Ooh la la...

Lately images of women lying with a line of stones down their spines have been popping up everywhere – in magazines, spa adverts and email offers. Our fascination with pampering seems to have newly discovered the concept of using ‘hot’ stones during massage treatments, so we sent a massage virgin to investigate.

In a quick chat prior to the treatment, Neal’s Yard Remedies’ experienced therapist Wendel Brown dispelled the myth of placing hot stones directly from heated water onto the skin. In fact, this could potentially lead to nasty burns and certainly discomfort as well as dry and damaged patches of skin. 

What really happens is…warmed basalt stones of volcanic rock are placed on the massage table under a thick, fluffy towel. Then the client, wrapped in a soft sheet, eases their back onto this surface. The effect - as our LaStone guinea pig will testify - is not only incredibly comfortable but lovely and relaxing.  

While you lie back and let your worries melt away to the subtle background music, the therapist systematically massages your limbs, feet, neck and shoulders. Firstly with their hands and some gorgeous coconut and jojoba oil and then warm stones are used. These produce a fantastic warming sensation which further relaxes muscles and penetrates about five times more effectively than simple massage techniques using only the hands. As these stones begin to cool they are placed under core muscles such as the calves, thighs, triceps and palms of the hand (as well as between your toes) to radiate residual heat into the muscles. 

After being thoroughly pampered for an hour and a half with a total of 45 stones of varying sizes; our LaStone guinea pig was without a doubt no longer a massage virgin and completely converted. The experience was deeply relaxing as well as revitalising (yes, really); left body and mind feeling totally cleansed and (almost) every inch of skin beautifully moisturised. 

Neal’s Yard Remedies also offer a top level LaStone treatment with the spiritual component of chakra rebalancing, which takes slightly longer. This is a reminder that LaStone therapy originated with the Native Americans and that the practice was only revived two decades ago by Mary Nelson in Arizona. 

Please note: during this treatment clients usually have to disrobe. The treatment may not be suitable for individuals with blood pressure problems or diabetes; however, generally the health benefits outweigh any possible negative side effects. 

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21/02/2012 
Copyright: Merchant City Glasgow
Words by: Laura McIntyre