THE STONES
The powerful "metasthetic" energies of Stone Massage are known to promote a harmonizing and cleansing effect, thus allowing for a meditative state of quietude and calm.
This unique therapy using high energy palm stones that are formed by sedimentary and volcanic action, is a very effective modality, not only because of the warm stones thermal conduction effect which bring about local and systemic changes in the body, but also can influence the energy centers for body and mind balancing.
We suggest when using the stones, let you imagination and intuitive energies roam and you will undoubtedly amaze yourself and your clients with your own creative massage techniques
Prior To Teatment
- Fill heating unit with water so that the stones are fully submerged.
- Set temperature to 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not attempt to lift stones out of unit with bare hands
- or apply stones to a client above recommended temperature.
- Read instruction manual thoroughly before applying stones to a client
- If temperature of stones is above recommended temperature (125° F), put on insulated gloves and
- use spoon to lift stones out of heating unit. Allow stones to cool before applying to the client.
- Always use the thermometer to gauge temperature of stones.
- Avoid any bony surfaces as to avoid unnecessary bruising.
- Wipe excess water from stones and therapist's hands before applying to a client
- Always check with your client the temperature of the stones.
- During the Stone Massage treatment, adjust temperature as needed.
- All contra indications for Swedish massage apply to Stone Massage
- All draping procedures for Swedish massage apply to Stone Massage
- All usual contra indications apply adding osteoporosis and diabetes
After Treatment
- Remind your client that they are lying on stones and to be very careful when getting off the table. Ask them not to slide off the table as to avoid unnecessary bruising.
- Cold stones as an alternative use increases micro circulation and oxygen intake. The use of cold stones also effects change on a cellular level.
- Now that you have mastered this technique try integrating some deep tissue and trigger point techniques that you learned in your professional training. Allow the stones to become extensions of your hands. Reverse and mix the order of the steps within this manual and add to it until you find your comfort zone.
- J'Vita Spa Line is not responsible for the actions of persons or organizations that are using this modality in any injury, whether physical or mental, to the client or therapist
How to clean stones between sessions:
- Turn heating unit off. Place a towel on massage table and remove stones from heating unit
- andplace stones in the towel.
- Empty heating unit bin of water and spray with alcohol, then wipe dry. Return bin back into heating unit.
- Spray used stones with alcohol and let dry. Place towel in the bottom of the unit bin and place stones back into the heating unit bin. Refill with hot water. Turn the heating unit
- back on and set at recommended temperature.
- How to clean stones at the end of the day:
- Turn heating unit off. Remove stones from heating unit and place in warm water and anti-bacterial soap or sea-salt. Wash each stone individually and place on a towel to dry. Empty
- heating unit bin and spray with alcohol then wipe dry. Return bin back into heating unit.
- Place stones back into bin and spray with alcohol. Do not turn heating unit back on until you are ready to use the stones for a treatment.
Step1
Have your client lay on the table in the prone position and place a medium hand towel over the sacrum. Retrieve a stone for the sacrum from the heating unit bin and place it on the towel. Wrap the stone to prevent the heat from escaping. Undrape the client's hands and feet. Retrieve 4 (four) small hand stones from the unit bin. Gently place one stone on each palm of the client's hands and one stone on the bottom of each foot redraping as you go.
Step2
Stand on the left side of the table and place your right hand over the sacral stone and place your left hand between the shoulder blades at tl-t5. Begin gently rocking the client with your right hand while keeping the right hand stationary. Do this for 1-2 minutes or until you feel as though you have connected with the client.
Step 3
Come to the front of the client and undrape the back ensuring that you do not knock over the sacral stone. Apply oil to your client using effleurage strokes to warm up the muscles and to spread the oil. Do this for approximately 5 minutes. Stop working and retrieve 2 (two) medium palm stones. Ask your client to take in a deep breath. As the client exhales, center the stones in your palms and apply them to the client using effleurage strokes up and down the back. Rotate the stones every 5 to 6 strokes. Circle the inside of the scapula a few times until stones feel cool. Return these stones to the unit bin and retrieve 2 (two) more medium palm stones. Ask you client to take in another deep breath. As they exhale gently, glide the stones between the shoulder blades and down the rib cage. On the return stroke insert your fingers between each rib into the inercostal muscles, ensuring that your pressure is in your fingers and not on the stone. This movement is similar to "raking". Repeat the fore-mentioned strokes a few times and if necessary retrieve 2 (two) more medium hand stones to complete the movements
Step 4
Cover the back with the sheet and then walk to either side of the client and undrape the leg. Remove the stones from the hand and foot of the side you are working. Spread the oil over the entire leg as you did for the back. Do this for approximately 2 minutes. Retrieve 2 (two) small palm stones. Ask your client to take in a deep breath. As they exhale apply the stones to the medial and lateral sides at the Achilles tendon. Your thumbs should be centered on the leg. Using small circular motions glide the stones up the leg stopping at the medial and lateral epicondyle of the tibia bone. Repeat this movement until the stones are cool. Next, using the flat portion of only one stone glide the stone slowly and with firm pressure up the entire length of the leg. Next retrieve 2 (two) medium palm stones. Position the stones in the center of each palm and place at the insertion of the medial and vastus lateralis above the knee. Again your thumbs should be centered on the hamstring group. Using circular motions glide the stones up toward the hip area stopping at the greater trochanter. Retrieve 2 (two) more stones and using effleurage strokes work the hamstring group until these stones are cool.
Step 5
Repeat step 4 on the opposite leg. Remember to remove the stone that you placed in the client’s hand and on the client's foot.
Step 6
Remove the sacral stone from your client and set aside or place back into heating unit. (Since you will not use this stone on the client of whom you are working, it is not necessary to place back into unit bin.) Check the temperature of the stones inside the heating unit using a thermometer and adjust as needed. (The temperature of the stones should not be above 125° F)
Step 7
Turn your client over to the Supine Position and ask them to sit straight up. Assist if necessary. Place a hand towel on the table beginning from the lumbar area. Retrieve several back stones from the heating unit bin. Arrange them side-by-side on the table beginning at c7 so as to align the stones along the erector spinae on both sides of the spine when the client is lying flat. (Depending on the size of your client the therapist may need to use more or less stones.) Cover the stones with a hand towel and assist the client to lay back flat on the table. Ask the client if they are comfortable and adjust the stones as necessary. Be sure that the stones are not directly on the spinous processes.
Step 8
Place a hand towel over the torso of the client and retrieve 5 (five) of the stones from the heating unit bin. Place these stones along the center of the torso, beginning from just below the navel to the center of the sternum. Cover with another hand towel. Undrape the feet of the client and place the toe stones between each toe. Cover the feet and place a stone in the center of the forehead.
Step 9
Go to either side of the client and begin with the arm. Spread oil over the forearm and massage using effleurage and petrisage strokes. Retrieve 2 (two) small palm stones from the heating unit bin. Place and hold one stone against the posterior side of the wrist at the wrist joint. Using the other stone placed in the center of your palm begin to massage the anterior side of the forearm using effleurage strokes. Turn the stone on its side and glide the stone up the middle of the forearm from the wrist to the elbow with firm steady pressure. Repeat these movements on the posterior side of the forearm. Rotate the client's arm to the head of the table and let it rest there for a brief moment. Retrieve 2 (two) small palm stones from the heating unit. Using the same placement of the stones as you did for the wrist begin to massage the biceps using a firm, gliding "milking" motion. (Similar to one-handed petrisage.) Repeat the same movements for the triceps muscle
Step 10
Repeat these movements on the opposite arm.
Step 11
Remove the stone from the forehead. Cradle the neck in your hands for about 2-3 minutes. At the same time curl your fingers under the occiput and apply gentle traction to the neck releasing your pressure every 15 seconds. Retrieve 2 (two) small palm stones from the heating unit bin. Holding the stones on your fingertips insert your hands under the neck to begin just above c7. Slowly bring the stones up the neck to the occiput muscle and begin to move each hand laterally until you reach the mastoid process. Repeat this movement several times until the stones are cool rotating the stones in your hands every 2-3 strokes. Come back to the client and rotate the client's head laterally to one side and begin to massage the exposed area using your thumb in small circular motions. Use petrisage on the upper trap area with firm even strokes. Retrieve 2 (two) more small palm stones from the heating unit. Place one stone under the shoulder of one side of the client. Laterally rotate the neck in the opposite direction of the shoulder of which you placed the stone. With the other stone gently massage from the mastoid process to accromium process of the scapula using gentle effleurage strokes. Massage both the anterior and posterior triangles using caution on the anterior triangle of the neck. Rotate the stones in your hands every 2-3 strokes. Insert this stone under the shoulder of the side of which you are working and rotate the client's head to this side. Retrieve the stone from under the shoulder of the now exposed side of the neck. Repeat the above movements.
Step 12
Go to one side of the client and undrape the leg. Remove the toe stones from the foot and place back in the heating unit. Spread oil over the entire leg using effleurage and petnsage strokes. Retrieve 2 (two) medium palm stones from the heating unit. Have your client take in a deep breath and on the exhale place and hold one stone just above the knee. Your thumbs should be centered along the center of the thigh. Begin with small circular movements up the leg until you reach the Greater Trochanter. Repeat this until the stones are cool. Next using 2 (two) more medium palm stones place the stones in the same positions as you just did and using firm effleurage strokes run the stones up the thigh until you reach the Greater Trochanter area. Do this until the stones are cool rotating the stones in your hands every 4-5 strokes.
Step 13
Retrieve 2 (two) small palm stones and have your client take in a deep breath. Place and hold the stones just above the medial and lateral maleolus of the tibia and fibula bone. Again your thumbs should be centered along the tibia bone. Using small circular motions run the stones up the leg until you reach the insertion for the anterior tibialis and the insertion for the short head of the gastrocenmius just below the knee, repeat these movements several times
Step 14
Repeat steps 12 and 13 on the opposite leg from which you are working
Step 15
Go to the feet of the client and begin to gently massage each foot. Retrieve 2 (two) small palm stones. Place one stone under the sheet and over it. Begin to massage the bottom of feet one at a time with the other stone using circular strokes. Retrieve the other stone and repeat on the opposite foot. Place and hold a stone on the bottom of each foot for one minute.
Now gently tap two stones lightly together, End of the Stone Massage treatment
