How to Get a Stone Massage

Anyone who has used heating pads or hot tubs knows the benefits of deep heat on sore muscles. This principle stands behind hot stone massages. Stone massages are practiced by a massage therapist who alternates between placing smooth, heated stones on the body to transmit their warmth, and using various manual techniques to stretch and knead the muscles and tissue.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Massage therapist trained in hot stone technique

1. Make an appointment for 60- or 90-minute session with a licensed massage therapist who works with hot stones.
2. Discuss with your therapist any injury or pain issues that you want to specifically address. She may focus her work on that area, or she might use reflexology or another acupressure technique in addition to stones.
3. Disrobe when your therapist excuses herself, and lie on the massage table, draping yourself with the sheet or blanket. Lie facing up or down, as your therapist suggests.
4. Let your muscles relax as you receive warm, Swedish-style massage strokes. The therapist will hold or move the stones in her hands rapidly to increase their temperature. Once they're sufficiently warm, she will place them on your body and work your muscles in intervals.
5. Move when asked to allow your therapist to place rocks under your body. She is trained to know where to place them, but you may have to adjust them slightly for your body's idiosyncrasies.
6. Roll over halfway through the massage so your therapist can work on the other side. She'll hold the sheet to keep you covered while you turn over.
7. Accept warm stones where your therapist places them, such as on the eyes, forehead or pectoral muscles.

Tips & Warnings

• Hot stone massage works deeply and resonates up to a full day after the treatment. Don't plan undue physical exertion during that time.
• Hot stones are often heated gently in a slow cooker with hot water.
• You will be unclothed, but draped for modesty, during the hot stone massage session. It is a full-body massage of the hands, feet, legs, back, neck, shoulders and head.
• You may feel intense heat or pressure, especially if you are lying directly on the stones. While these sensations may be momentarily uncomfortable, they should pass quickly. If you find yourself experiencing extreme pain or discomfort, however, notify your massage therapist immediately.
• If you have a heart or respiratory issue, ask your doctor whether or not to get a hot stone massage.