Background Info on LaStone Therapy

In October of 1999, Linda Guttman was in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the spa, Ten Thousand Waves. There she experienced her first hot stone massage. Her first thought after receiving the massage was "I have to learn how to do this." Linda loved the session so much that she decided to bring the classes here to the east coast. The originator, Mary Nelson, lives in Arizona. Her organization, LaStone Therapy, Inc. now sends trained teachers all around the world. LaStone Therapy now incorporates both hot and cool stones.

The work itself is remarkable. The hot stones are made of basalt which holds heat for long periods of time. They are gathered from riverbeds near Tucson, in other parts of the southwest, and in Mexico. The cool stones are made of marble and come from Colorado. They are used for areas of inflammation and chronic congestion. Basalt stones are placed in a large roaster and cooked until they reach the perfect temperature. Some basalt stones are wrapped in cloth and placed on the chakras; others are placed directly under the hands. Then, after oil has been applied, some stones are used as massage tools directly on the body. The effect is magical and powerful. One really needs to experience this work to grasp the benefits.

Workshops, which are only open to massage therapists who have had at least a basic training in Swedish massage, are limited to fourteen and fill up quickly, so please register early.