A hot stone massage is different then a more traditional full body massage or a therapeutic massage in that it requires a more gentle touch and in some cases the therapist may not even touch you,

other then to position the hot stones. The nice thing about this type of massage is that it doesn't hurt, unlike other forms of massage that require deep and sometimes painful kneading. This makes it perfect for those whose pain threshold may not be very high.

Step 1: Prepare the basic hot stone massage therapy equipment that you'll need such as a massage table, linen or sheet for the table, massage oils, massage stones like basalt stones (you may need 40-50 pieces of stones), and a heating device for these stones.

Step 2: Before the client arrives, prepare the massage room by draping the massage table with clean linens and by setting up a tranquil ambience through pleasurable aromas, low lighting and soothing music.

Step 3: Heat up the stones that you will be using.

Step 4: Once the client arrives, give him or her ample time to relax before the session. Be sure to explain the process of hot stone massage therapy.

Step 5: Ask the client to lie down on the table. Place the stones on each side of the spine without coming in actual contact with the spine.

Step 6: Begin by massaging the face lightly with a coating of oil. Place four stones on the face. Put the first stone underneath the lips, the second and third stones on each cheek and the fourth stone on the center of the forehead.

Step 7: Massage some oil on the right leg. Rub the hot stone on each side of the leg and then place small stones between each of your client's toes on his right foot. Repeat the process with the left leg and left foot.



Step 8: Go to your client's arm, and use the effleurage stroke to coat it with oil. Massage the arm area by using medium-sized flat stones. After that, put a warm stone on your client's palm. Do the same thing with the other arm.

Step 9: Now, it's time to ask your client to turn over. Remove the stones you've placed on the face, hands and toes.

Step 10: Massage the back area using various stones to apply pressure on key acupressure points. After massaging this area, lay one stone on each shoulder, one on each scapular area and one on the client's lower back.

Step 11: Go to the back of your client's legs and place a medium-sized warm stone underneath the buttocks, on the backs of the knees and on the calf.

Step 12: Massage the scalp of the client down to the neck and shoulder area.

Step 13: Remove the stones you've placed on the client's body.

Step 14: For the finale, use effleurage strokes on the client's back and leg area using the tips of your fingers.

Step 15: Give your client some time to cool down or take a short nap after the session.

Stone therapy massage relieves stress, anxiety and tension. It is deeply relaxing and improves poor

circulation, is effective for reducing muscular aches, pains, strains and sprains. Other benefits include:

detoxifies physically and energetically

tones and enhances tissue repair

soothes and decongestants the body

relaxes and rejuvenates

leaves you feeling grounded, balanced, and revitalized

Although the hot stone massage is believed to have been done thousands of years ago, it is said that a certain Mary Hannigan of Tucson, Arizona invented the hot stone massage more than a decade ago and trademarked her own version of this unique massage technique. However, many other hot stone massage proponents have since come up with their own versions, but basically using the same principles.

A hot stone massage makes use of several different-sized basalt stones. Basalt is volcanic in nature and can thus absorb and retain heat efficiently. Smooth rocks are chosen for the hot stone massage, with large ones being placed on the lower abdomen, the sacrum, and along the spine; while the smaller ones - approximately the size of the tip of the thumb - being used between the toes.

The rocks are heated in water with a temperature of 120-150 degrees Fahrenheit. Hot stone massage practitioners must be
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Hot or cold stone therapy massage uses heated and cold special stones to relieve stiff, sore, aching muscles.

Stone therapy massage involves the application of warm basalt stones and cool sedimentary stones of different shapes and sizes, and temperatures, to key points on the body, in order to balance 'chakra'.

Creating a sense of warmth and comfort, the heat from a stone therapy massage relaxes the muscles allowing greater manipulation and a massage of deeper intensity.

How does Stone Therapy Massage Work?

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One of the fastest rising styles of massage is the hot stone massage. If it's your first time to hear about it, you may be wondering what it's all about. It may be hard to imagine how hot stones can be used in a massage. Here are some other things you should know but may not know about hot stone massage.

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