What Is a Hot Rock Massage?

Video Transcript

"Hi, I'm Sundae with Natural Sundae. Are you wondering what a hot rock massage is? Well, I'm here to tell you. Now, a hot rock stone...massage is also referred to as a hot stone massage, and this is because in a hot stone massage, hot stones are used. Now, these types of stones are lava stones, and they're specifically called basalt stones and they are used specifically for their ability to withhold the heat without cracking or breaking. They can also withhold cold temperatures, too. But specifically for a hot stone massage, they're wonderful because they are the perfect medium to transfer heat from this rock into the muscle tissue. And it's a wonderful way to heat up the muscle tissue before you get in and work on it. So the first very most important component of a hot stone massage, of course, are the hot stones. And there are many different sizes and shapes. There are big ones, medium ones, and also small ones, depending on the type of area worked, okay? And generally, the numbers vary. Every therapist has a different kind of routine, but generally, in a hot stone massage, between 40 and 50 are used, okay? The next really important component of a hot stone massage is the warmer. This is going to heat up your hot stones and you can't do it without the warmer. What you do is you put the stones in the crockpot and you fill it with water, and this will gently heat the stones and make them the perfect temperature for your client. Another really important thing that you're going to need is something to take the stones out of the warmer in because you don't want to burn your hands and then you would be no good at all. So you want a little utensil like this to take the stones out. You also...I have personally found...this is my own little invention here, but I use a basket because sometimes the warmer is far away from...farther away from the table than is comfortable for the...for the therapist. And so it helps not to have to carry those hot stones in your hands, and then you can't really give a nice massage when you're in pain. So a typical little basket like this with some towels to keep the stones warm. Also, another really important feature of a hot stone massage is essential oils, and these are aromatic fragrance. Aromatic fragrant molecules that are found in plants, flowers, and herbs. And these are...they smell wonderful, and they also make you relax and they also are wonderful for your physical body as well. So what you do is you take the stones and you have a carrier oil such as jojoba or sunflower. And of course, you're going to take the oil into your hands. You're going to make the stone all nice and slippery with the oil, and then you're going to rub this on your client. Now, the oil ensures that your stones do not burn or stick to the client's skin. And the typical hot stone massage is between 60 and 90 minutes. So this is just a little bit about hot stone massage -- all the components. You've got the stones, the warmer, the hot water, the essential oil, the little utensil here, and your basket. And that's just a little bit about it. I hope you've learned today, and I hope you get one for yourself. I'm Sundae with Natural Sundae. Take care, guys."