Hot Stone Foot Reflexology
Hot Stone Foot Reflexology
Hot stone foot reflexology really does take reflexology to another level to help you feel restored rebalanced and rejuvenated, This truly indulgent treatment uses massage techniques and the application of pressure to reflex areas on the feet or hands with heated stones to bring about a state of deep relaxation and stimulate the body’s own healing process. It is a natural therapy to boost immune system and calm the mind.
Use of Hot Stones in Reflexology
The Ancient Healing art of stone therapy using warm stones relaxes the body at its deepest level and is effective in creating harmony and balance. The subtle energy of stones introduced into a treatment helps calm the senses, relax muscle tension and promote a meditative state. Warm stones have been used as a therapeutic tool for massage for centuries with evidence dating back to ancient Egypt, China, Japan, South America and Australia. The heat helps to relax the muscles in the feet allowing the therapist to work deeper into the reflex areas.
Stones are firstly used to massage the lower legs (below the knees) relieving any tension in the calf muscles and helping to enhance energy flow. Smaller stones are then used to work the reflex areas and points of the feet. The heat from the stones quickly opens the reflex pathways bringing about a much deeper level of relaxation than reflexology alone.
The effects and potential benefits of Hot Stones include:
Heat penetrates to a much deeper level than finger pressure, reaching around 7cm into tissues. This brings about physiological changes as well as improving energy flow.
- Improves blood circulation & lymphatic drainage
- Promotes the release & elimination of toxins
- Boosts immunity and the lymphatic function
- Relieves tension in connective tissues
- Reduces muscular tension which will help muscles to relax and repair more efficiently
- It is warming, deeply relaxing & soothing helping to melt away any tension or anxiety
- Helps to bring about a balance of body as well as mind
Use of Cold Stones in Reflexology
Cold stones may also be used during a reflexology treatment and may help, for example, with:
- Easing inflammation
- Headaches
- Sinus congestion
- Muscle strain
- Improves immune function
- Invigorating and refreshing
What to expect during a Hot Stone reflexology treatment
Hot Stones are used throughout the treatment allowing the heat to work the reflex areas and points rather than the therapist’s fingers and thumbs.
The treatment starts by using Hot Stones to massage the lower legs relieving any tension in the calf muscles and helping to enhance energy flow. This is then followed by applying various size stones to the bottom of each foot.
Toe stones are placed between the toes of one foot which is then wrapped in a towel whilst the other foot is given a thorough treatment with the use of various size stones being used to work specific reflexes. Each foot is worked in turn. Warm stones can also be placed behind the shoulders and hips or on the abdomen to help ease any tension or stress in those areas.
The temperature of the Hot Stones are regulated in a special heater to ensure that they are kept at the correct temperature before being applied to the foot or leg.
For an invigorating treatment, or to soothe headaches and injuries and ease pain and sinus congestion, Cold Stones may be used to replace the Hot Stones.
When can you not have a treatment?
If you have/are:
- Fever
- Contagious or infected diseases
- Under the influence of alcohol or recreational drugs
- Vomiting or Diarrhoea
- Undiagnosed lumps or bumps
- Localised swelling
- Inflammation
- Varicose veins
- Cuts, bruises or abrasions on the legs
- Sunburn
- Hormonal implants
With some medical conditions signed medical consent will be required before you have hot stone reflexology, but this will be discussed with you on booking your appointment and form will be provided for your GP to sign.