifically and medically proven, and is a very familiar concept to physiotherapists. LaStone Therapy goes beyond the physical experience of typical massage, and enters deeper dimensions of relaxation, health and well-being, creating a positive approach to Body-Mind-Spirit philosophy. While the warm stones (basalt) provide the soothing heat for deep tissue work, circulation and the exchange of blood and lymph, the cold stones (marble) help with inflammation, moving blood out of the area and balancing the male/female energies very quickly. Together the use of alternating temperatures is an effective form of healing. The whole body has to become involved in the process. LaStone Therapy is far more than a massage with hot stones; it is a multidimensional treatment that reaches the very soul. LaStone is able to reach deeper levels than a regular massage and is ideal for back pain, stress related conditions and sluggish systems. Benefits:
Indications:
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Contraindications and Considerations
1. Any surgery where nerves have been cut, usually there’s a loss of feeling in these areas, especially in the back region, and the client may not register correct temperatures.
2. Any disease where there is nerve damage or Neuropathy, diabetes etc.
3. Any skin conditions which may be aggravated by moisture or heat.
4. Pregnancy, heat is the variable to be concerned with. In the hands of a highly skilled therapist or hydro therapist, treatment can be altered to a safe application.
5. Anyone on prescription medications that may have side affects due to the heat or temperature challenges. All individuals who are not sure of their medication should consult their physician.
6. Heart disease, temperatures challenge the circulatory system, the health of the heart needs serious consideration.
7. Anyone who is considered “overweight or obese” may be challenged due to the challenge on the heart.
8. Anyone you perceive as underweight may be challenged due to the lack of muscle density.
9. Anyone in a very weak and/or debilitated state before the treatment begins, where the body cannot balance itself after being challenged by the temperatures.
10. Varicose veins, heat is not good, cold is very beneficial.
11. All autoimmune dysfunctions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, Epstein Barr Syndrome, AIDS and cancer in their acute and worst conditions where the immune system is already taxed.
12. Caution with Epilepsy, Bipolar, depression and mental disorders; any condition where the brain and nervous system are challenged, alternating temperatures may over stimulate brain activity.
13. The thin skin of the elderly or someone taking Cortisone medications should be approached with caution, lighter pressure and temperatures.
14. Young children need very little to stimulate their systems, less time and less temperatures. If the child is under the age of ten, I ask the parent/guardian to take the child’s bath water temperature; Then I raise the heating unit temperature five degrees above the child’s normal bath water, I adjust the cold stones stones to fit the heating unit’s temperature as well.
15. Any condition where Swedish massage is contraindicated, the application of heated and chilled stones will enhance the body’s response to the treatment. In this case I design an Energy Treatment with alternating temperatures and avoid all Swedish applications to the body.
1. Any surgery where nerves have been cut, usually there’s a loss of feeling in these areas, especially in the back region, and the client may not register correct temperatures.
2. Any disease where there is nerve damage or Neuropathy, diabetes etc.
3. Any skin conditions which may be aggravated by moisture or heat.
4. Pregnancy, heat is the variable to be concerned with. In the hands of a highly skilled therapist or hydro therapist, treatment can be altered to a safe application.
5. Anyone on prescription medications that may have side affects due to the heat or temperature challenges. All individuals who are not sure of their medication should consult their physician.
6. Heart disease, temperatures challenge the circulatory system, the health of the heart needs serious consideration.
7. Anyone who is considered “overweight or obese” may be challenged due to the challenge on the heart.
8. Anyone you perceive as underweight may be challenged due to the lack of muscle density.
9. Anyone in a very weak and/or debilitated state before the treatment begins, where the body cannot balance itself after being challenged by the temperatures.
10. Varicose veins, heat is not good, cold is very beneficial.
11. All autoimmune dysfunctions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, Epstein Barr Syndrome, AIDS and cancer in their acute and worst conditions where the immune system is already taxed.
12. Caution with Epilepsy, Bipolar, depression and mental disorders; any condition where the brain and nervous system are challenged, alternating temperatures may over stimulate brain activity.
13. The thin skin of the elderly or someone taking Cortisone medications should be approached with caution, lighter pressure and temperatures.
14. Young children need very little to stimulate their systems, less time and less temperatures. If the child is under the age of ten, I ask the parent/guardian to take the child’s bath water temperature; Then I raise the heating unit temperature five degrees above the child’s normal bath water, I adjust the cold stones stones to fit the heating unit’s temperature as well.
15. Any condition where Swedish massage is contraindicated, the application of heated and chilled stones will enhance the body’s response to the treatment. In this case I design an Energy Treatment with alternating temperatures and avoid all Swedish applications to the body.