Hot Stone Massages

Hot stone massages have become increasingly popular at most health clubs and day spas around the globe. These massages can be pretty pricey, depending on where you go. Getting a hot stone massage at home seems like a much more practical option, doesn't it? It is possible to provide this relaxing experience from the comfort of your very own spa a-la living room.

Be sure that you have all the right materials before you get started. Basalt stones are usually what is used in a hot stone massage, but if you'd like to take a trip to the nearest river, the stones from the riverbed would work just as well. Whichever route you decide to take make sure you get stones of varying sizes and be sure they are completely smooth, no rough corners or edges. You will also need a large pot or pan for heating the stones, a couple towels, some baby oil (or massage oil if you want to buy it) and some tongs to remove the stones from the water.

Make sure you rinse off your stones before you use them. Once they are clean, dry them off and slather them with oil (baby oil, massage oil, essential oil, etc.). Begin heating the water in your pot and add the stones. Make sure you keep on eye on them as you do not want the stones to be overly hot, just warm. Different size stones will hold the heat differently, so play with them at least once before using them on anyone. Once they are warm enough, remove them from the water and completely dry them off before placing them.

When you begin placing the stones, test them on your own skin first. You do not want to place a stone that is too hot or one that is not warm enough. If the stones are too warm, you can place a towel down before laying the stone. Be sure to put the larger stones atop the larger muscles (lower back, sides of the spine, shoulders, etc). Make sure to use appropriately sized stones for where you are placing them. Make sure you place stones on the shoulder blades, base of the neck, down the spine or anywhere else the receiver asks. Lay a medium sized stone on each other their hands, and if you have small stones, they can be used between fingers or even toes.

Don't forget the arms, legs, feet or wrists. These are all spots with pressure points and enhanced sensibility, so the person receiving the massage will become more relaxed. With permission from the person receiving the massage, you can place a few tiny stones on their face as well. This causes a very soothing, calming aura for them.

When you start the massage, you can use your bare hands, or you can use a medium sized, warm stone. Remove the stones from the area you are about to work on, and begin running the warm stone over their skin. Push lightly as the heat penetrates the skin and relaxes the muscles, so you will not need as much pressure. Pay attention to the person receiving the massage, they will let you know what feels good, needs more pressure, les pressure or none at all.

When you are done massaging one area, replace the stones. If you notice any of the stones start to cool off, replace them with freshly heated stones. It is a wise idea to have more stones heating than you are using, that way you have some handy if you need to replace, without having to reheat any.

When you're done with the massage, clean your stones with an anti bacterial soap (I actually use dish soap to clear the oils from the stones) and dry them completely before storing them away.

A hot stone massage is a fantastic way to help a loved one wind down from a chaotic day. If you're lucky, you may receive one in return.