What Are Hot Stones?

Hot stones can be made from several types of rocks. The rocks chosen have to be able to withstand heated temperatures, whether from fire or boiling water, and have several uses. Volcanic elements can be filled with organic and healing elements, like the basalt rock. Filled with iron, the basalt rocks are used as the modern hot stones of today. In addition to hot stones being used for healing techniques, hot stone massage is a popular technique used for relaxation.

History

Stones have been used for a variety or purposes since the beginning of man, probably first used for throwing. History shows evidence of many cultures around the world heating with rocks ever since fire was first used with control, approximately 300,000 to 400,000 years ago. Hot stones have enabled people to eat hot food and have helped keep others warm on a cold night.

Soft

The smoothness of the hot stones is naturally formed. Basalt rocks, which are used as hot stones for massage, are found within rivers where the surface of the stone is naturally rubbed by the river's water current.

Warmth Supplied

Because hot stones are able to retain heat for a substantial amount of time, depending on their size, using hot stones to warm your home may initially take longer than turning on a switch but hot stones can project heat to warm up a room at no cost. The types of rocks that can be used have been mentioned, but some suitable rocks could possibly be found on the ground near your home. Once the rocks are heated, they can actually sustain heat for a longer period of time compared to some wood fires.

Cooking With Hotstones

Cooking with hot stones is a healthy way to cook foods such as meat, fish and vegetables. Stones come in many shapes and sizes for hot stone cooking and the heat held within these stones can vary. On average, a large hot stone of 3 centimeters can cook for up to 40 minutes once heated thoroughly. The stones can be kept hot by lighting candles beneath the hot plate. The best type of rocks to use as hot cooking stones are basalt, granite and larger cobbles. Cooking methods include placing the food directly on the hot rocks, burying the hot rocks in the ground with the food, and placing hot rocks inside the carcass of an animal, like a pig, to cook meat from the inside out.

Hot Stone Massage

Performed by a qualified professional for safety and professional reasons, a hot stone massage can promote relaxation and wellness within an individual receiver. First, the hot stones are heated in boiling water, usually between 120 to 160 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 30 to 45 minutes. This heating removes any germs from the surface of the rocks prior to the hot stones being placed in the correct positions on the massage recipient's body. The hot stones are then used to gently massage beneficial areas of the body to help aid ailments and alleviate stress.

Resources

• Prehistoric Cooking