Body rubs and the Nuru massage is the oldest known form of hands-on healing. It is a form of hands-on healing that predates the existence of written records. For millennia, people from nearly every culture have used heat (thermotherapy) and touch to heal their bodies. Nearly every culture has used heat and stones to heal their bodies. You could use stones directly on your body like in Hot Stone Body rubs or indirectly through Stonehenge, which has an energetic effect on the body.
Many therapists who use heated stone in their body rubs agree with the fact that Native Americans, Chinese, Hawaiians and Hawaiians are key players in Stone Therapy’s evolution. Stones have been used in healing arts by Ayurvedic Medicine and the Pacific Islanders, as well as many other cultures.
Stones have a long history of traditional uses.
The Chinese were the first people to use stones to heal. Stones were first used for healing by the Chinese. These stones were known as ‘Bian Stones’. They were used to puncture, poke, and bleed different parts of the body. They were also used to perform superficial procedures such as lancing boils and other superficial operations. The Chinese used heat to increase the body’s yang/heat. This involves heating’mugwort’, a dried herb, over acupuncture points. It has healing power. Nearly all TCM practitioners still practice moxabustion today.
Both bian stones and moxabustion were used in the same way. There are however divergent opinions about the use of certain stones for body rub. TCM practitioners used jade instruments (and other sharp objects), to’scrape’ various muscles and meridians to treat different diseases. This practice is still called “Gua Sha”, and it’s still being utilized today.
Stones were a common element in Native American rituals. One of the most popular rituals involved heating basalt stones in a tepee-like structure known as a “Sweat Lodge”. This was used to cleanse and heal the body and mind. Similar concepts were used by many cultures, including the Romans, to create modern-day saunas. To aid Native Americans, a heated stone was wrapped with fabric/bark. To relieve cramps, a warm stone was placed on the lower abdomen during menstruation.
Hawaiian healing traditions used heated stone more than any other type of stone. It was common to wrap heated stones in ti leaves, a type if leaf with therapeutic properties. To reduce pain, the wrapped stones were applied to the affected areas. This worked in a similar way to a poultice or heat pack. The same leaves could be used to cover hot stones within shallow pits. The leaves were placed on top of patients to allow the healing properties of stones to penetrate their bodies.
Volcanic stones were also said to have been used in a traditional Hawaiian Kahuna/Lomi Lomi body rub. (In Hawaiian, Lomi Lomi simply means ‘to knead/rub/body rub. Due to the roughness and nature of the stones, this was more of an exfoliation technique than a body rub. Stone Therapy today is closely linked to Hawaiian culture.
There are numerous references in the history of healing to gems, crystals and other types of stones used by different cultures.
Modern-day Hot Stone Body Rub
Modern-day stone therapy gained popularity worldwide after being “discovered” by the United States in 1993. Mary Nelson, a body rub therapist, suffered repetitive use injuries to her wrists and shoulders. She was in a sauna with her niece, and was about to receive a body massage. The stones were “called” for her. Mary used some of these more smooth stones for her body rub. Stone Therapy was created. “LaStone Therapy” was/is the first modern-day form of Stone Therapy.
Mary was guided by a Native American spirit guide to much of the information about LaStone Therapy. Stone Therapy is believed to be a Native American-based treatment by many Spas/Salons and journalists. LaStone Therapy is Native American-based. It’s better to say Stone Therapy is a combination of Native American, Hawaiian, and Chinese healing principles.
What are the benefits of a Hot Stone Body rub?
Hot Stone Body rub or Modern Hot Stone Body Rub, is a method where therapists place heated stones (usually basalt stones), of various shapes and sizes on the client’s skin. These stones will not come in direct contact with the skin to ensure safety. To absorb heat, the stones will be placed on a towel. These stones can be placed at various points depending on what type of Hot Stone Body rub or Stone Therapy they are being used for.
These stones heat up to activate specific areas. To body rub another area, the therapist might use several heated stones. The heat of the stones penetrates deep into the muscles, enhancing body rub. A body rub with heated stones can be as simple as ten strokes. While they may not be as relaxing as heated stones in some cases, some therapists may use cold stones (mostly marble) in their treatments. These stones can be used in many situations. The average time for a Hot Stone Body Rub is 60 to 90 minutes.
Hot stone body rubs can be a great way of relaxing. Many clients have reported vivid dreams and out-of-body experiences. It can be grounding, relaxing, healing, and even therapeutic. To deepen relaxation, Hot Stone Body rub can also be combined with Deep Tissue and Remedial body rub. If done properly, the client will reap the rewards and the therapist will be able to reduce the strain on their wrists.
There are many places to find body rubs. Find Nashville body rubs near you.
All body rub therapists must be trained in Hot Stone Body Rub. Before you leave the salon or spa, ensure you check with them to make sure you receive the best body rub.
