moving on 2008 Lewes district primary schools annual ... - Viva Lewes

HOT STONE THERAPY
An ancient treatment for a modern pain in the neck
Until recently, my knowledge of stones was limited to the
ones on Brighton beach, and as Monty Python fans will
know, there is a classic scene in the Life of Brian where
the women dress up as men to hurl stones at the blasphemer.
So being told that I was going to be ‘treated’ to
a hot stone therapy didn’t immediately fill my mind with
positive images. However, with a couple of quick clicks
on google, I was able to discover that whilst relatively
new to the UK, the practice has been used in Russia, Hawaii,
Japan and North America for thousands of years.
The stones used will be volcanic basalt stones smoothed
off by movement in rivers and sea-beds. So, relatively
re-assured I wasn’t heading for a ritual stoning, I entered
the Clinic to meet massage therapist Daisy McKie.
Daisy explains that Hot Stone treatment methods can
vary dramatically in the UK. (Another quick flick around
the web also showed me that the price you pay can vary
massively as well). Her own method uses the stones as
part of an overall treatment, also incorporating elements
of a vigorous Swedish massage, Shiatsu, Reflexology,
Aromatherapy, Manual Lymphatic Drainage and Cupping.
While Daisy and I talk through the forthcoming
treatment, the stars of the show, the stones themselves,
are simmering in a cauldron in the corner of the room.
The last time I remember seeing a similar container, it
was called a slow cooker and a friend produced a particularly
poor meal from it - but I digress. As I lay on the
massage table, Daisy suddenly announces that the stones
are ready, but that as they are quite hot she will run them
under the cold tap first to cool them a little. I tense up as
Daisy says that the treatment is about to begin…
Initially I’m oiled up and Daisy gets to work with a traditional
sports-style massage. The stones then come in
to play, and as they’re moved around my body, the heat
rapidly sinks into my willing back. I relax and go with
the flow, as every minute or so the stones are turned and
then replaced with new hot ones from the container. As
Daisy talks me through the process, it becomes clear that
she’s an old-school skilled masseuse using the stones as
part of an overall treatment, and has little time for some
of the trendier practitioners who apparently often simply
lay the stone on your back and leave the room. My
own treatment continues apace with the introduction of
cupping, which involves my skin being sucked up in to a
glass <strong>moving</strong> around my back. Before I have time to express
my scepticism about this ancient method - apparently
designed to drain excess fluid and toxins - I realise
that a tight knot that’s been aggravating my shoulder
blade for months has completely disappeared.
A few minutes later and the treatment’s complete. Slowly
rising from the bench, I feel slightly light-headed, but
relaxed - pleasantly stoned. V Nick Williams
Nick’s treatment took place at The Lewes Clinic in Fullers
Passage, Lewes. For further details you can call Daisy on
01273 474428
W W W. V I V A L E W E S . C O M
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