Hot Stones

What is Hot Stones Massage?

Hot stones massage is a highly detoxifying type of massage. It is the hot stones that become the therapist's tools to help relax the clients muscles and stimulates the circulation. The therapist uses the stones as an extension of his/her hand and places them at specific points on the body, in the palms of the hand, or between the toes, but may vary depending on the clients condition. When done well, this massage is great, because the heat helps warm up your muscles and is very relaxing. But hot stone massage requires a lot of skill, so quality can vary widely. The heat of the stones warm and relax the muscles, which allows the therapist to apply deeper pressure, if desired. This allows the toxins to come to the surface of the skin. The warmth of the hot stones improves circulation and calms the nervous system. Some massage therapists place stones on points that are thought to be energy centres of the body to rebalance the body and mind.

Hot Stones Massage Treatment

The stones are usually made of basalt, a type of rock which is rich in iron. This is how the stones retain heat. These egg shaped stones come from rivers, smoothed over time by the water.

The stones are first placed in a water heated bath. Once they have reached an optimum temperature, some are removed and allowed to cool until the therapist is able to hold them. The client initially lays face down on the massage table which allows work on the back of the body. The therapist applies oil to area to be treated which helps the hot stones to glide easily over the skin. The therapist may roll them in their hands for a minute or so. This allows the heat from the hot stone to be absorbed and warm up the hands. The therapist now moves the hot stones over the massage area gently working into the muscle tissues. The therapist checks regularly with the client that the pressure being applied is not causing to much discomfort.

Before actually starting the massage process, therapist have to be careful when they are working with stones on a client, because they are stones, and very hard. The therapist can tend to sometimes go a little too deep, so you have to always check with the client, make sure the temperature of the stones and the pressure is okay.

There are probably about twenty to twenty-five stones within a session. They vary in size so the therapist can work different areas of the body.

Stones Massage on the Feet

The stones feel so amazing on the feet. The feet is where we have our reflex points. So basically we have certain energetic points that are in association with the whole body, mostly the organ systems. We have energetic pathways that are in association with the organ systems that run throughout the whole body. So when you are working the feet it is just complete relaxation.

Benefits of Hot Stones Massage

Some people find the warmth of the stones to be comforting and relaxing. The massage can be beneficial to people who feel chilly or who have cold feet. Some people suffer with muscle tension but prefer this lighter massage than other deeper pressure ones. The heat relaxes muscles, allowing the therapist to work the muscles with a minimum amount of pressure.

Clients may want hot stones massage for a variety of health conditions:

  • Back pain and aches

  • Poor circulation

  • Arthritis

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Stress, anxiety and tension

  • Insomnia

  • Depression

This Massage is not recommended for:

  • People with infectious skin disease, rash, neuropathy, or open wounds

  • Immediately after surgery

  • Immediately after chemotherapy or radiation, unless recommended by your doctor

  • People prone to blood clots. There is a risk of blood clots being dislodged. If you have heart disease, diabetes, or circulatory conditions, check with your doctor before having a massage.

  • Pregnant women should check with their doctor first if they are considering getting a massage during pregnancy. A full body hot stone massage or placement of hot stones over the abdomen is not recommended during pregnancy, however a massage therapist trained in prenatal massage may be able to do a spot treatment for certain areas of muscle tension. In pregnancy, the core body temperature should not be raised during treatment. Women with high risk pregnancy should avoid hot stone massage.

  • People with rheumatoid arthritis should avoid hot stone massage, because the heat of the stones may trigger a flare-up.

Massage should not be done directly over bruises, inflamed skin, unhealed wounds, tumours, abdominal hernia, or areas of recent fractures.

Additional Tips

  • Don't eat a heavy meal before the massage

  • If it's your first time at the clinic, arrive at least 10 minutes early to complete the necessary forms. Otherwise, arrive 5 minutes early so you can have a few minutes to rest and relax before starting the massage.