Hot stones used for healing massage

The smooth, shiny stones piled in the corner of Doi Ku's Spa may seem unremarkable, but they are actually unique healing tools, used in the therapeutic massage known in Western culture as "La Stone".

Ku is the owner of Neurinamu Therapy near Hongik University in northern Seoul, popularly known as Hongdae, which offers a variety of therapeutic programs, including stone massage.

"These stones are made of basalt, and they come from the Andes Mountains in Peru,” she said. "It’s a type of dense, volcanic rock, high in iron-magnesium. This makes it an excellent conduit of energy for massage."

Stone massage has been in use for thousands of years in various cultures in India, China, and Hawaii. The technique typically involves placing heated, smooth basalt stones on specific points on the body. The volcanic rocks are believed to open up the energy channels of the body, also known as "Chakras" in accordance with ancient Ayurveda principles.

According to Ku, the therapy is believed to have numerous medical uses, as the heated stones penetrate the muscles, allowing for a “gentle but deep” tissue massage.

"Because the stones' warmth penetrates the muscles so well and relaxes them, it allows massage therapists to use deeper pressure with their hands," Ku explained. "The treatment improves blood circulation, relieves pain, releases toxins and restores balance in the body. This form of massage has been used to temporarily alleviate symptoms from painful diseases such as osteoarthritis, menstrual pain, and fibromyalgia, and if chilled, we can use the stones to treat inflammation."

Ku observes a slow increase in popularity of the treatment in Seoul.

"Many of my stone therapy clients are women suffering from menstruation related pain," she says. “But a large number use the therapy as a healthy means of re-balancing their mind and alleviating stress, coping with everyday aches and pains."

Prior to a session, the therapist will immerse stones in water and heat them in an electrical unit to achieve the proper temperature.

Temperatures typically range from 34-55 degrees Celsius. Heated oil is applied to the bare body so that the hot stones glide smoothly along the muscles.

"Each spa develops its own technique. We use lavender oil for our treatments, and we incorporate the hands more often than a convention La Stone therapist might. We believe the hands are the ultimate healing tools,” she said.

Clients are asked to lie face down. The massage therapist will then hold the heated stones and apply gentle strokes to massage the back. When the stones cool down, they are replaced.

"A typical session lasts for 80 minutes,” Ku said. "We serve herbal tea upon completion of a session; fluids are important after any massage. However, the most important thing to do is to focus on the moment. For that 80 minutes, your wellbeing is the most important thing in your life, and it's wonderful."