The Hot Stone Meridian technique involves the artful
application of pressure via warmed stones along the body’s energetic pathways,
or meridians.
The value of working with massage stones has been
misunderstood. Many massage therapists and clients alike think massage stones
constitute more of a pampering treatment than a therapeutic session; however,
there are tangible benefits of working with the heat and energy of stones.
Heated stones make deep penetration into the tissue easy to
achieve. In addition, a greater release of muscle stress and strain helps to
release toxins. Pain reduction is an additional benefit of this technique.
Release Energy
Blockages
Each of the 12 meridians mirrors a particular organ or
function of the body, and each is an energy channel related to acupuncture
points. Practitioners of Asian healing arts believe meridians
connect all body parts. The Hot Stone Meridian technique was developed for Nature’s
Stones by massage therapist and shiatsu practitioner Elisabeth Ott, in
cooperation with shiatsu practitioner Carol Livesay, and is based on the
principles of meridian shiatsu. In shiatsu, disease is regarded as the result of an energy
blockage or imbalance.
Therefore, Shiatsu is about balancing the body by directly
addressing points along the meridians. Shiatsu points are located along
meridians, and are related to the central and autonomic nervous systems.
Treatment involves the whole body.
In the Hot Stone Meridian technique, heat from the stones
can release stagnation in the meridians more easily than just the fingers,
thumbs and palms. The energy held by the stones is undeniably important in
affecting the movement of stagnation in the meridians. Stones have developed a powerful energy after thousands of
years of being tumbled in oceans and rivers and being exposed to the sun, moon,
winds and tides.
The energy of the stones combined with the energy of the
practitioner allows the meridians to release their stagnation with more ease.
A focused practitioner who is sensitive to energy provides
an extra dimension by connecting to the body with both hands; one hand works
and one hand feels the pulse of the body. Releasing the shiatsu points will unblock and rejuvenate the
meridians that run throughout the entire body, aiding in healing mind, body and
spirit. Shiatsu is usually performed on a floor mat, and the client
is always clothed.
The Massage Therapist works with no oils or lotions, and applies
pressure with her fingers, thumbs and palms to release the stagnation in points
on the meridians. Stretching is also incorporated.
The Hot Stone Meridian technique is performed on a table
rather than on a floor mat, for several reasons: Because hot stones need to be
repeatedly replaced during a session, the practitioner would have to interrupt
his rhythm to stand up to get fresh stones.
He would also have to be aware of the placement of the
heater so as not trip on it. Also, it would be tiring for the practitioner to
repeatedly get up and down. It was determined, after much consideration and trial and
error, the best and safest method was to practice on a massage table.
Stress Relief
Western massage uses long, smooth strokes, kneading and
palpating layers of muscle tissue using massage oil, cream or lotion. As you know, this technique is most commonly performed on a
massage table with the client unclothed. There are extensive benefits to massage therapy, including
increased circulation, stress relief, pain relief, reduced muscle spasms and
cramps, an enhanced immune system, reduced post surgical adhesion and swelling,
releasing of endorphins, reduced migraine pain, and lessened depression and
anxiety.
Stress relief is one of the most profound benefits of massage
therapy. The American Medical Association estimates stress is a factor in more
than 75 percent of all illness and disease today. Shiatsu is said to be a natural way to help people relax and
cope with such issues as stress, muscle pain, nausea, anxiety and depression.
Some say it contributes to healing specific illnesses,
although this has not been scientifically proven. There are many clients who attribute their well-being to
shiatsu sessions.
East Meets West
Shiatsu and hot stones are a great combination. Through the combination of Eastern and Western modalities,
the practice of the Hot Stone Meridian technique brings a new dimension to
shiatsu and Hot Stone Massage.
Energy and heat combine to achieve a path of good health.
Stretching aids in releasing stagnation in the meridians, and heat relaxes the
body efficiently, allowing for a greater stretch. The heat from the stones also releases toxins that in turn
help the client to feel less pain.
Working the meridians that run through each constricted
muscle improves the flow of the body’s energy, allowing the body to heal. The
increased flow of energy makes a person less susceptible to disease and
illness, according to the shiatsu philosophy. The ultimate objective is to have energy and blood flow
freely with no restrictions or stagnation.
This sensation is entirely possible to experience after
studying with an instructor and learning to properly work with the stones. The Hot Stone Meridian technique is a breakthrough for
shiatsu practitioners and massage therapists trained in working with the
meridians. It offers variety and intensity to a practice, along with
healthy results that keep clients returning. Education on properly handling the stones is most important.
There are many safety issues that need to be addressed, such
as temperature, pressure and the care and cleaning of the stones and equipment. Proper education will produce excellent treatments;
excellent treatments mean happier clients; happier clients mean a successful
practice. As interest in Asian healing methods grows, by both
consumers and therapists, shiatsu will also continue to grow in popularity.
In today’s economic environment, therapists need that extra
edge to help them stay successful. The Hot Stone Meridian technique gives the
therapist that needed edge.
Check out Top 20 places for Hot Stone Massage in London.