How to Give Hot Stone Massages

If you want to give someone you love an exceptionally tension-reducing treat, consider a hot stone massage. Hot stone massages are a form of specialty massage. Smooth, round stones are heated and placed strategically on the recipient's skin. These warm, oiled stones provide deep relaxation. They soothe sore muscles and release tight knots, leaving the recipient calm and pain-free. While you can find a professional therapist who specializes in hot stone massages, it is possible to learn how to give them yourself.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Massage stones
• Massage or baby oil
• Stone heather, slow cooker or roaster
• Large bowl
• Tongs or slotted spoon
• Towels

1. Place the massage stones in the large bowl. Pour massage oil or baby oil over them, rolling the stones to coat them thoroughly. Set the stones in a stone warmer, slow cooker or roaster.

2. Heat the stones by following the stone warmer's directions. If you are using a slow cooker or roaster, cover the stones with water and turn the appliance on low heat. Check the stones' warmth every 15 minutes. They should be very warm but not scalding hot.

3. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the stones from the warming device. Place them on a clean, dry towel. Your massage recipient should be lying face down, wearing no or minimal clothing such as underwear. A towel can be used to provide privacy.

4. Test the stone carefully on the underside of your forearm to make sure they are not too hot. Set the stones on the recipient's skin, from shoulder down to the feet. Place bigger stones on larger areas of muscle such as the lower back gluteus and thighs. Set a small stone in each palm.

5. Leave the stones on the recipient's skin for about 20 minutes or longer. This will allow sufficient time to loosen and soothe the muscles.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow up by rubbing down your recipient's skin with warm massage or baby oil. Because the muscles will be very relaxed, the manual massage will be even more relaxing and productive.

• Do not heat stones in the microwave. They can break or explode and cause severe damage or injury.

Resources

• Massage Stones
• Massage Stone Warmers