Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Collecting material
• Part 2 of 3: Performing the massage
• Part 3 of 3: Trying different techniques
• Warnings

A hot stone massage uses a combination of hot stones and massage techniques to relax tense muscles, relieve pain and stiffness, and improve circulation. This treatment can be used for conditions such as muscle pain, rheumatism and autoimmune diseases. The heat from the stones penetrates the skin to promote better blood flow, to remove toxins and to get a deeper muscle relaxation than with a standard massage. By placing the hot stones on acupressure points, the energy flow can be released and the body's own healing process can be promoted. Hot stone massage practitioners can also tailor the treatment to the client's specific needs and preferences. It is very important that you are careful and pay close attention to the customer. Hot stone burns are the number one cause of lawsuits against licensed massage therapists!

To step

Part 1 of 3: Collecting material

1. Find or buy stones. The stones used in this treatment are usually made of basalt for their ability to retain heat. The stones must be very smooth so that they cannot irritate the skin in any way. However, if you cannot find basalt stones, smooth river stones are also fine. You can order a hot stone massage kit online at Bol.com or a massage shop. Do not buy the stones from a quarry unless you can choose each stone individually.
   • You should have about 20 to 30 stones, although some professional massages require between 45 and 60 stones. You should have at least two large ovals about 8 inches long by 6 inches wide, seven stones that fit in your hand, and eight small stones the size of an egg.
2. Set up your workplace. If you don't have a massage table, a bed or the floor is fine too. Once you have decided where to give the massage, put a clean sheet or thick towel on it so that the person you are going to massage can lie on it. As a result, he or she will not only lie comfortably, but also the excess massage oil will be absorbed.
   • For a truly relaxing environment, you can light aromatherapy candles. Soothing scents such as lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus and vanilla help the client to fully immerse themselves in the massage.
   • You can also play quiet classical music or rain sounds to improve the mood.
3. Warm up the stones. Preferably you start with the preparation of the stones about 30 to 60 minutes before you start the massage. The water should not be warmer than 55 ° C. The stones will cool during use. Anything below 45 ° C is considered a hot stone massage, however it is important to note that a stone at 40 ° C can burn someone if left on bare skin for a few minutes.
   • Use a crock pot with a capacity of at least 6 liters or a large saucepan with a 3-inch high rim to heat the stones. Just be aware that crockpots and similar kitchen appliances heat at intervals, which means that the temperature can vary and should therefore be monitored closely. It is better to use a device that you can set to an actual temperature, rather than low-medium-high.
   • Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the crockpot. Never use a glass thermometer - they can break. The temperature setting on the crockpot should be on warm or low so that the water does not boil.
   • You must also lubricate the stones with massage oil before use.
4. Never put a hot stone directly on the person's skin without moving it. The photos you see in spa ads are not reliable and are only meant to look enticing. To avoid burns, lay out a flannel sheet or towel and then place the stones on top.
   • Keep in mind that it takes 3 to 4 minutes for the heat from the stones to penetrate to the skin.

Part 2 of 3: Performing the massage

1. Keep in mind that you should never leave a customer on the hot stones as serious burns can occur.
2. Place four small stones on the customer's face. Once the client is in place, take four of the smaller stones - without oil - and place them on the acupressure points in his or her face. There should be one stone on the forehead, one under the lips and one on each cheek. Do not apply oil to these stones as they can clog pores or irritate the skin. A great alternative is to cool the stones in front of the face instead of heating them - this will help reduce any growth.
3. Place medium to large stones on the sternum, collarbones, and in his or her hands. The size of the stones you use can vary depending on the height and width of the customer. However, you must place one or more stones on either side of the collarbones and two stones, which fit in the palm, in both hands. These do not need to be clamped, but they do need to be completely relaxed and gently enveloped by the hands.
4. Use two palm-sized stones to massage the rest of the body. Expose the parts of the body you are going to massage and do not forget to remove all placed stones first. Rub a little oil over the skin and stones. Monitor the muscles to get rid of any knots, replacing the stones as they cool and when needed. Cover the massaged area when you are done, replace the stones and move on to the next area. Remove all stones when you are done with the full massage.
5. Turn the customer over. Once you have finished the front massage, the client should turn to lie on their stomach. To make it more comfortable for the client, you can place a rolled up towel under his or her ankles.
   • Also make sure to replace the stones so they stay warm.
6. Cover the client and place the stones on the shoulder blades, the back of the knee and between the toes. Take larger stones for the shoulder blades and the back of the knee. For the toes, place a small stone between each toe. After this, wrap a towel around each foot to trap the heat and keep the stones in place.
   • After placing this, expose the area you want to massage and rub a little oil on the skin. Grab two palm-sized oiled stones and use them to massage the client. As before, you should cover the area after the massage, replace the stones and move on to the next area.

Part 3 of 3: Trying different techniques

1. Instead of using your hands, use the stones to massage. Do this by gently moving the stones over tense and painful areas. The pressure exerted by the stones can be quite high, but since the client's muscles have already relaxed enough from the heat, the process will be virtually painless.
2. Combine the warm stones with other massage techniques. You can try a Swedish massage or a deep tissue massage. This will help you get the most out of this experience. While the stones warm and soothe the muscles, other massage techniques can be used with little or no discomfort - either with the stones still on the skin or after removing them.
3. Alternate the hot stones with cold marble stones. Most customers notice that after a certain time their body becomes so relaxed from the hot stone massage techniques that they do not even notice the temperature difference of the cooler stones. This process is often recommended in relieving injuries that can lead to painful swelling or inflammation.

Warnings

• Whether you provide a hot stone massage yourself or hire a massage therapist for it, it is important that the techniques are performed correctly. Learn about hot stone massage from an expert in the field or make an appointment with an experienced and licensed massage therapist for the best results.
• Never leave the stones in one place unless you first cover them with a thick flannel sheet or towel. Failure to do this can cause burns.