How to Care for Hot Stones

A hot stone massage is a therapeutic massage using heated stones that soothe and relax, improving the flow of energy throughout the body. Most often the stones are basalt stones, a volcanic stone resulting from hot, liquid magma that is cooled quickly. Basalt stones are smooth stones known for their capacity to maintain heat. Due to the stones' absorbent properties, sanitizing is essential after each use to remove body oils and bacteria.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• ethyl alcohol (70 percent)
• spray bottle
• sink
• dish detergent
• hot water
• wash cloth
• dry towels
• cold or expeller-pressed grapeseed oil (available at most health food stores)

How to Care for Hot Stones

1. Fill sink with hot water.

2. Add one tbsp. dish detergent to hot water to create a soapy bath for the stones.

3. Place stones in soapy water.

4. Using a wash cloth, wash stones thoroughly.

5. Rinse stones in cold water.

6. Place rinsed stones on a towel to dry completely.

7. Spray dried stones with 70 percent ethyl alcohol to complete the sanitizing process.

8. Using a cloth, apply grapeseed oil to sanitized stones prior to storing.

References

• How to Re-energize Hot Stones
• An Introduction to Hot Stone Therapy