How to Give a Hot Massage

Heat makes all the difference in a massage.

Whether it's a hot oil massage, or hot stone therapy, heat is the essential ingredient in these massage techniques. The entire massage experience can be wrapped in sensual and soothing heat from the minute it begins until the minute it ends. From the heated room to the heated oils and heated rocks, giving a hot massage should be a holistic experience.

Instructions

1. Infuse heat into the massage experience before it begins. Warm the room to body temperature to avoid chill. Place warm heating elements beneath the body such as a heated table cover or inexpensive heating pads. You want the person relaxed rather than tense.

2. Placing hot, moist towels across the entire area to be massaged. Heat packs work as well. This will open pores and prepare the body to receive the healing properties of hot oil, such as sesame, accompanied by fragrant and healing essential oils. Choosing the most appropriate blend of essential oils will depend on which part of the body is being treated. For instance, if problems in the sinuses and head are an issue, oils such as peppermint, spearmint and eucalyptus would be appropriate.

3. Apply light to deep pressure, first with the heels of the hands, and then the entire hands to assist the skin in absorbing the hot oils. This kneading of the skin helps heat and oils to penetrate deeply into muscles where they're needed most. The pressure you use will depend on the type of massage you are giving. An Indonesian massage is considered to be a deep tissue massage whereas aromatherapy massages tend to be relaxing and soothing.

4. Drape a sheet over the person's back and apply hot stones. This dual massage method combines hot oil massage and hot stone therapy into one deep penetrating muscle relaxer. The stones act as pressure point relievers and send an extra dose of heat to troubled areas. You can also use the stones to apply pressure in areas that require additional attention. After the stones have cooled, remove the sheet and use the stones to apply Swedish massage techniques.

Tips & Warnings

• It is important to place a sheet over the skin when hot stones are first applied to avoid burns.

References

• Ayurvedic Hot Oil Therapy; Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa
• American Massage Therapy Association; Don't Feel the Burn-Hot Stone Massage; Mary Nelson
• www.massagemag.com; Body & Spa; Warm it Up! Heat Techniques Nurture Clients; Leslie Bruder

Resources

• Swedish Massage Techniques