Man shares a unique bond with nature. Just like a mother, nature takes care of all our needs. Every element of nature, may it be trees, mountains, rivers or rains, all have their importance in human life. Inspite of all the technological advances, his dependence on nature cannot be ignored. This is evident from the very fact that today medical science is reverting back to nature for healing

alternatives. La stone therapy is one such therapy that unfolds the unique connection we have with nature.The deep healing effect enhances our awareness and brings us closer to our true self. La stone therapy is a type of Massage Therapy that originated in the Tucson, Arizona. As the name reveals, in this therapy, the massage is done with the help of special stones, the Basalt lava stones and marble stones. The hot Basalt stones have their origins in volcanic eruptions from the belly of mother earth and bring with them the healing touch of nature. The marble stones are re-crystallized limestones from the ocean floor, which have been subjected to immense geological pressures giving them a smooth contour and different shapes and sizes. The hot – Cold effects of these stones coupled with therapeutic massage and aromatherapy releases stress, invigorates the spirit and creates the feeling of wellness, balance and sense of wholeness. The use of heated stones was popular in ancient cultures for centuries to purge, transform and heal. The Native Americans used heated stones in their sweat lodges and the Hawaiian people have been using basalt lava stones since ancient times, for physical and spiritual healing and wellbeing. Rocks have always been revered as 'keepers of the spirit' by the Hawaiian people and are known by the Native Americans as 'stone people - the record keepers'. Massage using hot stones has been performed for hundreds of years to address the many levels of healing necessary to help restore balance in the 'mind, body and soul'. The La stone therapy was reintroduced to the medical world in the 20th century in Tucson Arizona. Thanks to massage therapist Mary Nelson Hannigan!

La stone therapy is now a popular spa treatment worldwide. It is commonly practised in central states of America and in the Hawaiian Islands.

The La stone therapy works on the principle of thermo therapy. The heat generated due to the hot basalt stones dilate the blood vessels thereby bringing in fresh blood that nourishes the tissues and also releases the toxins and free radicals that accumulate in the tensed Muscles and relaxes them. The Cold effect on other hand pushes the blood away thereby draining with it the toxins and waste

products, which have been trapped in the tense Muscles. This reduces inflammation and encourages a further influx of fresh oxygenated Blood. This constant dance between temperatures affects the blood and lymph. Mary Hannigan, the founder of modern La stone therapy, calls this physiological response to this alternating of temperatures as vascular gymnastics. It is this response within our body, which works as a catalyst in the process of self-healing.

Method of Application

The therapy adopts the use of heat that is transmitted by the hot basalt lava stones. They help in penetrating warmth and release deep Muscular tension, congestion and improve the circulation. The deep soothing effect gives a feeling of being cocooned in the arms of nature. The chilled marble stones cause cooling, decongesting and cleansing action. They have a refreshing and invigorating action on the body. The stones used are of different shapes and sizes and each has a specific role to play. They are placed on the couch in a line such that if one lies on it, they press on the spine. They are positioned

in such a way that they coincides with the chakras or the energy centres of the body. Therefore La stone therapy also helps in balancing these energy centres giving a total relaxing and invigorating experience. Up to 52 basalt lava stones are heated and maintained at a specific temperature and placed around the body. A warm stone is also placed in each hand to hold for comfort and connection, while smaller warm stones are also placed between your Toes. The positive effects that are seen from this therapy are restored state of balance, calm revitalised natural energy and a more grounded feeling.

La stone is an extremely energising and warming experience for the body. It nourishes the soul and relaxes the mind. By using the stones in combination with traditional massage techniques, La stone is able to impart deeper levels of relaxation than a regular massage. La stone Therapy is far more than a massage with hot

stones; it is a multidimensional treatment that reaches the very soul.

La stone is ideal for Back Pain, stress related conditions and sluggish body systems.