Bison Caravan

Article by Chris Turley

With the growing popularity of hot stone therapy, more and more people are longing to try this variation in massage which incorporates the use of warm basalt stones that are effective in calming the body and releasing muscular tension.

With the hectic lives of people today, a relaxing therapy like this one is surely a welcome break. Not only is it a great way to unwind, it also does wonders for one’s physical and mental well-being, contributing to good health and positive outlook in life.

It’s true that the massage stones and supplies are widely available online and at the local department stores. But if you have time to spare, you can also make your own and save some money.

Here are the steps on how to make your own hot stone kit:

Step 1: Go to a rock quarry or visit a nearby river.

Step 2: Look for flat and smooth stones. You have to find two large oval shaped stones measuring about 8 inches in length and 6 inches in width. Then search for 7 to 9 pairs of smaller stones that can fit in the palm your hand. Lastly, pick out 8 other stones about the size of an egg. Make sure that the pairs of stones you choose are similar in shape, weight and size.

Step 3: Buy the necessary equipment such as a water warmer. You can use a table top skillet with sides that are at least three inches tall or a large slow cooker. You also need to have a strainer to hold the stones after heating, spoons or tongs to pick out stones out of the water, thermometer and towels.

Step 4: Wash the stones thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any dirt or soil residue. It’s not advisable to soap these stones.

Step 5: Arrange and stack the stones neatly into the pot or pan. Fill this with water and then heat on top of a stove. You may also use an electric heating device specifically designed for heating massage stones.

Step 6: Heat until the temperature reaches 120 degrees.

Step 7: Dry the stones with towels and then hold them first on your palm before touching it to the skin of the one receiving the massage to make sure they’re not too hot.

Of course, if you don’t want to go through all the trouble, there is always the option of buying ready to use hot stones. Online you will find a lot of great deals on these supplies. Just be sure that you choose a reputable store that will offer high quality and effective massage stones for a blissful hot stone therapy experience.

Chris Turley, a director of a massage stone supply company, is an expert on hot stones. Find out more on his site at www.tirmassagestone.com.

There is nothing more pleasing to the eye than natural stone steps made from large stone slabs. The elegant natural stone steps add character and definition to your home. Natural stones have attained immense popularity worldwide due to its unique characteristics. The beauty, strength and low maintenance are the major factors that make them an excellent choice for stairway. Penn Blue Slabs, Penn Blue Flamed, Pebble Top, Glacier Pebble Top, Nordic Slabs, Elite Blue Granite Step, Orillia Limestone, Penn Blue Steppers etc have achieved impeccable success in designing remarkable stairs for many homes and work places.

Building stairs is a series of risers [the part your toe bumps] and treads [the sloping part between irregular steps]. While constructing stairways, the dimensions of treads and risers should be uniform. Uneven stairs can make you stumble. According to the experts, the tread should have an average of 14″ – 16″ in depth installed.

The large slabs of natural stones are widely used for making treads and risers. There should be a minimum width of 4 feet and a rise between 5″ – 8″ [try to use a +/- of 1 inch] in other words use a 5″-6″, 6″-7″ or 7″ –8″. The key to the natural stone slab step is “always make sure that the step slopes toward the front”, you don’t want water to stay at the back of the step[s]. The base of the steps should have ¾” clean crush stone and a geo-textile membrane to insure proper drainage.

]]>

When installing steps, functionality is the significant consideration. For effective staircase, extreme accuracy and safe design are essential key components. Always remember that the outcome of your finished product totally depends on the quality of construction material you used. To fashion even stairways, natural stone slabs have always been on the top since the ancient time. Natural stone staircase depicts aestheticism to the utmost level.

As stairways get dirty easily from dust, grit and other materials that are brought in from outdoors, it is essential to go for that material which will not cause any noticeable scratches over time and will be easy to clean. There is a wide variety of natural stone slabs to select from that are available in different colors, textures and shapes that can go with your outdoor requirements.

When it comes to high quality natural stone slabs in best price, Stone Haven is the name you can trust. Stone Haven offers a unique collection of natural stone slabs for building staircase of your home or office place. The company brings array of natural stone slabs that include Chocolate Sandstone, Dutch Choco Slabs, Glacier Limestone, Ontario Choco Slabs, Flamed Limestone, Ohio Barn Steps, Ontario Limestone Slab, Glacier Swept Top and many more to meet your requirements successfully.

You should possess the desired knowledge of available construction materials, latest trends, pros and cons of every type of natural stones before beginning construction. With in-depth knowledge and experience, Stone Haven guides you to make the right decision. Never make a mistake of thinking that as material will get covered with carpet that’s why no one will ever see it. For more information regarding installing natural stone slabs contact mike@stonehaveninc.ca .