What is Himalayan Salt Stone Massage & Why Should I Care

Why Was Himalayan Salt Stone Massage Created?

According to Harmony Salt founder, Laurie Messina, this magnificent form of massage was created with the intention to balance the central nervous system. Laurie believes when the central nervous system is balanced, our whole being is in harmony. Holding that mantra close to her heart, she set out to revolutionize the massage and spa industry with this unique modality.

Upon induction to the Massage Therapy Hall of Fame in 2019, Laurie explained to her fellow Massage Therapy community her view on the importance of the central nervous system, specifically the parasympathetic part… ‘What I’ve learned about the parasympathetic nervous system is it’s there that we love; it’s where we expand who we are; it’s where we experience joy and it’s where we live as a [massage] community. So I encourage you to do everything you can for yourself and for your clients to strengthen the parasympathetic nervous system and you will be contributing to the whole world. And remember that when you give love you can do no harm.”

What Does the Parasympathetic Nervous System Have To Do With Massage?

First we need to understand what this system actually is. Scientifically, ‘the parasympathetic nervous system is one of three divisions of the autonomic nervous system. Sometimes called the rest and digest system, the parasympathetic system conserves energy as it slows the heart rate, increases intestinal and gland activity, and relaxes sphincter muscles in the gastrointestinal tract.’ – www.sciencedaily.com

In layman's terms…

The counterpart to the sympathetic nervous system, better known as the fight or flight response, when the parasympathetic nervous system is activated, it produces a calm and relaxed feeling in the mind and body. We can learn to trigger our parasympathetic nervous systems to immediately reduce stress. This also strengthens the immune system, reduces blood pressure and enhances mood. One very effective way to trigger that system is through massage.

Why Salt?

According to Laurie Messina, founder of Harmony Salt and Massage Therapist Hall of Fame Inductee, salt has a vital effect on the electrical systems of our bodies. It brings balance to the meridians and reflex points and consistent results are achieved regardless of the therapists’ level of experience with this sequential modality.

Himalayan Salt is pure.

What are the Benefits of Himalayan Salt Stone Massage?

Deep Relaxation
Reduced Inflammation
Improved Sleep
Balanced Nervous System
Improved Sense of Wellbeing
Improves Immune Support
Exfoliation of the Skin
Mild Detoxification

What Makes Harmony Salt Different?

Harmony Salt offers the best supply of salt massage stones in the country and is dedicated to providing the massage community with innovative protocols. They teach what they preach! Harmony Salt is dedicated to the modality of Himalayan Salt Stone Massage and offers continuing education classes to share their passion.

Types of Himalayan Salt Stone Massages?

Laurie Messina and her team at Harmony Salt have several recommended Massage Therapy services and offer full instruction in each technique. Contact Harmony Salt at www.HimalayanSaltStoneMassage.com for more information on registering for classes.

Full Body Massage – 16 CE Credit Class

Part of the Protocol…salt stones on the back!

The full body Himalayan Salt Stone Massage™ relaxes as it assists in balancing the central nervous system. This massage treatment combines Traditional Chinese Medicine, thermal therapy, salt therapy, reflexology, and Swedish massage techniques. This therapy integrates well with many massage techniques.

The recipient of a Himalayan Salt Stone Massage absorbs a veritable ocean of healing energy and nutrients from the primal sea. The therapists’ hands benefit from using the warm salt stones as well.

This 16 CE credit class covers:

Theory and benefits of Himalayan Salt and Himalayan Salt Stone Massage™
A full body protocol, including a guided swap of the full protocol on Day 2
Cleaning and care of stones and equipment

Himalayan Salt Wrap – 4 CE Credit

The Himalayan Salt Stone Massage™ Salt Wrap Course is a heavenly treatment, where the body is stroked with a Himalayan Salt stone then a luscious layer of nut and seed oil, Himalayan salt, and optional essential oil is applied to the skin.

The body is then gently wrapped for 30 minutes while the salt hydrates the skin, digestively exfoliates the skin, balances skin pH, mildly detoxifies the body, sedates the central nervous system, and balances the meridians of the whole body.

This 4 CE credit class covers:

Theory and benefits of Himalayan Salt and Himalayan Salt Stone Massage™
Cleaning and care of stones and equipment
Theory and benefits of Himalayan Salt and the Himalayan salt wrap.
Complete instructions for set up, treatment, and breakdown.
A hands-on swap of complete treatment.
Discussion of add ons to make it a 30 min, 60 min, 90 min treatment.

Other Himalayan Salt Stone Massage Services:

How Do I Care for Himalayan Salt Stones?

It’s a Dry Heat:

Keeping your stones on a dry heat source will keep them ready to go! Use our Salt Stone Warming bowl for best results. In a pinch, use a heating pad, toaster oven, or skillet. We do not recommend heating in the microwave.

If You Need to Disinfect:

The salt is antimicrobial and should not require disinfecting; but since we cannot guarantee this, we recommend cleaning the stones with Benefect. Simply spray the stones and dry immediately. Benefect is 100% botanical and will not degrade the salt. Alternatively, spray the stones with a homemade solution of thyme and tea tree oil and dry immediately.

At the End of a Long Day:

For daily cleaning, add 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and about 10 drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of warm or hot water. Dip the stone and swish around. Leaving the stone in the solution for more than a few seconds will cause the stone to disintegrate. Dry the stone immediately, and place on the heat source to further sanitize.

Odds & Ends:

Himalayan salt stones will last indefinitely, if kept dry. When exposed to moisture salt stones will pit and sometimes dissolve. If the stones get rough sand them with fine grit sandpaper until smooth again. When used with water for salt scrub and lymphatic drainage, they will need to be replaced from time to time.

Harmony Salt does not recommend using lotion with the stones as it can clog the salt. We recommend using Jojoba or Coconut oil. Depending on your client’s skin, the stones may be used dry.