Well, I'm just add few drops of Melaleuca's Oil (Tea Tree) or Lavander to the hot water.

This is my first post on this forum, so thank you Rudy for the opportunity!

I agree with your concern with contamination on the stones. That's why I use an electric skillet for heating. I boil them at 300 degrees for 15 minutes between each client, then soak them overnight in a 5-to-1 bleach solution.

I use a small stone in each hand to "feel" trigger points and other hypertonicity since it transmits well through the medium. So far I've not experienced the inflammation you've experienced, but I'll keep it in mind.

You bring up a good point. I have just sent a "toe stone" to a qualified laboratory for a complete culture. It's a good test to make sure my methods that are based on scientific principles truly provide the results I desire.

rudy m smith said:

The use of a hydrocolator is appropriate where the stones can be heated to above 225 degrees f. To truly kill bacteria and microorganisms the heat has to be very high. The pourous nature of stones can be a breeding ground. There is an aruvedic oil treatment that drips oil onto a clients head... they catch the oil and re-use it with the belief that the older and more used it becomes the greater it's energy - hmmm - I think we all know better, but still it is what they believe and what they practise. The truth is oil is expensive in many places and they have to conserve their resources.

A quick story: Three women are sitting at thanksgiving table, grandma, mom, and granddaughter... granddaughter asks mom "why do you cut the end off the ham" Mom say "I do it because that's how my mom did it", she turns to her mother and asks "mom why did you cut the end off the ham?" The wise granny replies, "oh that - I did that because I didn't have a pan big enough to cook the ham in."

Balance our touch feel world with some mainstream science and it will keep all of us healthy.

Rudy,
So great to see your comments.!! right on!!.....I hope those on this topic have read the input on the discussion titled 'Stone Sanitation..'
I finished the research report with the CDC yesterday...They gave us the thumbs up on our sanitation protocol as out lined on the above mentioned page...also here are some addresses for purchasing quality sanitation products...you can get MCP at www.spaelegance.com and for the Monks Wipes (great for quick wipe downs of all surfaces including stones) http://www.apollosafety.com ...
There is a lot of wisdom in your words about realizing why 'traditions' are in place (the ham/high cost of oil and all that)...We must realize if we do not accept the gifts of modern science then we are not professionals. The only way to walk this fine line between organic holistic wellness and modern western medicine is to have the knowledge to make informed decisions and use our good judgment to protect our clients and our modality. The insurance companies are having problems with our stone work...law suits for burns and improper sanitation have caused some to raise premiums and others to drop the modality from all malpractice coverage...everyone should check to be sure they are fully covered (if you need help with this and additional certification....visit the Geothermal Therapy Association web site ...www.stonewalkersassociation.com ) we must police ourselves or legislation will be passed to protect the public...

rudy m smith said:

The use of a hydrocolator is appropriate where the stones can be heated to above 225 degrees f. To truly kill bacteria and microorganisms the heat has to be very high. The pourous nature of stones can be a breeding ground. There is an aruvedic oil treatment that drips oil onto a clients head... they catch the oil and re-use it with the belief that the older and more used it becomes the greater it's energy - hmmm - I think we all know better, but still it is what they believe and what they practise. The truth is oil is expensive in many places and they have to conserve their resources.

A quick story: Three women are sitting at thanksgiving table, grandma, mom, and granddaughter... granddaughter asks mom "why do you cut the end off the ham" Mom say "I do it because that's how my mom did it", she turns to her mother and asks "mom why did you cut the end off the ham?" The wise granny replies, "oh that - I did that because I didn't have a pan big enough to cook the ham in."

Balance our touch feel world with some mainstream science and it will keep all of us healthy.