WHAT is SWA?

Stone Walkers Association is the first professional geo-thermal therapy (hot and cold stone massage) association offering board certification. Providing professional board certification for those expressions of stone massage, that fall within the strict criteria of this organization will encourage fresh interest and new growth for the industry.

WHAT does SWA do?

All efforts are focused on bringing Board Certified Educators together with those students who are seeking to become professional geo-thermal therapists and educating the public on the benefits of this wellness modality through public awareness campaigns.

An online tutorial and examination process will allow practitioners to join the membership if they have received proper education. Charter Membership will be granted to those who have completed their professional training through SWA Board Certified Educators (no examination process required for graduates of approved education methods). SWA will encourage treatment facilities, spas, retreat centers and independent therapists to purchase the highest quality products by bringing them information about Board Certified Vendors, enhancing professionalism in the field of geo-thermal therapy.

HOW does it WORK?

• Members receive support from SWA through advertising and promotional out reach programs.
• Awards bestowed on deserving members will enhance publicity opportunities and validate professionalism.
• Articles written for on line publication and for the print media will educate the public about the profession of geo-thermal therapy.
• Employers will be contacted in direct mail and e-mail campaigns to educate them on the necessity of hiring only board certified geo-thermal therapists. SWA will seek ways to bring the public into the realm of professional geo-thermal therapy as an educated clientele.
• Educators who meet the strict criteria of this association will have an advantage in the industry as students will be encouraged to attend only Board Certified education processes.
• Vendors of quality merchandise will have direct access to a targeted market of professional geo-thermal therapists. Marketing for vendors will be supported by SWA who provides on line recommendations and assists by focusing attention on high quality merchandise through magazine articles and paid advertising. Vendors receiving the rare and prestigious 'SWA Seal of Approval' will enjoy enhanced market potential.

** The necessity of using; safe temperature ranges, professional heating appliances, stones with proper mineral content and suitable surface textures, adequate hygiene practices, following a code of ethics and using skillful application modalities are evident to all well educated and professional geo-thermal therapists. This association will assist in educating the public on where they can find these effective treatment modalities, by directing them to certified members. **

** Nonprofessional issues can be addressed by this association as SWA has an authoritative voice speaking for the benefits of proper stone applications and ethical geo-thermal therapy practices which will benefit all board certified members. **

A wise man thought if there was a way to bring attention to safety practices, while having people attend courses led by well educated 'Stone Walkers', that the world could benefit from new 'Legends of the Stones'. He feared that improperly educated 'pebble pushers' might cause this amazing healing modality to become entangled in legal issues. Currently there are several law suits filed in the US due to burn injuries received by clients who were treated improperly by uneducated, novice hands. Protecting this industry and all professional offerings of the stones is the goal of SWA.

His thoughts gave birth to the idea for this Association. Therefore, I dedicate Stone Walkers Association to the wisdom and generous heart of my late father, Chas Thompson. Dec. 29, 1929 - Aug. 3rd, 2007.

Stone Walkers World Wide Association™, SWWWA™, SWA™