Hot stone massage

A hot stone massage uses heated stones, placed on the body or used with massage techniques, for a deep relaxation of harder to reach chronically held pain.

The hot stone massage often uses smooth basalt stones (black volcanic rock) that can absorb and retain heat well. The basalt stones are of various sizes, shapes and weights. Some stones can be very large, 2 or 3 pounds in weight (used on the low abdomen or sacrum), or are the size of the tip of your thumb (used between your toes).

It is a dual purpose massage. It is a deeply soothing, relaxing form of massage, because the heat of the stones helps tight muscles release. The hardness of the stones allows the massage therapist to address specific problem areas with deeper pressure or more detailed work.

Before starting the massage, the stones are sanitized and heated in water of 120 - 150 degree Fahrenheit (= 50 – 65 degrees Celsius).

For the massage, the traditional Swedish massage technique is used while holding an oiled heated stone. As the stone cools, the stone is replaced with another.

To impart heat onto the body, stones are placed under the client with a layer of fabric (a sheet or towel) between the client and stone and/or on top of the client, again upon a towel.

The massage therapist will also leave heated stones in specific points along your spine, or along the chakra centers to improve the flow of energy in your body. Stones can also be placed in the palms of our hands or even between your toes.

In case of a muscle injury or inflammation sometimes cold (marble) stones are used.

A hot stone massage takes about 90 minutes and since the therapist will have to take preparations, the hot stone massage is more expensive than a regular massage.

However you can also purchase your own set of hot stones to perform the massage in the luxury of your own home. You will find an assortment of massage stone sets, configured by experienced massage therapists. Make sure that for optimal performance the stones are sorted and paired from only the best basalt stone.

Before you perform the massage at home, you will have to read one of the many books on the subject. Also there are a number of good videos and DVD’s available.

It is important that the heat level of the stones are closely monitored before placing them, also you will have to keep track of which stones are to be used on various parts of the body. If the stones are too low in temperature they will fail to adequately relax the stressed muscle tissues, and when they are too hot they will create an extreme discomfort.

A good hot stone massage, when properly performed, will accomplish many of the goals and benefits of other massage techniques.