Hot stone therapy uses the beneficial aspects of warmth and moisture combined with the therapeutic strokes of massage therapy to provide a deep, relaxing and healing treatment. The warmth of the massage stones increases the temperature of the skin to allow it to soak up moisturizing and therapeutic oils. At the same time, the musculature of the body is prepared so the therapist can massage into the deeper muscles layers.
Basalt stone is a type of igneous rock and is commonly used in massage therapy for hot stone massage. It is an extrusive stone, which signifies that it was formed as hot lava cooled after a volcanic eruption. There are individuals that sell stones that aren't basalt that may not work as well for massage as good, quality basalt stone. If you want to find a good source for basalt massage stone sets go to someone that sells certified basalt stone. This way you can be sure that you stone set will hold heat like it should, allowing you to provide a relaxing and healing experience to your client.
While it is very important to use basalt stone for massage stone therapy, it is equally important to follow "best practice" procedures to make sure that your client has a calming, comforting and effective hot stone massage. Take a look at the 7 tips listed below for providing a relaxing and effective hot stone massage. Following this advice will help you make sure that you provide your client an experience that they will enjoy.
Creams and gels stain the stones and leave a film in the water of your massage stone heater. Use only oil during the massage. Don't soak your client with water; keep a towel handy to wipe excess moisture off the stones. You can keep your bottle of oil in the heater to warm it and add to the soothing experience for the client. In order to ensure that you are rotating through your stones, using stones that have heated sufficiently in the heater, start with the stones at one end of the heater. As you use each stone place it at the opposite end of the heater that you got it from. Never place a stone straight from the heater onto the clients skin. Always check the stone temperature with your hands, and flip the stone as you make your way towards the client. In order to make sure that your client will not experience any discomfort from any rough spots on the stones, as well as to ensure that they slide well on the skin, be sure to apply a liberal amount of oil. Stones that have been placed can be kept warmer longer if they are covered once positioned.
You can learn more about hot stone therapy by visiting the many resources on the Internet. Many websites will give you more detailed information about the uses of basalt stone as well as how and why people started using it as a part of massage therapy. One website that gives more information on this subject is Wikipedia.
