Massage and wellness

Find the mistakes in this stone massage video

2011-06-15T12:00:00.000+02:00

I came across this video recently. This is a very educational video demonstrating how you should -not- give a stone massage. This way the video becomes the perfect educational tool and I will certainly keep it in mind when I'm teaching my students. Take a look at it and see if you can spot the mistakes and unpleasant techniques used. There is even an aspect to the massage that is directly

Becoming a LaStone® Instructor

2011-06-08T12:00:00.005+02:00

Image via WikipediaI have some very busy and packed three days ahead of me when I leave for England tomorrow. There's so much to learn and know in order to teach LaStone®. Most of it which I of course already know and utilize through giving massages as well as writing these blog-posts. But there are aspects to teaching LaStone® which isn't obvious to a practitioner or an outsider. It's not just

Depression affects the immune system

2011-06-01T12:00:00.077+02:00

Research has shown that depression can lead to reduced immune functioning. A recent article in Massage Magazine describes how depressed people are more prone to premature ageing of immune cells, "which could in turn open the door to serious illness, such as diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, stroke and dementia." A challenged immune system does not only increase the risk of serious illness,

Massage eases depression

2011-05-25T12:00:00.000+02:00

Image by darijus via FlickrMassage Magazine has published several articles about how massage can help dealing with depression. Lots of research is being done in the field. Researchers prove many things we as massage therapists intuitively have known for a long while. Now it is backed up by scientific studies and research. This week I will quickly describe a number of articles from Massage

Health considerations in stone massage

2011-05-18T12:00:00.005+02:00

Working with temperature and massage always gives rise to considerations and things to be aware of. There are many contraindications in stone massage, though fortunately in most cases they just mean the treatment needs to be adjusted. It is very important that I, as your therapist, am told if you have any medical or health issues. A simple thing like high blood pressure can be negatively

More thermo-therapy at home

2011-05-11T12:00:00.001+02:00

Using alternating temperatures can create amazing results to your health and well-being. It can help with aches and pains, strengthen the heart and circulation, support the lymphatic and immune systems, as well as increase your energy levels and ability to deal with stress. In short, daily thermo-therapy is good for you. Last week I wrote how to do Thermo-therapy in your shower. This week I'll

Thermo-therapy in your shower

2011-05-04T12:00:00.008+02:00

Image by hegtor via Flickr A hot sauna visit followed by a cold winter dip is effective thermo-therapy. Using alternating temperatures can create amazing results to your health and well-being. It can help with aches and pains, strengthen the heart and circulation, support the lymphatic and immune systems, as well as increase your energy levels and ability to deal with stress. In short, daily

A world of different Stone Massages

2011-04-27T12:00:00.110+02:00

What is a "Stone Massage"? Essentially it is a bodywork modality including the use of stones one way or another. There are many different expressions of stone-work. I say stone-work, because there are expressions which do not include massage or physical manipulation of tissue. The typical perception of a stone-treatment here in France includes passive use of the stones - stone placement on

Emotional benefits of massage

2011-04-20T12:00:00.001+02:00

When we read about what massage is good for, the majority of focus is placed on physical benefits. This is easy to study and research scientifically, as it can be weighted and measured. There is another aspect to massage which is rarely mentioned. The emotional benefits. How massage affects our feelings, our mood and emotional well-being. Shama from ThaiHealingMassage wrote an article about The

Massage and Pregnancy

2011-04-13T12:00:00.048+02:00

Image via WikipediaThere is a very persistent myth in the massage community that pregnant women can't receive any massages, especially during their first trimester. Fact is that during a normal pregnancy, where there are no other health concerns, a pregnant woman can without risk receive a normal massage. The discussion has been going on in the online massage community lately and I discussed the

About LaStone Therapy by Mary Nelson

2011-04-06T12:00:00.010+02:00

Often people ask me what is different about LaStone, “…isn’t it just another stone massage, surely they cannot be that different?” Yet they are different, in many ways; not only is the treatment itself different but the way in which LaStone is taught stands alone from the Other Expressions of Hot Stone Massage. LaStone methodologies are based in ancient practices of energy work and thermal

No one should ever experience a burn in a stone session by Mary Nelson

2011-03-30T12:00:00.002+02:00

Following is part of an article Mary Nelson wrote about burns and stone massages. The original article is written for therapists and includes information about the body's reaction to temperature, burns, how to treat them, treatment plans, stone heating etc. Below are parts of the article which I find relevant for the client to read. NO ONE SHOULD EVER EXPERIENCE A BURN IN A STONE SESSION By

Connecting and beginning the massage

2011-03-23T12:00:00.047+01:00

I aim to connect properly with every client before I start the massage. I will make sure we're on the same page, that we're both ready for the work to be done and that I'm aware of your needs in this present moment. As I want to tune into your breath, and sense where some of your tensions might be stored, I start the session by pressing my hands against parts of your body while you lie under the

The benefits of stone massage by Mary Nelson

2011-03-16T12:00:00.061+01:00

Image by Taunaki via FlickrI am honoured to feature an article written by Mary Nelson, the founder of LaStone® Therapy. It is always interesting to read the thoughts of someone who've worked in a field for so long. The benefits of stone massage and how it differs from other massage therapies By Mary Nelson, founder of LaStone® Therapy Many people do not understand the benefits of stone massage

Client, speak up and be empowered

2011-03-09T12:00:00.072+01:00

There is a very common misconception among people that the massage therapist always knows how deep to massage and what is best. Nothing could be further from the truth. Only the client can fully know if a massage is too painful, a stone too hot or a stretch too intense. This is why it is very important that you as a client speak up. You have a responsibility to inform your therapist of anything

What makes a good stone massage?

2011-03-02T12:00:00.055+01:00

How do you as a client know that you are receiving a good stone massage? For someone who has never tried geothermal therapy before, it can be hard to distinguish between a qualified therapist with an extensive education, and one who've just had a half day course or watched a DVD. This is just a quick overview so you easily can pinpoint if your stone-practitioner is properly qualified to work

Friendships between client and therapist

2011-02-23T12:00:00.273+01:00

A while ago I wrote about the relationship between client and therapist. It is generally recommended that a client/therapist relationship never develops into a friendship, even less a romantic relationship. I have been asked if friendships can be appropriate, to which I will say, that in the vast majority of the cases, no they are not. In this post I will discuss the main reasons as to why.

Repetitive Strain Injuries

2011-02-16T12:00:00.006+01:00

I came across an article on Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) written by Paul Ingraham which addresses some rather interesting facts and fictions. I highly recommend you read the entire article if you wish to understand the topic in depth and the science behind it. Here I will just give a brief summary. 1) RSIs are not inflamed. What is happening instead is that the tissue is degenerating (

More Sacred Symbols

2011-02-09T12:00:00.007+01:00

I have the privilege and honour to work with clients who appreciate and enjoy the Sacred Symbols that are created by the end of each session. I record the symbols and mail the photos to the client. This way they can keep track of their progress and how things change from session to session. Everybody finds their symbol to be beautiful. It is a touching way to remember the session. Some even read

Workshops at Lamennais

2011-02-02T12:00:00.103+01:00

At Lamennais I have the opportunity to offer you workshops. Both as an individual and in small groups (2-5 people). I can teach the following Workshops and Ceremonies: Healing Hands Practitioner - a Native American Wellness Practice. Learn how to serve as a channel for the Energies of Creator. Healing Hands can enhance any bodywork, coaching or training practice. You learn not only how to

Wellness at Lamennais

2011-01-26T12:00:00.228+01:00

Starting today, I now offer Advanced LaStone® Therapy, Stone Medicine, Shamanic Journey, Ceremonies and Wellness Workshops at 5 rue Lamennais, 75008 Paris. This marks a milestone for me as it is my first independent place to work from. Until now I've worked from home, visiting people at their home, or worked freelance for others. Now I finally have the opportunity to truly create my own space. I

Advanced LaStone Therapy

2011-01-19T12:00:00.002+01:00

Image by Taunaki via FlickrAn Advanced LaStone® Therapist or Practitioner has a solid grasp of how to work with stones. You must complete at least three full length LaStone® courses, earning 12 points in the internal system. The first course is always Original Body, which introduces you to the stones and how to work with them. Following courses are advanced and can spread over a wide range of

Why cold stones

2011-01-12T12:00:00.000+01:00

Image by Taunaki via Flickr Marble for cold stones massage When I first mention to people that I use hot -and- cold stones they usually pause, apprehensive of the cold. Who can blame them. When I say cold, most people instantly think of cold weather, snow, an ice-cube down the back, freezing fingers and a bunch of other uncomfortable things. A massage is after all meant to be comfortable,

How to treat your massage stones

2011-01-05T12:00:00.091+01:00

Image by Taunaki via Flickr Sunbathing stones. There are several things you should take into consideration when you take care of your massage stones. Sanitation is the most important factor and must never be neglected. I wrote about general hygiene a while ago, and will here share the official guidelines from the Geothermal Therapy Association. They have worked with Centres for Disease

Benefits of LaStone®

2010-12-29T12:00:00.002+01:00

LaStone® sessions are tailor made and unique to the client. The wellness potential of this bodywork system goes beyond measure. Benefits include: The encouragement of a natural healing response within the body Thermotherapy brings supports healing, balance and rejuvenation The use of warm basalt stones helps to create relaxation through a combination of stone placement and massage The