How To Give a Hot Stone Massage

Hot stone massages have become very popular at day spas and high-end health clubs. Unfortunately for many of us, these massages can also be quite expensive. However, it is not hard to give a basic hot stone massage to a friend or family member. Following these steps will ensure that you can provide a relaxing experience for those you love, and maybe even convince them to do the same for you!

1. Assemble the materials required. For a hot stone massage, you will obviously need stones which can be heated. Basalt stones are the usual choice, although some other kinds can be used. You can buy stones from a massage supply company or track down your own stones directly from a riverbed. Look for stones of varying sizes that are completely smooth, with any corners or rough spots worn away. You will also need a roasting pan or crock pot for heating the stones, some towels, massage or baby oil, and tongs or a slotted spoon for removing stones from the hot water.



2. Prepare your hot stones. Before the first use, your basalt stones should be rinsed and "seasoned," or oiled. You can use baby oil, massage oil, or essential oils for this. To heat the stones for a hot stone massage, heat water in a crock pot or roasting pan, and add the stones. When the stones are warm, remove them and dry them off completely with a towel. You will have to monitor the stones closely to make sure they are warm, but not too hot. Stones of different sizes will hold heat differently, so experiment with this before giving your first hot stone massage.
3. Place the hot stones. Always test the stones on your own skin first to make sure they are not too hot. If the stones are too warm, you can place a towel or sheet between the stones and the skin. Place larger stones on the larger muscles: the lower back on either side of the spine and the scapular area. You can also place stones on either side of the spine, the shoulders, and anywhere else the person receiving the massage desires. If they are resting with their palms facing up, place a medium stone in the palm of each hand. If you have small stones, they can be placed between toes or fingers for some extra relaxation.
4. Begin massaging. You can massage with your hands or gently with a medium-sized hot stone. To massage with a stone, remove stones on the area of the body that you are preparing to work on, and slowly and carefully run the warmed stone over the person's skin. Hot stone massages allow the heat to penetrate and relax the muscles in lieu of deep tissue work, so use a light touch. Remember to follow the lead of the person receiving the massage and to only do what he is comfortable with.
5. Replace hot stones as needed. When you are done working on a specific area, you may have to replace the stones with freshly heated stones, as they will lose their heat. It's a good idea to have more stones heating than you can use at once, so that none of the stones get cold.
6. Don't forget the extremities. It can be extremely relaxing if hot stones are used on the arms, legs, hands and feet, so experiment, with the permission of the person receiving the massage. Try running a hot stone along the soles of the feet, or very gently on the back of the neck. Wrists are another spot that may need relaxation, especially for people who type a lot.
7. Clean and store your stones. After the massage is over, make sure you wash the stones, preferably with an antibacterial cleanser. Store them somewhere where they will remain clean and ready for the next use!

With preparation and careful communication with the person receiving the massage, hot stone massages can be performed by anyone. Even the most simple and basic hot stone massage has relaxing qualities. This is an excellent way to help a family member or loved one relax after a hard day at work or support a friend who has been going through a rough time.