Stone Waters : Stones in Therapy

An eastern view of the human body, especially an emphasis on the constant movement of vital energy called Qi, will be one of the determining factors in deciding how and when to apply the stones. An unobstructed flow of Qi may prevent illnesses and promote an optimal level of mental, emotional and physical health.

Our stone therapy courses incorporate both Eastern and Western approaches, allowing you to experience the benefits of both thermotherapy (heat applications) and cryotherapy (cold applications). Our practical/hands-on methodology is also eclectic, combining both Eastern and Western types of body work.

Stones in Ancient Mythology and Healing Practices

Greeks and Romans attributed stones to the god Saturn. In Roman mythology,Saturn was the god of fertility and agriculture. He was commonly identified with the Greek god Cronus (Kronos), also known as the keeper of time.

In Ancient Chinese healing tradition stones were used quite frequently as an excellent massage therapy tool for increasing the heat and fire element in the body.

Alchemy, an ancient art that preceded modern chemistry, investigated transmutations of base metals into gold or silver which, they believed, will eventually would lead to extension of the human life. The ancient practice of alchemy started in Egypt and flourished in Alexandria and in China almost at the same time. The central object of alchemy in all traditions was the Philosopher's Stone.

Originally, the Philosopher's Stone ( believed to be the matter that changed base metals into silver or gold) was first mentioned by Zosimos the Theban, a third century Gnostic mystic and alchemist. Throughout the centuries the Philosopher's Stone, often being called -the secret of life and health-, has been attributed to an immense collection of powers. The list of its spiritual attributes expanded even more until it evolved into an elaborated ceremonies that led to the initiation of junior alchemist into a full alchemist practice in 13 century. Strict practice and continuous search for the Philosopher Stone was part of the alchemist commitment to energizing and restoring the Earth. The Philosopher's Stone represented the force behind the evolution of life as well as the universal binding power, similar to Tao in Eastern philosophy. It was believed it will help to unite minds, souls and bodies in an intricate network and heal all that as to be healed. The purity and sacredness of the Philosopher's Stone was thought to also lead to more altruistic existence of practitioner.

Alchemist and philosopher Johann Isaac Hollandus, in his Of Natural & Supernatural Things (London, 1670), spoke of the elusive powers of the Philosopher's Stone that, according to alchemist tradition, emerges from the planet Saturn and guards man's body from all types of disease.

Do stones guard health?

Any stone heated to extreme temperatures will have its core transformed, thereby becoming a truly powerful healing tool. Traditionally, Saturn, stones and stone therapies are also linked to maturation, frame, structure, bones, rigidity and stiffness. Traditionally, stones are often viewed as an ancient gift from the Earth that gives structure and order to anything they have touched. Once the stones are heated, they are able to transform their outer attributes (cold and dense) into their opposites: warmth and fluidity.

When the Saturnine form (stone) transforms its core (cold into heat), it also transforms Saturnine attributes (stiffness, arthritis, rigidity) into their opposites (flexibility, elasticity, softness).

Rigidity and stiffness slowly change into their opposite attributes as the heated stones are applied to the body. The resulting flexibility, relaxation, and warmth awaken the body's vitality at all levels. This is a common result of any Hot Stone Therapy treatment.

Heated stones are, in some ways, a homeopathic remedy: like cures and balances like.