Issue link: https://www.massageandbodyworkdigital.com/i/77400
ten for today BY REBECCA JONES STONE SECRETS There are massage tools that have literally been around since Earth cooled. And humankind has known about the multiple benefits of hot stones since prehistoric times. Now, 21st century massage therapists are increasingly turning to stones—both hot and cold—as a way to offer a client- pleasing service that's easy on the hands and good for the bottom line. Massage therapists thinking of adding stone therapy to their professional repertoire, however, should be warned: there are certain risks involved. It's not a technique to be attempted after simply watching a video or hearing a co-worker share a few pointers. Below are some points to ponder regarding stone therapy. 1. PHOTOS OFTEN GET IT WRONG You know the ones: massage clients relaxing on a towel with stones placed artfully along their naked spines. "Those photos make my hair stand up," says Nina Gart, founder and director of Stone Therapy School in Coquitlam, British Columbia. "That's not how to do it. That's dangerous! The only hot stones that should be placed directly on the body are the toe stones because they're tiny and don't contain all that super-heated energy at their core. All other stones must be insulated," she says. 84 massage & bodywork march/april 2011