Fact Sheet
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
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Large 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
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Stones for the face and palms
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
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Stones for the hands and toes
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
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Semiprecious massage 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
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Heat and cold therapy, combined with traditional massage techniques, provides a deeply relaxing experience.
eHow Article: Types of Massage Stones
