Hot stone reflexology is an innovative new treatment that combines the effectiveness of a standard reflexology treatment with the comforting warmth of hot basalt stones. Like reflexology, it is based on the theory that different points on the feet represent different organs and systems of the body. However, instead of the reflexologist’s hands working these points to ease away imbalances, hot rocks are slowly applied, using the heat to penetrate deeply into the reflex points.
What does the heat do?
I use the heat to achieve three things:
- To activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which slows the heart and breathing down, allows the body to digest things properly, increases blood flow to waste eliminating organs, and increases the body’s immune function. You may even find it helps reduce puffiness around the joints, as the parasympathetic system also has links with your lymphatic system, responsible for removing excess fluid from the tissues.
- Heat encourages the muscles to relax and release any tension they are carrying
- Heat widens the blood vessels near the skin’s surface, encouraging good circulation which doesn’t just make your skin feel warmer all over, it also allows the skin to be better oxygenated, allowing for better skin quality.
What happens in a Hot Stone Reflexology treatment?
- In your first treatment, I will discuss your medical history with you. This will be kept confidentially with your notes, and is used to help tailor your treatment to you. All further treatments begin with a quick check to see if anything has changed.
- Your feet are given a refreshing wipe over, which can feel like heaven if your feet have been stuck in shoes all day!
- A nourishing home made balm is applied through a brief massage.
- A range of different sized hot stones are applied slowly in specific patterns to cover all of your reflex points and fill your feet and lower legs with warmth. I will work with you to find your perfect temperature with the rocks as everyone has a different idea of what temperature they’d like the rocks to be.
- Should you wish it, a cool, sumptuous cream is applied through a relaxing massage to balance the treatment and lock in moisture to the feet.
Your first Hot Stone Reflexology treatment can last up to an hour and 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of your consultation and the fine-tuning of your treatment. All other appointments take between an hour and fifteen minutes and an hour and a half due to the slowness of the movements.
What should I expect after a treatment?
Most people find that on the whole, their treatment is very relaxing, and they come away feeling sleepy and relaxed. Some people find they need to visit the toilet a little more or feel a little tearful in the hours following a treatment, as the relaxation causes the body to release things it may have been holding in before. Rarely, some people may find their problem gets a little worse before getting better, or feel like a slight cold is coming on – however, this usually passes within 24 – 48 hours if you keep yourself well hydrated.
Will you achieve your treatment aim within a treatment? You never know – for some, I have seen dramatic improvement, and for others a much slower progression. The only way you can know is to try it!
How much does it cost?
All Hot Stone Reflexology treatments cost £45 wherever you choose to have them. However, if you’re being treated at home, please ensure there is a power socket to hand that I can use during the treatment so my apparatus can keep your rocks warm.
Getting value for money from your treatment
You can gain extra value for money through using my loyalty card scheme, or paying for a series of treatments up front.
Another way you can get the most out of your treatments is by letting me know you are interested in learning some self help techniques. These are simple standard reflexology techniques I can show you on your hands that you can apply in between treatments. Not everyone wants homework from their lovely, relaxing treatment and that’s ok – these techniques are only for those who’d like a bit more in between treatments to support my work in helping them achieve their treatment aims.