Reflexology soothes the mind and re-balances the body
Hot Stones Reflexology
Helps to create harmony and balance, to calm the senses and deeply relax the body
The ancient art of stone therapy has been used by ancient civilisations as old as the Incas, the Shang Dynasty in China and the Ancient Egyptians. The heat from the hot stones massage penetrates to a deeper level, into the superficial layer of muscle. The heat and pressure from the stones help to relax the muscles, encourage circulation and eliminate toxins from the body. It creates harmony and balance, calms the senses and deeply relaxes the body.
Smooth, river worn Basalt stones are carefully heated to the required temperature using a Vulsini heating bag. These stones are very dense and retain the heat for long periods of time. The hot stones are used to slowly massage the lower leg, and sole of the foot covering all the reflex areas and reflexes. This is very soothing, and comforting.
Cold stones can also be used if you find this invigorating. The application of hot stones, followed by cold stones is said to further improve circulation and help to boost the immune system. This particular element is not to everyone's liking, so is not something that I generally include. If you would me to do so, please advise when booking the treatment.
A study was undertaken in 2001 to determine the effects of heat and massage application on the Autonomic Nervous System.
Yonsei Med J. 2011 Nov 1;52(6): 982-989. Published online 2011 Oct 20. Doi: PMCID
Heat and daily massage was applied for 40 minutes to 139 subjects, 5 days a week for 2 weeks. The heart rate variability, sympathetic skin response, serum cortisol and norepinephrine levels were measured.
The results showed that cortisol levels significantly decreased at 2 weeks compared to the baseline. Plasma norepinephrine levels at 4 weeks were significantly decreased compared to the baseline. There were no serious adverse events such as burns or other major complications.
Cortisol and nor-epinephrine play a role in the 'fight or flight' response.
