Types of Massage Stones

Stone massage is a technique that uses hot or cold stones. Most massage therapists use basalt stones in their practice because of how well they retain temperature.

Body Stones

Larger stones are placed on key areas along the spine, torso, gluteus and leg muscles while the therapist does Swedish or deep-tissue massage. When the stones cool, the therapist replaces them with others until it is time to have the client turn over.

Palm and Facial Stones

While lying supine, smaller stones are placed in the client's palm to relax overworked hand muscles. Other stones are placed on the forehead, cheeks and chin.

Hand and Toe Stones

Very small stones are placed in between the toes and fingers to provide further relief to stressed and tired muscles. If the stones don't fit or won't stay, they are placed on top of the feet and hands.

Marble and Semiprecious Stones

Semiprecious stones are also used mainly as cold therapy for the face and smaller muscles and for their purported spiritual properties. Marble is also used for its ability to retain cold.

Benefits

Heat and cold therapy, combined with traditional massage techniques, provides a deeply relaxing experience.

Resources

• LaStone Therapy: The Technique that Started Stone Massage