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Stone Therapy Schools and Careers Guide

Stone Therapy

What is stone therapy?

Stone massage therapy utilizes heat-retaining warm basalt and cool sedimentary massage stones, as well as chakra balancing using semiprecious stones and crystals, and aromatherapy.

Thermal conduction in the warm stones brings about local and systemic changes in the body, and influences the energy centers for body and mind balancing. The use of massage techniques in conjunction with the stones helps produce energy that assists with and directs vital flow to areas of blockage.

Lymphatic drainage can also be addressed by combining cold and warm stones. As lymphatic flow is altered, the body is transformed on a cellular level. This combination is also effective for increasing general circulation to vaso-restricted areas of the body.

All stones in the basalt set serve different purposes - some are used for the layouts (mainly back layouts), palm rest stones, 7 Chakra stones are for bringing balance to Chakra centers, others are used in massage. There is even a governor in a set - the sacrum stone. These heated stones, by giving their heat and electromagnetic energy to your client, virtually 'feed' the person, encouraging relaxation and bringing a sense of peace.

How is stone therapy practiced?
The client begins by reclining on a series of flat hot and cool stones - covered by a thick towel - that trace the spine. Within minutes, the breathing slows as oils are applied to the skin. The therapist, with hot stones in hands, rhythmically glides across the meridian lines. Starting at the foot, the stones move up the leg, along the side the torso and up the arm, right to the fingertips, all in a delicate, non-stop ritual. Next, the chest and shoulders receive the same mindful practice. Large stones are cradled in the palms and coin-sized stones are lightly wedged between the toes. Heated Chakra stones align and balance chief energy centers, sending their healing properties deep to the client's core.

As the client turns to rest upon his/her stomach, a large, flat hot stone is carefully placed on the cotton blanket, just above the tail bone supported by the sacrum. The sequence of synchronized movements follow the peaks and curves of the body, careful not to cross the spine or come in contact with bones and joints. Cool stones are placed on key areas to alleviate stress.

The client's senses detect the ritual clicking of stones, followed by the meditative deep breathing of the therapist.

The basalt stones are heated to the temperature of 125 - 135C in an 18-quart roaster-oven. The marble stones are cold but not frozen. This combination of stone compositions and temperatures brings about a truly unique experience.

Stones are adaptable to a myriad of uses. Reflexologists, aromatherapists, aestheticians, occupational and physical therapists, chiropractors, Oriental body workers, light, sound and vibrational therapists, Reiki and polarity practitioners, sports and medical massage therapists, now use stones.

What stone therapy certification is available?
There are numerous 2-day or home study courses offered for certification in stone therapy. Many courses include a supply of stones.

Where can I get training?

Arizona
Cortiva Institute - Tucson - A campus in Tucson
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts - Tempe
Cortiva Institute - Tucson - Tucson
California
Ahern Massage Therapy School - Ahwahnee
Hands on Healing Institute - Pasadena (Tujunga)
World School of Massage & Holistic Healing Arts - Pleasanton
World School of Massage & Holistic Healing Arts - San Francisco
Institute for Business & Technology - Santa Clara
Ahern Massage Therapy School - Mariposa - Yosemite/Mariposa
Canada - British Columbia
Okanagan Valley College of Massage Therapy - Vernon
Canada - Ontario
Ancient Journeys School of New Medicine - Virgil
Connecticut
Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy - Groton - Groton
Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy - Newington - Newington
Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy - Westport - Westport
Florida
Cortiva Institute - Humanities Center School of Massage - A campus in Pinellas Park, FL
American Institute - Fort Lauderdale/Pompano Beach
Cortiva Institute - Humanities Center School of Massage - Pinellas Park
Iowa
Carlson College of Massage Therapy - Anamosa
Massachusetts
Elizabeth Grady Schools of Esthetics & Massage Therapy - Boston Area/Medford
Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy - Newington - Training in Newington, CT
Michigan
Irene's Myomassology Institute - Southfield
Minnesota
National American University - Roseville
New Jersey
Healing Hands Institute for Massage Therapy - Westwood
New York
Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy - Westport - Training in Westport, CT
North Carolina
Body Therapy Institute - Siler City
Pennsylvania
Lancaster School of Cosmetology & Therapeutic Bodywork - Lancaster
Rhode Island
Connecticut Center for Massage Therapy - Groton - Training in Groton, CT
Texas
ATI Career Training Center - Dallas/Fort Worth
American Institute of Allied Health - Dallas/Lewisville
ATI Career Training Center - NRH - North Richland Hills
Washington
Port Townsend School of Massage - Port Townsend

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