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Origins

LaStone therapy is a type of stone massage, which was devised in 1993 by Mary Nelson Hannigan, a massage therapist from Tucson, Arizona. But the healing properties of stones - and of heat and cold - have been recognised since ancient times and Native American Indians have long used smooth river stones heated in water for massage.

The science

The extremities of temperature are claimed to cause vascular gymnastics by alternately widening and contracting blood vessels. This is said to improve circulation encouraging healing blood to flow to all your cells and to reduce pain and swelling by flushing toxins out of tense, inflamed tissue. Using stones enables the therapist to give you a deeper massage than is possible with more traditional types of massage.

What it is good for?

It helps to relieve stiff, sore muscles, improve joint movement and enhance tissue repair. This makes it useful for sports injuries, repetitive strain injury (RSI) or general aches and pains. As it is so calming it may also help to ease anxiety and boost sleep and overall wellbeing.

The promise

A deep body massage using hot and cold stones which is said to create harmony and positive energy flow. It will leave you feeling relaxed and revitalised.

What to expect

The therapist massages you with smooth stones of different temperatures. Scented or unscented oils are usually applied to your body first to ensure that the stones glide over your skin. Stones are also placed under and around you as well as on invisible energy points known as chakras. This is said to harmonise the chakras by balancing your physical, mental and emotional energies.

How it feels

Some people love it, others find it slightly uncomfortable, as the stones can initially be quite hot and the massage is intense. However, many people claim it is by far the best massage they have ever experienced - soothing, yet stimulating.

Cautions

Always ensure you are treated by a qualified LaStone therapist and tell them if you have any injuries, suffer with back problems or epilepsy, or are pregnant.

Stone me

Between 50 and 72 stones of varying size are used. The hot stones are made from polished black basalt lava and are chosen for their hardness and heat-retaining properties. The cold stones are made from white polished marble, which, once cooled, stay cold.

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