Design a suitable massage treatment for the
following 2 clients.
 Middle-aged businesswomen, works at a
computer all day, neck strain and headaches.
 Young client, cellulite on back of thighs, slightly
overweight.
Created by Gemma Hazell
Edexcel Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in
Beauty Therapy Techniques
Stone Therapy
Lesson 1
Aim – History of Stone Massage
All students should be able to:
• Describe the historical and cultural background for stone
therapy – (writing in different forms, SPG practice, summarising
information)
• Differentiate between the different types of stone, their
properties and uses – (interacting and responding)
• Recognise the different massage techniques used with stone
massage. (Time, treatment costs and proportion of stones.)
• Demonstrate stone treatment set up.
Extended Objectives:
• Evaluate the effect stone massage has on the muscular system
(writing to analyse)
EQ objectives:
• Illustrate effective communication skills
• Demonstrate appropriate behaviour
Stone Therapy
History
• Incas and Native Americans used stones in ceremonies and
treatments.
• Traditionally Basalt stones were used, sourced from riverbeds and
seashores. These stones are said to be closely connected to the earth
and have life and energy of their own. This energy needs to be
nurtured and protected to maintain the healing ability of the stone
therapy service.
• Stone therapy was introduced in 1993 by Mary Nelson in Arizona
(USA).
• It was developed and called La stone Therapy, which used heated
and chilled stones to deliver relaxing, therapeutic, deep tissue
service.
Uses of stone therapy
•
•
•
•
•
•
Deep tissue massage
Relaxation
Ideal for pain relief
Stress related conditions
Sleep related problems
Balancing energy levels
Types if stones
• Basalt – the most commonly used, it is a type of volcanic
rock. They heat up easily and retain heat over a long period of
time.
• Marine – formed from sedimentary rock, which, results in a
very dense but smooth, silky texture, which retains cold well.
• Marble – made from limestone, which hardens over time.
These stones are not found naturally and specially made for
the treatments. They are naturally cold and used for cold
stone.
• Semi- precious stones- and crystals such as rose quartz
can be incorporated. Each stone is said to had its own unique
characteristic, uses and effects. Different colour stones can be
placed on their matching colour chakra to help balance the
bodies energy flows.
Hot Stone Massage
• The advantages of using the stones for therapists
is that stress can be reduced on the hands,
fingers and wrists. It also makes your moves
much more powerful.
• Stones are very adaptable and can be
incorporated into most holistic treatments as
well as beauty treatments.
Home and after care to hot stone massage.
• Take care if driving home- have the window
open to aid concentration.
• Continue to drink plenty of water to help with
the removal of toxins.
• Avoid alcohol, spicy foods and stimulants such
as caffeine.
• Eat a light lunch or dinner.
• Try to rest for the remaining part of the day.
• Avoid strenuous exercise, yoga, Pilates or
mediation would be beneficial.
Massage Techniques with the stones.
 Effleurage
 Petrissage
 Tripper point work- apply direct pressure to the area for
30 -90 seconds to relieve knots or tension
 Tucking warm stones under towels and laying body on
top
 Bud Technique – working with hot and cold stones
together.
 Cat Pawing – similar to petrissage.
 Frictions- using the sides of the stones
 Cross fibre action- same as frictions but both directions
 Rocking the stones- similar to cross fibre , but rocking the
stones.
 Piezoelectric- rhythmic tapping using two stones.
Stone Placement
• Watch the video clip for stone placement.