Hot stones massage therapy combines traditional therapeutic massage with the application on the skin of stones at different temperatures, to facilitate the flow of vital energy and thus alleviate physical and emotional disorders.
Massage is a physical and mental well-being technique capable of bringing a series of benefits to the mind and body of the person who performs it. Depending on the specializations of the same and the most common types, it is possible to treat a series of problems and pathologies. Among the most popular massage methods, there is the one carried out with hot stones. Also known as hot stones for massage, it exploits the beneficial properties of these natural elements to carry out a technique that has been particularly appreciated in recent years.
In this article, we will take care of indicating all the information necessary to fully understand this technique. As well as the benefits that it is able to bring and its operation.
Hot stones massage: what it is and where it originates
The hot stone massage has become particularly widespread only in recent times, although its origins are ancient. It dates back to ancient Egypt, where it was used for therapeutic purposes and subsequently spread to America, becoming known and carried out even by Native Americans.
The American masseuse Mary Nelson, who integrated the Ayurvedic techniques typical of the Chinese tradition, deepened the massage technique. She also modernized the entire procedure by using 72 basalt stones of volcanic origin.
The massage performed with hot stones is suitable for all those who suffer from muscle stiffness and contractures, as the heat generated by the stones is able to bring a series of benefits in this regard. As for the mind and the energy of the body, the hot stone massage acts by unlocking the chakra and consequently ensuring a rebalancing of the body and mind.
The methods for carrying out this type of massage that requires the use of hot stones are essentially three. Let’s see them below.
- Through the unique use of volcanic hot stones.
- By alternating hot and cold stones, 52 in the first case and 18 in the second.
- The unique use of cold stones, particularly indicated in specific cases in which it is necessary to improve the oxygenation of the blood and tissues and consequently the capillary fragility of the individual who performs it.
Where to buy the best massage hot stones?
The hot stone massage can also be done independently if you buy the most suitable products. The online sites offer several different models, each of which has been reviewed and commented on by previous buyers. In the list below we show you a list of the best hot stones, as well as the best-selling and most popular ones. Are you ready? Let’s start then.
Amethyst Lake Massage Stone Water Heater
Do you want to offer hot stone massages? So this hot stone set is an economical way to get acquainted with hot stone massages. With this set, you can easily offer hot stone massages in addition to your relaxation massages.
This set is very economical and therefore ideal for private use or for beginner masseurs who want to try out hot stone massages. The massage stone set and the hot stone heater are quite compact, so you can take them easily with you and they don’t take up too much space. All 36 stones come in different sizes and are ideal as an addition to your relaxation massages or for private use. In addition, the stylish black velvet drawstring bag allows you to easily take the stones with you. want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Discover more and the price
Zabrina Massage Stones And Warmer
Do you want to offer hot stone massages? With this kit, you can easily offer 45-60 minutes of hot stone massages.
The exterior of this heater is stainless steel. This professional, quality stone heater is designed specifically for heating massage stones. The heater is easy to empty since the vessel lifts out and it comes with a slotted wooden spoon for picking up your stones. The set of 27 Basalt stones consists of different sizes and is ideal for professional and private use. These hot massage stones increase the rate at which the body processes nutrients and toxins. They can provide deep relaxation of muscles, helping to alleviate stress and tension. want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Discover more and the price
Portable Stone Massage Kit With Heater Case
If you do a lot of on-site massages this Portable Hot Stones Massage Kit might be the thing for you. It comes with a comfortable travel case that doubles as a water-less warmer for the stones. The package includes 12 basalt massage stones and a free instructional e-book.
The bag has a normal AC wall adapter plug to heat the stones. In addition, it also has car adapter support, perfect for those times when you’re really on the go. This is a perfect solution for people who like to work at fairs and places that might not always have access to an outlet. In addition, you can control the heater through a digital thermometer. want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Discover more and the price
Therapist’s Choice
For something smaller that has the added benefit of not looking like a crockpot, this package offers an electric warmer and 12 massage stones.
Although this is not as ideal as a water bath, if you’re looking for a water-free heater, this is the one you should consider buying. There’s space for all 12 stones in this shell and it heats up in under 15 minutes.
Both sides of the clamshell have heating elements so the rocks warm up evenly. In addition, it is lightweight and easy to carry with you. want to know more and read user reviews? Just follow the link below.
Discover more and the price
Stages of hot stone massage
The massaging process carried out with hot volcanic stones is mainly divided into two phases. Let’s see below what each of them consists of.
Phase 1
The first phase of the massage involves placing the hot stones on the client’s body. In this sense, it is essential to know the exact points in which to place them, also known as chakra points, mainly 7, located on the spine which represents the central axis of the human body.
Based on the Ayurvedic medical tradition, Mary Nelson deduced that all 144 chakra points located on the human body metaphorically represent the entrance doors to communicate with the universe through a continuous exchange of energy. If these points should be devoid of energy, the massage carried out with hot lava stones – which are precisely positioned on them – allows to reactivate the circulation.
During the treatment, it is good to check from time to time the heat emitted by the stones to replace them in cases where they cool. The warm ones are inserted again in the stone heater which contains hot water and is a kind of pot suitable for their positioning.
Phase 2
After the preparation of the lava stones, which are heated and positioned at the exact points, there is the execution of the massage, which requires the right preparation in this regard. The peculiarity, that distinguishes the hot stone massage from the classic one, lies in having to use the stones to massage the entire body. They must have a size not excessive, but equal to that of the masseur’s palm.
To avoid unpleasant inconveniences, it would be advisable to check that the stone used is not too hot to burn the customer and/or irritate his skin. It is also important to make sure to use every small portion of the element so that the whole stone comes into contact with the body, remaining at a stable temperature and preventing it from cooling.
The procedure is identical for each part of the body, simply remember to remove the stones placed on the chakra points before performing the massage.
Beneficial hot stones
The massage performed with hot stones can offer a series of benefits to the person who performs it, whether it concerns the body, mind, or spirit. In the past, improvements were found regarding the emotions of the individual, so much so that those who received the massage claimed to feel more positive and light.
Focusing on the physical aspect for a moment, let’s see below what are the benefits that hot stones offer to the body.
- Improvement of insomnia, stress, and mood;
- improvement of muscle, skeletal pain, rheumatic and joint pain;
- Back pain, sciatica, and neck pain improvement.
- alleviation of headaches;
- improved posture;
- Blood and lymphatic circulation improvement.
- improvement of imperfections such as cellulite.
Most of these benefits are obtained from the heat that the stones generate on the body, which leads to spontaneous vasodilation and consequently an improvement in blood circulation and oxygen supply to the tissues.
The skin of the individual who performs the massage can regenerate itself through the exfoliation that the stones exert on it. In this way, at the end of the treatment, it appears brighter, toned, and smoother.
DIY hot stones massage
Making a hot stone massage at home is easy if you have the right materials and know enough about the technique to use. To ensure that the stones are efficient it is first of all important to buy them – perhaps online, at the best value for money – and above all to heat them. Let’s see below what is the most suitable procedure.
- To heat the lava stones it is essential to have a bowl made of materials quite resistant to high temperatures. Alternatively, a flat pot with a diameter of about 20 cm is sufficient. To avoid problems with water it would be advisable to place the element on a non-slip or at least rough surface.
- At this point the chosen container must be filled with hot water, whether it comes from the tap or previously heated, with a maximum temperature of 60 ° C.
- Lava stones should be placed in the container now full of water, the temperature of which decreases by about 15 ° in contact with them, especially if slightly cold. If necessary, it would be advisable to add more hot water and let them soak for at least 10 minutes.
- Before performing the massage, make sure that the stones are not excessively hot for the body. Sensitivity to heat varies from individual to individual, which is why this step is by no means to be taken for granted and/or trivial.
- During the execution of the treatment, it is advisable to make sure that the soaked stones remain at a constant temperature. Otherwise, it would be advisable to add more hot water.
Massage oil to use
Hot stones are not enough to perform a hot stone massage. Without the use of suitable massage oil, they would risk irritating and scraping the skin, even the less sensitive one. It allows the stones to slide on the skin. Even, if combined with different essences it can offer numerous benefits to the body.
If you want to use a home oil, olive oil is certainly the most suitable. However, it needs to be diluted as it is too thick for the treatment. To do this, simply mix 30 ml of almond oil and 2 drops of ylang-ylang with 30 ml of product.
Use of hot stones: contraindications
Hot stones themselves do not cause any kind of side effects. However, if heated for use during treatment they may not be suitable for everyone. Let’s see below what are the cases in which it would be preferable to avoid its use.
- In cases of heart problems.
- Skin lesions and wounds are not completely healed.
- in cases of acute inflammation, nausea, and fever.
- in pregnancy, unless specified by your doctor;
- And, in the case of childhood.
Conclusion
That’s all for now, friends. These are some of the best hot stones for massage. Do you know of any other massage stone sets? Let us know in the comment section below. Thank you.
Also, please see the best massage oil heaters to buy.