Let us take the introduction of temperature to the body as an example. Many systems of the body are dedicated to making sure the body remains at its core temperature of 37.7 Celsius. When the balance or homeostasis is disturbed, the body gets to work to correct itself. A good analogy to explain this is War. When soldiers are waiting to go to War or to bring peace, or balance where there has been a disturbance, they hang out in the barracks waiting for direction from the Commander. The body works in the same way. Your brain is the Commander-in-Chief giving orders to all the soldiers that live within the body. These are the enzyme soldiers, immune soldiers, and the blood soldiers to name a few. We are focusing on the blood soldiers. The brain and body are also equipped with runners or informants who are in constant communication with the Commander, reporting the condition on the body.
During a hot and cold stone massage, the hot stones at 50-55 c are introduced to the body first by using the usual warming massage techniques. These stones do not pose a big threat or an attack to the core temperature of 37.7c, although a slight change occurs in the resting temperature. So the informants run to the Commander in a split second and repor
t the change to the periphery of the skin's surface. A few of the blood soldiers are needed. The Commander orders the blood vessels to widen slightly, allowing these blood soldiers to the area. This explains why the skin becomes slightly red and warmer. The Commander even donates some of his own blood soldiers so a slight sedation takes place and the body feels cosy, warm and relaxed.
t the change to the periphery of the skin's surface. A few of the blood soldiers are needed. The Commander orders the blood vessels to widen slightly, allowing these blood soldiers to the area. This explains why the skin becomes slightly red and warmer. The Commander even donates some of his own blood soldiers so a slight sedation takes place and the body feels cosy, warm and relaxed.
A cold stone is then introduced to the body which is 40-50c cooler than the hot stone which warrants many more blood soldiers to bring back that homeostasis or balance. The informant in a flash dashes to the Commander and screams "ATTACK!". There is a huge disturbance to all 
the systems of the body. All the blood soldiers are forced away from the front line - the skin. This is called vasoconstriction. The Commander sends all the troops to the area under attack. Those troops hanging out in the barracks - the kidney, liver, the heart, the lung and all the other vital organs are all sent to the area. They rush there bringing lots of blood - warming and clearing out all organ and muscle tissue in their path. This explains why a cold application creates heat and why hot and cold combined cleanse the vital organ system making It stronger and boosting the immune system.
the systems of the body. All the blood soldiers are forced away from the front line - the skin. This is called vasoconstriction. The Commander sends all the troops to the area under attack. Those troops hanging out in the barracks - the kidney, liver, the heart, the lung and all the other vital organs are all sent to the area. They rush there bringing lots of blood - warming and clearing out all organ and muscle tissue in their path. This explains why a cold application creates heat and why hot and cold combined cleanse the vital organ system making It stronger and boosting the immune system.
Homeostasis is important for everyone and is critical to athletic performance. So this year when 
our athlete's perform in the Olympics, spare a thought for the rigours their bodies will be under! What is key for them is the balanced mechanical function (on top of optimum cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic function) of the musculoskeletal system. Humans can only experience optimal movement, whether running, cycling or swimming when all the muscles and joints are in harmonious coordination without the expense of compensatory mechanisms. This means that having low back pain makes the athlete run slower and consume more energy with every motion. Their reaction times are slower, they fatigue easily and are more vulnerable to injury and post exercise recovery may be delayed.
our athlete's perform in the Olympics, spare a thought for the rigours their bodies will be under! What is key for them is the balanced mechanical function (on top of optimum cardiovascular, respiratory and metabolic function) of the musculoskeletal system. Humans can only experience optimal movement, whether running, cycling or swimming when all the muscles and joints are in harmonious coordination without the expense of compensatory mechanisms. This means that having low back pain makes the athlete run slower and consume more energy with every motion. Their reaction times are slower, they fatigue easily and are more vulnerable to injury and post exercise recovery may be delayed.
If you would like to book a hot and cold stone treatment, please contact Vanessa on 01491 577480 or 07906186912.
