Care and Use of Hot Stones
Learning more about a procedure often serves to increase not only the effectiveness of the process but also heightens the enjoyment. That certainly holds true when it is something that is fairly unfamiliar or involves an aspect that makes one a bit uncomfortable. Such is the case for many when they first consider the prospect of making an appointment for a hot stone massage.
The best advice to keep foremost in one’s mind when doing almost anything is to do your research and be comfortable with your choice in massage therapist. Ask questions about experience and credentials. Only someone with less than stellar qualifications will hesitate to provide you with all of the information you seek.
Once satisfied with your choice of practitioner, familiarize yourself with the tools that she will be using. While most types of massage will be done by the massage therapist using combinations of strokes and muscle kneading using only her hands, hot stone massage adds the use of heated stones. The thought of hot rocks being used on one’s bare concern often creates a certain amount of trepidation!
A skilled practitioner in the art of using hot stones is very precise in how the stones are prepared and used. Before each session, the stones are cleaned and sterilized. They are then heated to between 50 and 80 degrees Celsius but are always checked by the massage therapist prior to use on the client. Higher heat aides in the effectiveness on the muscles but the temperature should never be such that it causes discomfort to the client.
When a stone is removed from the hot water it is allowed to cool for a few moments and then the therapist will hold it in her hands, allowing some of the heat to transfer into her hands. Then the therapist will hold the stone with one hand while using the other hand to start massaging the area where the stone is going to be used. As a result, when the stone is then applied the area has already been somewhat warmed and this makes a nice transition for the client.
Immediately before starting to use the stones in the massage, the massage therapist will apply massage oils to the part of the body on which the stones will be used. Oil is also applied to the stones themselves. This reduces friction and permits the stones to glide across the skin even while pressure is being used to enhance relaxation of the muscle groups.
The entire process of reducing muscle tension and stress and increasing overall well-being and relaxation is accomplished, always keeping in mind client comfort and safety.
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