Reflexology

The hallmark of hot stone massage is the use of heated stones. Basalt river rocks are typically used because they are smooth (from the river’s current) and retain heat well.

In preparation for the treatment, the massage therapist heats the stones in a professional stone heater until they are within a precise temperature range, typically between 110 and 130 F. To prevent burns, microwaves, ovens, hot plates, and slow cookers should never be used.

While massage therapists often use anatomy to guide the placement of the stones, some therapists will also place stones on points thought to energetically balance the mind and body.

Benefits

People often describe hot stone massage as comforting and deeply relaxing. The warmth is soothing for people who tend to feel chilly.

The heat of the stones relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist to work deeper while using lighter pressure.

There is a lack of research on the benefits of hot stone massage. Although some preliminary studies have suggested that massage, in general, may provide benefits to people with conditions including prenatal depression, pain syndromes such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, hypertension, autoimmune conditions and aging-related conditions including Parkinson’s and dementia.1

People often use hot stone massage for the following conditions:

• Anxiety
• Back pain
• Depression
• Insomnia

What to Expect

During the massage, the therapist places stones on specific points on the body. While the points may vary depending on the areas of muscle tension and the client’s health history, the stones are generally placed in the following areas:

• Along both sides of the spine
• In the palms of your hand
• On your legs, abdomen, feet

Small stones may be placed between the toes or on the forehead.

After the stones are placed on your body, it may take a few minutes for the heat to penetrate the sheet or towel so you can discern whether the stones are too hot.

The therapist applies massage oil to the skin. Holding stones in both hands, the therapist uses gliding movements to move the stones along the muscles. The therapist uses Swedish massage techniques on the back, legs, neck, and shoulders while the stones are in place or after they have been removed.

The length of a typical hot stone massage is between 60 and 90 minutes.

Imagine that deeply calming and satisfying feeling that you get in your body after an intense workout, where your mind and cells hums with contentment. Now transfer that feeling to your face! The first benefit of Facial Reflexology (which includes deep tissue facial massage) is total relaxation. Facial reflexology can produce a natural Botox effect by relaxing facial muscles; it can tighten the skin by improving muscle tone; and it can give you a healthy radiant glow that makes you look as good as you feel, and feel as good as you look.

How does facial reflexology work?

You may have heard of foot or hand Reflexology. Facial Reflexology works on the same principles, but the treatment takes place on your face and head. This non-invasive treatment is based on the theory that areas on your face are connected to areas of your body, and stimulating them improves underlying energy imbalances which promotes wellbeing. The proximity of the face to the brain is key to the effectiveness of this original therapy.

Feel good… and look good!

Facial Reflexology is not a beauty treatment. However, it does have rather lovely beautifying side effects, quite literally ‘lifting’ the face to make your face feel and look smoother and more toned. It also encourages lymphatic drainage, stimulates the facial nerves, increases blood flow and muscle tone, helps to build up new skin tissue and improves skin tone.

Facial Reflexology aims to help reduce the symptoms and effects of many common ailments including stress, IBS, back pain, arthritis, depression, MS, menstrual and hormonal ailments and sleep disorders. Facial reflexology treatments are very popular during pregnancy and are often used to help promote a shorter and natural labour.

I provide the treatment in a bespoke peaceful salon environment on a luxury electric massage table, adjustable to suit all needs,  Your hair will be smoothed back from your face with a towel and your face will be wiped free of make up  and a  few drops of facial oil will be smoothed over your face – I only use organic oils free of any nasty chemicals. I particularly like Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense facial oil which also offers anti ageing benefits. The treatment will start with some relaxing massage followed by a sequence of working the whole body through a series of reflex points on the face. Deep tissue massage is combined with reflex manipulation to relieve tension, improve well being and promote deep relaxation.​