Steps on How to Give a Hot Stone Massage By Chris Turley At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

A stone massage therapy is a practice of manipulating the muscles and tissues utilizing hot stones to relax and heal the body from tension, stress and spasms. It is one of the most popular types of massage these days especially during the winter months. If you are a trained masseuse and you want to incorporate the hot stone therapy into your massage practice, then here are the basic steps you need to learn.

The fundamental equipment you will need includes a massage table, linens for the table, towels, massage oils and the electrical heating unit you need to warm the stones. The other optional tools may include a variety of essential oils, a utensil for removing the stones from the heating equipment and a storage bag for the stones.

This session will usually take about 60-90 minutes, so give yourself enough time to prepare because this is an important part. Heat the stones in the electrical heating equipment at about 120-150 degree water. It is also essential to have the right music to set the mood of the massage session. Prepare the massage table with fresh linens and make sure everything is ready before the client arrives. After doing all these, you are now ready to start your hot stone therapy session.

1. The first thing to do is prepare the room for the massage session. Dress the massage table with clean linens and add a special touch by using sheepskin to warm the pad underneath the flannel linens. Prepare the stones in pairs on the massage table where the client’s back will be at about two inches apart.

2. Tell the client to lie down so that the stones will not be touching the spine. It should be on each side of the spine. Ensure that the client is draped properly.

3. Apply the essential oils on the client’s body and place four small stones underneath the lips, on each cheek and the fourth one on the forehead.

4. Start massaging on the leg area. It is important you drape one leg one at a time. Rub appropriately sized stones on each side of the leg and put pressure while massaging. Be very careful in holding on to the stones because of the oil used during the massage. Repeat on the other foot. After this process, place a small stone in between the client’s toes.

5. Use the effleurage stroke and stroke the arms of the client and begin massaging with a medium-sized stone. Repeat this on the other side. If you are done, place a warm stone on each palm of the hand.

6.Remove all of the facial stones and those in between the toes and on the palms. Let him turn over to the side and also remove the stones on the massage table. You can now start massaging the client’s back with effleurage strokes. After the massage, place hot stones on each shoulder, on the scapular area and on the lower back and drape.

7.At this point, you can now massage your client’s scalp, neck and shoulder area. Uncover the client’s back and remove the stones.

8.As a finishing touch, effleurage the whole body over the draping by using the tips of your fingers. Do this on the client’s back and the leg area.

You can now allow your client to relax and enjoy the soothing effects of the hot stone therapy. It is important that during the session you are careful in checking if the stones are not too hot for the client. It is your main responsibility to help him relax and feel the calming effect of the session. If you are successful then the client will surely book another appointment.

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