What a hot stone massage involves
The practitioner first heats the stones by immersing them
in water, heated in an electric heating device. The stones
are ready when they reach a temperature of between 54 and
63 degrees Celsius. The massage usually begins with the client
lying face down. The masseur applies oil on the client’s
body and uses the hot stones to perform a massage by gliding
them along the client’s body or applying pressure on
certain points. The  pressure
of the massage can vary according to the client’s request
or necessities. When the back massage is over, the same process
is repeated on the front of the body.
In addition to using the hot stones as tools to perform the
massage, the therapist can leave the hot stones in place for
a certain amount of time on the receiver’s body. The
hot stones are usually placed along the spine, between the
toes, in the palms of the client’s hands and along the
chakras.
Sometimes, if there is inflammation in the muscles, the practitioner
also applies cold stones on the client’s body. This
acts as a sort of exercise for the veins that alternatively
contract and relax, thus helping the release of toxins. A
hot stone massage usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Benefits of hot stone massage
The hot stones help the muscle relax, and this makes the
massage more effective and soothing. Also, because the muscles
are relaxed, the therapist does not need to use deep pressure
during the massage.
Hot stone massage helps to improve circulation and can help
reduce stress, anxiety, tension, depression and insomnia and
it can be helpful to relieve the following conditions:
- Back pain and aches
- Poor circulation
- Muscular aches, pains, sprains, and strains
- Rheumatic and arthritic conditions
Tips and thing to be careful about when receiving a hot stone
massage
- Practitioners should always sterilise the hot stones
by keeping them in water at around 150 degrees temperature
and use gloves to pick them up. Be wary if these hygiene
procedures are not followed.
- If the stones are too hot, speak up and do not endure
a temperature that for you is too high.
- Technique is important; a therapist who did not receive
enough training, probably will not know how to apply the
right pressure. A course in hot stone massage should last
about five days.
- Massage is not recommended: for people who have infectious
skin diseases, rash, or open wounds; immediately after surgery;
immediately after chemotherapy or radiation; for those prone
to blood clots. Pregnant women should check with their doctor
first before getting a massage.
Hot stone massage part 2
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