What is Hot Stone Reflexology?

 

Hot Stone Reflexology is very similar to generic reflexology, but instead of using my thumbs and fingers to work a reflex, I use a variety of different size smooth basalt stones.

 

The warm stones relax the body at a wonderfully deep level reaching up to 7-8cm into the superficial layer of muscle. In doing so this brings physiological changes as well as increase the body’s internal energy flow (Chi) bringing the body and mind into balance.

 

The basalt stones are igneous rock which are a product of volcanic/sedimentary action, known for retaining the heat for long periods of time. The larger stones are used to warm reflexes and massage the feet and lower legs. The smaller stones are used to work the reflex points. Cool stones may be used for inflammation, varicose veins or muscular injuries.

 

This is an extremely relaxing treatment which is both soothing and nurturing relieving tension and anxiety.

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• A treatment increases circulation even though only the feet and lower legs are physically massaged. Stimulation of the circulatory points encourages a more effective circulation.

• There is increased elimination of waste product cleansing the organs of the body.

• Through the removal of toxins and impurities, the kidneys and digestive system activity improves.

• It is a deeply relaxing treatment on both a mental and physical level. The warmth initiates the parasympathetic system – slows down the heart rate, increases blood flow, boosts immune and lymphatic system and relax the inner organs.

• As heat is applied to the reflex it relaxes the muscle allowing it to recover and repair more efficiently, therefore reducing muscle tension.

• Once the body is deeply relaxed, the body initiates its own healing forces. Reflexology of any form doesn’t heal the body; it’s the body that heals itself.

• The treatment increases the feeling of wellbeing as endorphins are released.

• Pain is eased as the pressure points act to confuse the body, therefore interrupting the pain cycle.

• It soothes and stimulates the nervous system.

• There is a balancing effect on the endocrine system.

• Increases the action of the leukocytes and lymphatic function – fights infection.

 

I must point out that reflexology is not a diagnostic or curative therapy. It is used to complement a variety of health conditions. Although benefits are often felt after just one treatment, regular treatments will maintain the effects.

 

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Will Hot Stone Reflexology help me?

 

As with any of my treatments, I tailor each treatment to the individual by taking into account both physical and non-physical factors that might be affecting your wellbeing.

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• Anxiety and depression: Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health problems. The relaxation benefits of hot stone reflexology can decrease depression and anxiety.

• Migraine and tension headaches: Hot Stone Reflexology massage can also effectively reduce tension and migraine headaches.

• Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteo-arthritis: Can use cold stones during an inflammation stage.

• Hot Stone Reflexology can help reduce cancer treatment symptoms, including nausea, pain, constipation or diarrhoea.

• Sinusitis is a chronic or acute condition often caused by another respiratory infection like the flu, a cold, or bronchitis. Hot Stone Reflexology can help improve chronic sinusitis.

• Hot stone reflexology massage can help improve blood circulation in the feet and throughout the body.

• Hot stone reflexology has been found to reduce hypertension.

• Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis is a progressive and chronic degenerative disease of the central nervous system. Regular reflexology/Hot Stone Reflexology treatments can help decrease fatigue. It has also been shown that reflexology may reduce the tingling associated with multiple sclerosis.

• Pregnancy & IVF: I would not recommend if the pregnancy/conception has been complicated. If the pregnancy has had no complications, then Hot Stone Reflexology can be given in the second and third trimester.

• Immune dysfunctions (chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia): Generic reflexology would be given in the first treatment and then Hot Stone Reflexology from then on. Recommend a course of treatments to get the most from this treatment as it can take a few weeks before the benefit is felt.

• Eliminates toxins: Hot Stone Reflexology can efficiently and effectively help remove toxins from the body.

 

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What happens at the treatment?

 

At your first treatment, I will take a full medical history and ask you to sign a consent form for treatment. This information will be kept confidential. Before the treatment commences, we will discuss what you may experience and what your expectations are. Hot Stone Reflexology is a very easy therapy to receive; and the only clothing you will need to remove are your socks and shoes and allow access to the lower leg (as I treat up to the knee).

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The history of Hot Stone Reflexology

 

Hot and cold stones have been used as part of a therapy since ancient times and throughout the world – the Shang Dynasty in China around 1500BC, the Incas, the ancient Egyptians and the Native Americans are some examples.

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