Massage on the Rocks

Have you ever walked into a toasty warm house on a cold winter day and automatically felt relaxed; embraced by the warmth? That's the same feeling you get when you experience a stone treatment at your favorite spa. We offer LaStone Therapy - a 90 minute massage with hot basalt and cool marble stones, and Massage Enhanced with Stones - a 60 minute massage with warm stones targeting problem areas.

LaStone Therapy was developed by Mary Hannigan in 1993, but stones have been used as wellness tools for over 2,000 years. Shaman used (and still use) them for healing, Native Americans used warmed stones on the belly during menses, and Pilgrims used them to heat their beds.

Warmed basalt riverbed stones are used to enhance the massage, clear toxins, and balance energy. We heat the stones to between 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool marble stones are also used if needed (i.e. for inflammation). The ancient Romans theorized that hot contrasted with cool was a recipe for good health, so they took hot baths and would then lie on cool marble tables. They were definitely on to something.

Physiologically, the chemical reactions of blood and lymph exchange are accelerated by the use of hot and cool stones. Mentally, the client reaches a state of relaxation in minutes that is unparalleled in regular massage. Many clients report having felt a spiritual awareness during the massage. An overall balancing of energy is achieved by means of the LaStone experience.

Heres how it works: During the service we use 54 warmed basalt stones, along with a scented oil of your choice. You will be lying on top of a few stones comfortably arranged on both sides of your spine. We will also place some on the top of your body, including on the chakras. Towels completely cover you for the duration of the service. Stones are used to massage the entire body, and a few are placed between your toes. The stones range in size from that of a dime to that of two hand spans.

Either stone treatment will feel great in the winter freeze! The warmth will fill your body and take you to another level, another world - dreamlike. Come in from the cold and experience the heat, with stones!

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What is Massage Therapy?

Any method of pressure on or friction against, or stroking, kneading, rubbing, tapping, pounding, vibrating or stimulating of the external soft parts of the body with the hands or with aid of any mechanical electrical apparatus or appliances with or without rubbing alcohol, liniments, antiseptics, oils, powder, creams, lotions, ointments or other similar preparations used in this practice, under such circumstances that it is reasonably expected that the person to whom treatment is provided ...
Massage is the practice of applying pressure or vibration to the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints. A form of therapy, massage can be applied to parts of the body or successively to the whole body, to heal injury, relieve psychological stress, manage pain, improve circulation and relieve tension.
The manipulation of skin, muscle, and joints (usually by hand) to relax muscle spasm, relieve tension, improve circulation, and eliminate wastes. Over 80 types of massage are in use today. Various forms include: acupressure, athletic, polarity, reflexology, rolfing, shiatsu, sports, Swedish, traeger, and watsu.