Hot Stone Massage 

Heated smooth, flat stones are placed on key points on the body. Our massage therapist also holds the stones and uses them to massage certain areas of the body. Most people find the warmth of the hot stones to be comforting and great for relaxation.

The use of hot stones for healing dates back to ancient times, but it wasn't until Arizona massage therapist Mary Nelson introduced her hot stone massage technique, called LaStone Therapy, that the use of hot stones for massage caught on.

The heat warms and relaxes the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired.

The warmth of the hot stones with the massaging of soft tissues improves circulation and calms the nervous system:

• Stimulates circulation by increasing blood flow and metabolism by expanding/dilating capillary vessels
• Increases oxygen levels and saturation thereby rejuvenating cells and removing toxins, eliminating cellular waste
• Decreases inflammation and edema/swelling and therefore pain caused by the inflammatory process
• Raises the temperature in tissues to relax them and heal muscle soreness and reduce joint stiffness
• Improves the lymphatic system, increasing immune response by enhancing white blood cell function
• Relieves muscle spasms, sprains, strains, joint pain, bursitis, tendonitis, arthritis, while improving range of motion.

Reflexology

Reflexology is the practice of applying pressure to the feet and hands utilizing specific thumb, finger and hand techniques usually without the use of oil, cream or lotion based on a system of zones and reflex areas that reflect a part of the body on the feet and hands with a premise that such work effects a physical change in the body.

Firm pressure is used, so even if your feet are ticklish, the treatment is very comfortable and relaxing. Some areas may be tender or sore, but that will diminish with held pressure.

Research has shown the specific techniques of reflexology to be effective and beneficial in many ways. A survey of 170 reflexology studies from 21 countries shows that reflexology is effective, impacting a variety of physical and psychological concerns.

Reflexology treatments:

• Creates relaxation: From the moment the reflexologist's hands start their work, the relaxation begins.
• Reduces pain: Pain reduction following reflexology work is well documented including research showing the impact on individuals of all ages and health states.
• Improves blood flow: Separate studies show that reflexology work increases blood flow to the feet, brain, organs, muscles and joints.
• Aids post-operative recovery: Reflexology work aids recovery after surgery as shown by several studies, reducing pain and lessening the use of post operative analgesics.
• Enhances medical care: Reflexology works along side your other health care even in cases of phantom limb pain sufferers, neuropathy patients and hemodialysis patients to name a few.
• Benefits mental health: Research demonstrates that reflexology can reduce depression (11 studies) and anxiety (9 studies).
• Complements cancer care: Pain, nausea, vomiting, and/or anxiety eased for chemotherapy patients following reflexology treatments.
• Eases pregnancy, delivery and post-partum effects: Women who received reflexology experienced shorter labor times and used less analgesia. In addition, reflexology showed a positive impact on postpartum depression, anxiety, urination and bowel movements.

• In general terms, the benefits of reflexology have to do with the reduction of stress. Because the feet and hands help set the tension level for the rest of the body, they are an easy way to interrupt the stress signal and reset homeostasis, the body's equilibrium.