How to Do Hot Stone Massage

A hot stone massage consists of warm, smooth stones being placed on key points of the human body. Such a massage relaxes the muscles which helps calm the nervous system and improve circulation. Learn the basics of this ancient practice by reading the following steps.

Instructions

1. Clean your stones thoroughly before each use. Products such as Odoban will deodorize and disinfect the stones. Hospitals and massage professionals use these frequently.

2. Place the stones in a crock pot on a low setting, making sure the lid is off. Heat them for 30 minutes before using them. Check them frequently, making sure they are not burning.

3. Have your companion lie face down on a mat or massage table. Allow them to adjust the area as they see fit, for comfort. Drape their legs with a sheet to create a barrier between their skin and the stones.

4. Put a rock on the upper left leg, mid hamstring, back of knee and calf. Next, use a larger stone to massage the right leg, working your technique towards the heart area. After finishing the right leg, place several unused rocks on this leg (same positions as the left), and then remove the rocks from the left leg. Repeat the procedure (massaging the left leg) with a larger hot stone.

5. Drape your subject's lower back and gluteal area with a fresh sheet. Cover the lower back with rocks (to heat the muscles) and begin to massage the gluteal area with a large hot stone.

6. Continue by draping the entire back, placing stones on the shoulders, traps and neck. Remove the stones from your partner's lower back and massage the area with several large stones.

7. Remove the stones from the upper back and neck and begin massaging the area. Once you have completed your massage, have your partner turn over on the table.

8. Cover both legs and place stones on the upper, mid and lower thighs. Insert several thin stones in between the toes of both feet.

9. Massage the upper arms using hot stones to glide over the entire area. Drape and place stones on both pecs once you have finished massaging the arms.

10. Remove stones from the left leg and foot, following with massage and stone gliding. Repeat the procedure with the right leg and foot.

11. Complete the hot stone massage by removing stones from the pecs, following with a nice massage to the area.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your doctor prior to this treatment to check for contraindications. Generally, anyone with skin issues, receiving radiation or chemotherapy, prone to blood clots or pregnant should avoid the hot stone massage.

• Make sure your stones never exceed temperatures over 125 degrees F.

• Avoid placing stones on the arms, since they are difficult to position and fall off easily.