Cold stones. These stones are very smooth and will keep cold for long periods of time.
Cold Stone Therapy
Stone massage can be used for relaxation, energy balance, deep tissue massage, reflexology, injury rehabilitation and other types of massage therapy. Cooled stones are a great addition to the warmed stones. They can reduce inflammation, restore temperature and energy balance, and be stimulating.
Inflammation
In the early stages of an injury, cold stones can be used like ice massage at the site of the injury. Heated stones can be placed proximal to the injury to decrease tension and muscle spasms.
Cold eye stones can be placed over the eyes to reduce inflammation. The cool stones and the gentle weight are relaxing for the recipient.
The use of alternating hot and cold stones can be used for subacute inflammation to bring about a vascular flushing effect.
Restoring Balance
Cold stones can cool an overheated client on a hot day. Place cooled stone along the spine and under the knees. A cooled stone on the back of the neck will quickly cool a hot person. Eye stones are cooling and relaxing.
Stones can bring balance. By placing cool stones on hot areas of the body and warmed stones on cool areas of the body temperature balance can be restored.
Stimulation
To provide a stimulating and invigorating massage use a hot stone in one hand and a cold stone in the other. This technique energizes the recipient. An alternative method is to place hot stones on an area of the body until that area is heated. After removing the stones, briskly massage the area with cold stones. These treatments are refreshing and stimulating but are not too cold or uncomfortable for the recipient.
