Hot Stone Therapy & Ayurvedic

Jill Penfold

HOT STONE THERAPY

What is Hot stone therapy?
Hot stone therapy is a deep, warming, relaxing and therapeutic massage. This very popular method of deep tissue massage utilises the unique affects of special volcanic stones that emit heat which is absorbed deep into the muscles.

This method of massage is very beneficial to conditions such as rheumatic and Arthritic pains, Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Fibromyalgia Rheumatica as its heat allows the effect to go deep into the muscle without using deep massage preventing any potential further trauma. The heat from the stones warms the muscle inducing the muscle to relax immediately, allowing a deep therapeutic massage.

The massage involves steam heated, flat volcanic stones to be placed either side of the spine, covered by a towel on which you lay. The massage incorporates the combination of warm hands and hot stones in slow, deep, sweeping movements over the entire body if required. It can be used simply as a totally relaxing, pampering massage or a very affective method of getting deep into very toned muscle. 

AYURVEDIC FACIAL MASSAGE

Ayurveda is an ancient Asian practice of using massage and lifestyle changes which aim to create harmony within the body. Practised widely in India, it works on the belief that all life forms have a "dosha". A person's dosha determines the kind of lifestyle that is balancing and healthy for them, including the sorts of food they should eat and the amount and type of exercise they should do.

Ayurveda covers a variety of techniques, from detoxification, diet and herbal prescriptions, to yoga, meditation and massage therapy. All are personalised to suit the individual's dosha. A favourite among celebrities, Ayurveda is a lifestyle made up of treatments, diet and exercise.

The Ayurvedic facial massage is a unique treatment combining a facial and Indian head massage.

It is a truly relaxing treatment working on the "marma" (reflex/acupressure) points of the head and neck helping to balance the body, relieving tension. It can be a treatment on its own or combined with a back massage.

TRADITIONAL THAI MASSAGE

The Traditional Thai massage is an ancient theraputic healing treatment. Although from Thailand its origins are credited to an Indian Ayurvedic doctor, Jivaka Kumarabhacca, who was a contempory of the Buddha and a personal physician.

For the massage the client is fully clothed, lying on a comfortable mat on the floor. There is no oil used. Acupressure, reflexology and yoga stretching to the entire body  working on the energy of the individual as well as the joints and muscles in a deep full body massage experience will leave you relaxed and energised at the same time. Although very different from traditional massage it is really worth a try.

This massage is particularly useful for sports people, but is suitable for anyone at any level of fitness.