Can reflexologists practice with hot stones?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Kimberly Rogers on June 14, 2010 at 7:56pm

Hi Tammy.

That is a very good question. Technically, there are continuing education classes out there that teach "hot stone reflexology" or "stone reflexology." For example, LaStone is a company that trains individuals to use their style of treatment. There are others. Jay used to teach a class about using stones, crystals, essential oils and paraffin dips as part of the treatment. He may start offering them again if there is enough interest.

Using stones as part of your treatment or "dessert" process (i.e. getting the client to de-stress, getting the muscles and soft tissues of the feet to relax prior or after a session) or to use as a second thumb or as an added pressure-point to a reflex is fine. It's part of the process of getting the client to relax, help the circulation to move and get that client's parasympathetic nervous system to fire up so the body heals itself. Don't limit yourself to just "hot" stones. Use stones of different temperatures, from hot to warm to room temperature to chilled. Each temperature will excite a different response from the body. Cool stones pressed against the solar plexus can be soothing to those who are constantly overheated, or during a "hot flash." Experiment and see what works for you.

Just remember to call your treatment "stone reflexology" and not "stone massage." Never...ever. Especially if you are not also a massage therapist. Why?

The state law covering massage therapy has been changed. Individuals practicing "massage" or "massage therapy" MUST be licensed by the state of Wisconsin. However, there are modalities that are not considered massage therapy and therefore EXEMPT from this law: REFLEXOLOGY is one. Reiki is another.

As past President of the Reflexology Organization of Wisconsin (ROW), I worked with the coalition that brought this bill to the legislature. The one thing insisted upon was that the massage legislation only cover massage therapy...and leave Reflexology and other non-massage modalities alone. Happily, that is what happened.

So just remember...what you do, whether with stones or with hands is NOT massage. And correct your clients. Many will still say it's massage. That's them. Always present yourself as a trained, professional Reflexologist, use the correct terminology, and all will be well with your business. No one can give you a cease-and-desist order or force you to close when you are practicing an EXEMPT, non-massage modality.

I hope this helps you out. I was also trained by Dr. Jay many, many years ago in Reflexology. Next time you see him or email him, tell him "hi" from me. Have a great day, Tammy.

Blessings,

Kim Rogers

Permalink Reply by Jenny Ray on June 14, 2010 at 8:17pm

Hi Tammy,
You might find it interesting to know that Inga (the established mother of Reflexology) came from Germany to learn Native American traditional healing and was taught what is today called Reflexology. (she even credits native Americans as her first teachers in her book).
Anyway we Indians always used stones (every temperature that is safe) but because so many of the stones looked like phallic symbols to Inga, she left that part out! hhhuuummm....
If you understand the benefits of heat and cold on the body (a quick on-line google study of hydrotherapy is the quickest way to learn the most) then you will know how to use the temperatures and incorporate it with your reflexology motions. Saves effort on your part, discomfort for the client is replaced with oohhs and aaahhhs and best of all you will have better results with longer homeostasis balance.
If you want a good class check out LaStone Therapy's 'Stone Sole' with Ardel Hill or one of my classes in Stone Medicine. I accept non-massage practitioners if they are offering bodywork that does not exceed the license requirements of the region where they live....so you are welcome to join any of ours, ...not sure about Ardel, you can find her on the LaStone web site and my site is www.SacredStoneMedicine.com
Have fun!
Jenny Ray

Permalink Reply by Kimberly Rogers on June 15, 2010 at 12:49am

Hi Jenny,
Thanks for your information. Please post your classes on this group site as they come up. There are precious few Reflexology teachers in the state and few continuing education classes. WI has a handful of ARCB-certified Reflexologists who need to keep up with their CEU requirements.

Plus I liked your input on Eunice and the stones. Never knew she had a hang-up about stones...go figure...:)

Permalink Reply by Tammy J Kanaman on June 21, 2010 at 8:43pm

Thanx Kim for your help. I will tell Dr. Jay or Tracy hi for you. He talked about you highly in our classes...
For all your work for reflexology in WI, an everlasting "Thank You"!

Tammy K.

Kimberly Rogers said:

Hi Tammy.

That is a very good question. Technically, there are continuing education classes out there that teach "hot stone reflexology" or "stone reflexology." For example, LaStone is a company that trains individuals to use their style of treatment. There are others. Jay used to teach a class about using stones, crystals, essential oils and paraffin dips as part of the treatment. He may start offering them again if there is enough interest.

Using stones as part of your treatment or "dessert" process (i.e. getting the client to de-stress, getting the muscles and soft tissues of the feet to relax prior or after a session) or to use as a second thumb or as an added pressure-point to a reflex is fine. It's part of the process of getting the client to relax, help the circulation to move and get that client's parasympathetic nervous system to fire up so the body heals itself. Don't limit yourself to just "hot" stones. Use stones of different temperatures, from hot to warm to room temperature to chilled. Each temperature will excite a different response from the body. Cool stones pressed against the solar plexus can be soothing to those who are constantly overheated, or during a "hot flash." Experiment and see what works for you.

Just remember to call your treatment "stone reflexology" and not "stone massage." Never...ever. Especially if you are not also a massage therapist. Why?

The state law covering massage therapy has been changed. Individuals practicing "massage" or "massage therapy" MUST be licensed by the state of Wisconsin. However, there are modalities that are not considered massage therapy and therefore EXEMPT from this law: REFLEXOLOGY is one. Reiki is another.

As past President of the Reflexology Organization of Wisconsin (ROW), I worked with the coalition that brought this bill to the legislature. The one thing insisted upon was that the massage legislation only cover massage therapy...and leave Reflexology and other non-massage modalities alone. Happily, that is what happened.

So just remember...what you do, whether with stones or with hands is NOT massage. And correct your clients. Many will still say it's massage. That's them. Always present yourself as a trained, professional Reflexologist, use the correct terminology, and all will be well with your business. No one can give you a cease-and-desist order or force you to close when you are practicing an EXEMPT, non-massage modality.

I hope this helps you out. I was also trained by Dr. Jay many, many years ago in Reflexology. Next time you see him or email him, tell him "hi" from me. Have a great day, Tammy.

Blessings,

Kim Rogers

Permalink Reply by Tammy J Kanaman on June 21, 2010 at 8:49pm

Very Interesting Jenny! I would like to check this out. Are we talking doing a reflex session using a foot spa as well as reflexing with stones? If not, that sure would be interesting...LOL! I am certified, so perhaps I will join you in one of your classes. I am German and a little Indian, so maybe I would fit right in...

Thank You,
Tammy K.

Jenny Ray said:

Hi Tammy,
You might find it interesting to know that Inga (the established mother of Reflexology) came from Germany to learn Native American traditional healing and was taught what is today called Reflexology. (she even credits native Americans as her first teachers in her book).
Anyway we Indians always used stones (every temperature that is safe) but because so many of the stones looked like phallic symbols to Inga, she left that part out! hhhuuummm....
If you understand the benefits of heat and cold on the body (a quick on-line google study of hydrotherapy is the quickest way to learn the most) then you will know how to use the temperatures and incorporate it with your reflexology motions. Saves effort on your part, discomfort for the client is replaced with oohhs and aaahhhs and best of all you will have better results with longer homeostasis balance.
If you want a good class check out LaStone Therapy's 'Stone Sole' with Ardel Hill or one of my classes in Stone Medicine. I accept non-massage practitioners if they are offering bodywork that does not exceed the license requirements of the region where they live....so you are welcome to join any of ours, ...not sure about Ardel, you can find her on the LaStone web site and my site is www.SacredStoneMedicine.com