Warm basalt stones can have therapeutic properties when used on the feet and hand Reflexology points. Hot Stone Reflexology is great for cold hands and feet too.
What is Hot Stone Reflexology?
Hot Stone Reflexology is the incorporation of heated rocks with the specific purpose to stimulate Reflex points found in the feet or hands. The Reflexologist uses a warm stone, held in the palm, and may offer a full session of hot stones, or will use a couple of stones at the end of a traditional Reflexology session. Sometimes cool marble rocks will be used alongside the heated river rocks to create a hot and cold contrast.
Specific training in Hot Stone Reflexology may be offered in the form of a workshop, instructional DVD, or through a peer-to-peer training session. Hot Stone Reflexology is quite different from Hot Stone Massage:
- In a hot stone massage the client will undress and lie under a sheet on a massage table. The massage therapist will use stones to massage the back, legs and arms and the stones will also be placed along the spine and left for a few minutes.
- In a hot stone Reflexology session the client will be fully clothed with only socks and footwear removed. The Reflexologist will use stones to apply pressure to feet or hands. Small “toe” stones may be placed between the toes and left for a few minutes.
The most common stones for Hot Stone Reflexology are basalt stones, a dark colored stone made of volcanic rock. Basalt contains titanium and iron compounds that allow it to hold heat very well. The practitioner will use an electric stone heater, filled with water, which will gradually warm the rocks to a certain temperature. Cold marble stones may be placed in a refrigerator or cold water to bring their temperature down.
Why Hot Stone Reflexology?
Hot Stone Reflexology is very popular with those suffering from cold hands and feet. But, you don’t need colds hands or feet to appreciate the warmth and relaxation of the hot stones. The heat penetrates deeply into the muscles and can allow greater access for the Reflexologist to get into the reflex points.
A heated stone Foot Reflexology session in the winter can be a good way to temporarily warm the body, without having to expose more skin than the feet. In the summer cooled marble stones can help with sweaty or hot feet, and even help with puffiness associated with the warm weather and water retention.
Create Your Own Stone Experience
At your next visit to the beach gather some rocks in varying sizes that have smooth surfaces and no rough edges. Lay them out on the sand and let the sun heat them up. Once they are warm to the touch, but not scorching, walk over the rocks with your bare feet. Walk into the surf and come back to the stones and feel how your feet respond to the cool water followed by the hot stones. When you next encounter a marble tiled floor, slip off your footwear, and walk across its cool surface. Notice how much cooler the marble is and that it stays cool no matter how much foot traffic it receives.
Precautions
Foot Reflexology and Hot Stone Reflexology is contraindicated in the case of open sores or wounds on the feet as well as athlete’s foot and other skin conditions of the foot. Wait until the foot has healed or opt for the Reflexologist to work on the hand of the same side. It is also recommended not to raise the temperature of an expecting client so those who are pregnant will want to opt for a shorter amount of time with the hot stones rather than a full hour of heat.
