Hot stone massage now offered at Optimal Therapies

Optimize your health with LaStone therapy

Imagine the sensation of heated and chilled smooth polished stones gliding effortlessly across your body.

Look no further than the Optimal Therapies clinic in the EnCana Wellness Centre if you want to experience the benefits of LaStone therapy — the newest alternative treatment to be offered to Mount Royal students, faculty, staff and the general public.

“LaStone therapy has some relaxing elements to it but it’s definitely more of a therapeutic treatment compared to a hot stone massage that you would typically experience at a spa,” says Laurie McMechan, registered massage therapist.

McMechan, who graduated from Mount Royal with a Massage Therapy certificate, has been practicing in the field for 2.5 years and is excited to offer this new therapy to the Mount Royal community as of May 1.

“The LaStone therapy experience is like no other. The use of heated and cooled stones really allows me to penetrate and work the client’s tissues at a deeper level than is possible in other traditional massage therapies that only utilize the hands.”

LaStone therapy involves the use of water-heated basalt rocks to bring oxygenated blood to the area of application, increasing lymph flow. The high level of iron and magnesium in the basalt stones allows them to release heat slowly, which makes them so effective for deep-tissue work.

The water-cooled marble/moon stones on the other hand remove congestion and prevent blockages. They also relieve swelling and inflammation.

The use of alternating temperatures brings about healing, balance and rejuvenation says McMechan. “LaStone therapy provides relief to tired and sore muscles, alleviating chronic and acute symptoms that many individuals deal with on a daily basis, but we don’t recommend it for people who are pregnant, diabetic or suffering from heart conditions or heat sensitivity.

“While chilled stones may not sound so appealing, they actually feel refreshing on your warmed skin, and have a highly beneficial effect.”

McMechan uses up to 54 heated stones and 32 cooled stones that range in colour and shape. The stones, which are hand-selected in Mexico for their smooth texture and unique shape, are placed in varying positions on the body and may be used for specific trigger-point work or deep tissue massage.

Francesca Mancini, wellness services administrator at the EnCana Wellness Centre believes this new treatment will become a popular one.

“Optimal Therapies continues to explore and expand its horizons by offering holistic complementary and alternative medicines and treatments like LaStone therapy to meet the interests and desires of the college community,” says Mancini.

“Everyone is different and requires different types of treatment. I think a lot of people will respond positively to this type of massage therapy.”

Mount Royal faculty and staff will be able to claim the service through their extended health benefits plan. As LaStone therapy will be a popular treatment it is recommended that you generally call one to two weeks in advance to book an appointment. For more information contact Optimal Therapies at 6917.

– Jondrea De Ruyter April 30, 2009