How to Perform a Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massage developed in Sweden and involves the use of warm basalt stones which are situated on the body in certain places to invoke the kind of relaxation which occurs when gentle, solid, heated pressure is applied to the body. Popularized in high-end health and day spas, it can be a rather expensive treatment. However, whether or not you are a massage therapist, it is possible to give your loved ones this soothing massage experience.

Things You'll Need

• Massage table
• Linens for the massage table
• Large, medium, and small basalt stones (smooth river rocks with no edges -- about 50 total)
• Electrical heating unit like crock pot or roasting pan
• Tongs or slotted spoon (to remove heated stones)
• Massage oil (almond, jojoba and grapeseed are examples)
• Lavender essential oil (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   Heat the stones. Be sure that you have at least 50 stones for a full-body massage -- some large (about 1-1.5 pounds), some medium (0.5 -0.75 pounds) and small ones (4-6 ounces). The best stones to use are basalt. River rocks are entirely acceptable as well as any stone that is smooth and is devoid of sharp edges.

   Season the stones first with the massage oil. Completely rub down each stone with oil before placing it in an electrical heating unit.

   Fill the heating unit with water. Be sure the level of the water is over the top of the stones. Turn on heater unit and let the water heat the stones. Stones are ready between 30 and 50 minutes after you turn on the unit.

2. Prepare the room and massage table. Add fresh, clean-smelling linens to the massage table. Turn off the ringer of the phone. Put on nice, soothing music. Light a few candles. Make the room as "sacred" as possible. Add your own special touches: incense or aromatherapy for example. Lavender essential oil is a good standard relaxation scent which you can diffuse in the room or put in the massage oil.

3. Remove a hot stone carefully from the heating unit, dry it off and apply on the body of your lucky recipient.

   It is best to have your "client" lie down on his stomach first. It is also recommended to start with the back, placing large stones on either side of the spine. Allow the stones to stay in place for about five minutes. During this time, you can rub the feet. Then, one stone at a time, remove and then rub the muscle tissue under where the stone was. The hot stone makes the muscles much more receptive to touch as well as promoting the successful release of tension.

4. 

   Place the hot stones on different areas of the body. Do one section at a time (back of legs, arms, stomach, chest, face and so on) always letting the stones "prepare" the area for a massage once you remove it. Be sure that the size of the stone stays in ratio to the size of the body part.

Tips & Warnings

• Place small stones between the toes and fingers of your recipient. Let your client direct you on where to place the stones on his body according to where he holds the most or least amount of tension.

• Do not place stones that are too hot on bare skin. Burning delicate skin ruins the pleasant, healing experience. Do not place rocks that are too heavy on areas that need a lighter rock. For instance, a big rock (1-1.5 pounds) is not for the face. The face requires small (1/4 ounce) heated rocks.

Resources

• Hot Stone Rocks, Heaters and More for Sale.