All Articles are From The River Stone Massage Class I Offer
Dec 2007-Aug 2008

CA Ellis
I have learned that River Stone Massage is beneficial to both the client and therapist. Providing for the client a deep muscle. The warmth of the stones penetrate deeply into the tissues of the muscles for maximum benefit. Care must be taken that the stones are not too warm, communication with the client is important. The stones may also be used as a tool in the massage, saving on the hands of the therapist as well. The gentle clicking of  the stones provides a comforting relaxation sound for the client. It is very important to clean the stones between clients keeping the fresh and sanitary. The use of essential oils with the stones can bring an array of beneficial treatments, depending on what the client may be suffering from. Placement of the stones as well as size of stones is very important.  It is common for the therapist to charge more for these treatments, due to the added time in preparation and clean up. The added time is well worth it to give your client the best therapy possible. You do not have to buy expensive kits of special stones. You can find your stones anywhere, just be certain they are smooth, a few more slightly textured/abrasive stones are handy to have in your collection. You will need large ones for the back areas, and for the hand; tiny ones for between the toes, smaller ones to be used on the face, eyes etc; a few small ball shaped ones are nice for rolling with, plus some oblong almost pointed ones to use for trigger points. I have practiced on family and friends and they are delighted with results.

Elizabeth Stefanel
I have learned that both hot and cold stone therapy is beneficial to both client and therapist alike.  I have learned that just like every modality I use there is no "wrong way" provided you follow your contraindications and temperature chart carefully.  Constant communication with your client is key during any massage.  I am anxious to get my hands on some stones to practice with and to feel for myself the difference in a heated muscle vs a non heated muscle during massage.

Anna Staggs
I have learned that Stone massage isn’t a technique newly discovered but that in fact has been around for centuries and was used by a variety of different cultures such as the Shaman who used it to facilitate healing, the Native American women used it during menses, the Romans used the hot stones in their baths and the coolness of the marble table afterwards. Pilgrims also used them to stay warm in bed by placing the heated stones at the foot of their beds.  Japanese Priests during fasting also used the stones to slow digestion.
The formation of these stones were found downwind from a volcano. Black Basalt stones stay hotter than any other color. Always remember to boil and disinfect the stones before using them on a client, placing a towel over the client before placing the stones on the skin.

Diane Schaefer
I really enjoyed this class.  One of the main things that I like about stone massage is that it can easily be incorporated into my massage.  I am all about saving my hands.  I am experiencing some trouble with a couple finger joints and I will definitely be using stones often.  It is exciting to be using something that will be so beneficial to both the client and the therapist.
I will be searching for some large (sacral size rock) and many small rocks.  Hot and cold stone massage is so beneficial to the client.  Heat is so relaxing and calming that the client will get even more benefit from the total massage when we use hot stone.  And the cold stone helps reduce the swelling.  I plan to use both in my home therapy office.  I work part time for a theraputic massage practice.  We offer a hot towel/cold stone facial and it is wonderful for our clients. 
I will definitely be educating my clients on the benefits of hot/cold stone therapy.  Thank you for offering this class.

Mae Onosaki
The main message I got from this class is that there is really no one way to incorporate stones into a massage. From the basic jumping point of arranging stones on the body according to size and weight, people have seemed to develop their own techniques. I had always assumed there was a more precise method of stone placement and timing, and I'm glad to see that this isn't the case.
I very much enjoyed seeing the different ways the rocks could be used as "heat packs". All the towel wraps were inspiring, and seem like a great way to hold the rocks more securely against the body. Also I had never thought of using the lower fitted sheet to hold rocks (or anything else) against the shoulders and feet, but I think it's a wonderful idea. It allows for greater use of the top sheet for more draping options and accessibility. The photos have really inspired me to play and be creative with the use of the hot stones.
The hydrotherapy review was very helpful as well. I never realized (or had forgotten) that one use of heat is to place it on the uninjured side of the body to relieve pain and swelling from the injured side without placing anything directly on the injury. Great review.
All in all, this class has given me the confidence I needed to start practicing with my stones and eventually offering stone massage in my professional practice. Thank you!

Lalenia Seifert
I have learned a lot from this class. Mostly I've learned that I will be able to maintain many of the techniques that I am so comfortable with. I will be able to make use of the stones with heat and cold to benefit my clients and intensify the effects of my massage.
Another benefit I look forward to is saving my hands strength and dexterity by use of the stones in my hands. I can see how this change will be comfortable and allow me to enjoy my career longer and with less fatigue.
I also think hot stone massage is inexpensive. It will not take much to set up for supplies to heat and sanitize the stones. I live in a beautiful area with many moving waters. I think my clients will like to know that the stones I use are from our own hills and streams. Finally, thank you for the wonderful opportunity.

Melissa Beck
I learned that there are many different techniques and placement of the stones (prone and supine).  Stones can be cold or hot (over 110 degrees can be dangerous). The main thing to remember is that the only rule is: Don't burn the client! Using cold and hot stones for contrast can bring a deeper relaxation for the client. I use hot stones now in my massage practice, but I am excited about adding cold stones as well. Basalt Stones are best for hot stones and marble works well for the cold stones. Cold and hot stones can be many different shapes, but needs to have a flat side in order to stay on the body. Stones can be used as tools in the massage as well. Trigger point and glides are typical techniques used with the stones.  Thank you so much for this class, It has helped me learn some new techniques to use with my stones and with placement.

Joy Campbell
I learned that I enjoyed this class more than I thought that I would. This is an awesome area to really show my creativity by picking my own stones & how many to place & what areas of the body I want to put them. There isn't one way to do this. I love that. There's so much that can be done even each session could be different with the same client. I learned that it helps to "know" the stones, which shapes will go with best body parts. I am looking forward to learning about energy work & how I can couple that with the Stone Massage to see how it would effect my clients.
I loved the illustrations on where to place the stones. It really opened my mind as to what I can do during the massage. I loved how I can place the stones on the table between the knees to cool off & also testing the stones on my forearm before placing on client.
THANK YOU AGAIN!

Rita Kneib
The benefits and contraindications of hot and cold stone therapy, increase circulation, decrease inflammation, increase metabolism in heat, decrease metabolism with cold, improvement of elasticity with heat providing better manipulation of muscles , decrease pain with cold. different placement of stones. different sizes and the uses of each size of stones. what kind of stones and why basalt stones are better for heat and marble better for cold. always check stone on your own forearm if a question of heat.