Terry Halifax
Northern News Services

Inuvik (May 24/02) - Weber first got started in aesthetics and then massage and reflexology and massage and discovered stone therapy two years ago.

"It's an awesome treatment," she says. "I can put myself back to the very first one I had."

She selects matching sets of 54 basalt stones that have been polished smooth from ocean waves. Weber says the stones contain healing energy and they are recharged in the sun.

The stones are heated in warm water to 140 degrees and she aligns them in double rows where the patient's spine will be and on seven areas called 'chakras.'

"They're not extremely hot, but it really gives you a sense of relaxation and then I lay them on the chakras," she says.

Once all the stones are in place, she starts massaging the patient with other hot stones and essential oils.

Weber says the practice was developed eight years ago in Tuscon, Arizona, by therapist Mary Brannigan who based the therapy on an aboriginal healing ritual.

"Her niece had hurt her shoulder and they say stones spoke to her and developed this whole therapy," she says.

While she's been in town, Weber's been going in to work with long term care patients who have really taken to the therapy.

"They really like it," she says. "It's like an extra visit for them and the touch aspect of it is great."

Each session lasts about 90 minutes and she advises clients to arrange for a ride home.

"When people leave they are often so relaxed that they might have trouble driving," she says. "It really taps into something else."

"It really depends on what is going on with your body," she says.

Weber also offers aesthetic services such as facials, pedicures and relaxation massage.