Guide - Massage therapy colleges commonly provide academic programming that can be completed in as little as 6-9 months, and sometimes as long as 4 years (subject to individual schools, state regulations, schedules and curriculums). As opposed to regular course offerings, massage therapy colleges may afford students with extensive training options in a vast array of massage forms.

Have you ever walked into a toasty warm house on a cold winter day and automatically felt relaxed; embraced by the warmth? That’s the same feeling you get when you experience a stone treatment at your favorite spa. We offer LaStone Therapy - a 90 minute massage with hot basalt and cool marble stones, and Massage Enhanced with Stones - a 60 minute massage with warm stones targeting problem areas.

LaStone Therapy was developed by Mary Hannigan in 1993, but stones have been used as wellness tools for over 2,000 years. Shaman used (and still use) them for healing, Native Americans used warmed stones on the belly during menses, and Pilgrims used them to heat their beds.

Warmed basalt riverbed stones are used to enhance the massage, clear toxins, and balance energy. We heat the stones to between 130-140 degrees Fahrenheit. Cool marble stones are also used if needed (i.e. for inflammation). The ancient Romans theorized that hot contrasted with cool was a recipe for good health, so they took hot baths and would then lie on cool marble tables. They were definitely on to something.

Physiologically, the chemical reactions of blood and lymph exchange are accelerated by the use of hot and cool stones. Mentally, the client reaches a state of relaxation in minutes that is unparalleled in regular massage. Many clients report having felt a spiritual awareness during the massage. An overall balancing of energy is achieved by means of the LaStone experience.

Guide - As with most massage therapy schools, students who successfully complete their training are often encouraged to take the national certification examination, which is given by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB). Prospective massage therapy school students should review requirements for becoming Nationally Certified prior to enrollment, as this may vary from state to state.

Here’s how it works: During the service we use 54 warmed basalt stones, along with a scented oil of your choice. You will be lying on top of a few stones comfortably arranged on both sides of your spine. We will also place some on the top of your body, including on the chakras. Towels completely cover you for the duration of the service. Stones are used to massage the entire body, and a few are placed between your toes. The stones range in size from that of a dime to that of two hand spans.

Guide - Begin the full body massage at the shoulders by kneading the muscles and gently pulling them towards you.

Either stone treatment will feel great in the winter freeze! The warmth will fill your body and take you to another level, another world - dreamlike. Come in from the cold and experience the heat, with stones!

Melissa Spink is a graduate of the New York Institute of Massage in Buffalo, NY. She has been a Licensed Massage therapist for 10 years. In November of 1999 Melissa joined the staff of Scott Miller - a salon, spa, and store in Rochester, NY (http://www.scottmillerstyle.com). She lives in Attica, NY with her husband and 3 cats.

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