Most massage therapists using hot and cold stones understand the science behind the temperature application to the body but few have been offered the traditional explanations in the Native American way of ceremonial beliefs behind the temperatures. As I come across clients from all walks of life, I hope this article will be of interest to some of you.
It is based on ancient beliefs and although simple, carries a message that applies to our daily lives. As Native people lived in close harmony with Mother Earth, the
Medicine Wheel was used as a method of organising thoughts. As you can see in the painting, stones mark out the wheel or circle and the large stones point to the four directions - north, south, east and west. Each direction represents a season. For the Native people, the medicine wheel was like the breath, a part of their existence. These traditions comes from the Sioux Nation - the last living generation of the Stone Clan People.
Starting in the East with Spring, we have the cool stone with a temperature of between 60-98F (15.5-36.5C). Our core body temperature is 98.6F (37C). The east represents the dawn's early light and is the place where we seek new breath and personal spiritual awakening. It is the place of birth as the bear emerges from her den, with her baby. Even if we do not have our own children, we are responsible for leaving the Earth healthy for future generations. It is a time of nesting, laying eggs and clearing of the old thinking, making way for the new. Air is the element as we breathe in the freshness of spring, we are reminded to live in the present. When a cool stone is received during a treatment, think of the sun thawing the winter snow. As the stone moves slowly over the body, it aids sinuses, asthma, lung congestion and allergies. As the bear moves slowly, so too does the cool stone.
In the South of the medicine wheel, Summer is the season. The hot stones are a toasty 120-140F ( 48-60 C). Here sun brings life to the seedlings of spring. The energies of strength, power, abundance and personal spiritual growth are represented here. The sun generates the "fire" for this season. Coyotes and wolves are playful in this season and training their young as a reminder for us to enjoy life, laugh lots and offer lessons for the next generation. The heat on the body relaxes sore, and tired muscles. As the stones are tapped together making a clicking sounds, remember a fire crackling. Be warned that only using only these hot summer stones will drain anyone of energy, however comforting the heat feels.
Moving into the West, we reach
Autumn. This is a quiet place of rest and recovery as the sun goes to sleep behind the horizon. Native Americans recognise the earth as the element as it is where the bear digs his den in preparation for hibernation. He has fuelled himself with ripe berries, salmon and roots to last the long sleep ahead. This is a reminder to us to take care of ourselves and refuel our own spirits before we reach out to serve others. The autumnal stones are a warm temperature 98-120F (36.6-48C) and are the soothing ones that make us feel cosy. Think of the autumnal leaves slowly fluttering to the ground as you feel the warm stones tucked gently around your body. These stones which move slower than the hot ones affect the spirit at its deepest level. Native Americans dance and drum at their Autumnal festivals known locally as
Fall festivals and offer thanksgiving for the abundance of summer and the harvest. Despite these festivities, autumn is a quiet time.
The last direction on the medicine wheel is the North where Winter lies. This is the place where the freezing cold temperatures of ice and snow kill the germs of disease. This is the centre of wellness and healing. Winter conserves our energy as a time of rest. It is the birth place of all pure waters so takes water as its element. The white buffalo guards this part of the wheel, also known as calf woman with all the mysteries of wellness offered in Inipi (sweat lodge) and Wakan Chanupa (Sacred Pipe) to the Sioux people. A winter stone is a cold 32-57F (0-13.8C). These stones represent the elders who are filled with wisdom but are stiff from over using their bodies in their youth. As they talk about the legends and teachings, the youngsters come and sit quietly by them. Now the bear is in full hibernation and plants have taken the sap to the bottom of their roots. The cold stones are moved slowly with this vision in mind. These stones address areas of pain, relieve swelling and inflammation from injury,and enhance the immune system. The wind song is when two cold stones are gently rubbed together which prepares the body for the new temperature. By breathing in deeply, you welcome and accept wellness.
For an authentic stone treatment, contact Vanessa on 01491 577480.
