Discover Hot Stone Massage

From boosting circulation to easing tension and pain, a Hot Stone Massage offers a deeply therapeutic treatment that combines the soothing warmth of heated stones with traditional massage techniques. The use of stones for healing has been employed for centuries, with many cultures including the Chinese, Native Americans and the Hawaiians influencing the massage as we know it today.

If you’d like to learn more, our Hot Stone Massage Diploma Course will take you from beginner to confident therapist, with lots of in-depth information, guides and insider tips along the way. Here’s an introduction to this ever-popular treatment that could be a great boost for your business, or a chance to leave family and friends floating on air.

Hot Stone Massage Has a Host of Health Benefits

As well as being deeply relaxing, Hot Stone Massage can bring many physical and emotional benefits, including:

• Boosts circulation and blood flow
• Relieves muscular tension and pain
• Eases stress and anxiety
• Helps with insomnia
• Improves joint flexibility
• Alleviates pain associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia

It Takes a Special Kind of Stone

The smooth flat stones used in Hot Stone Massage are usually basalt, an iron-rich volcanic rock which retains heat well. The sleek shape of the stones is a result of the river smoothing and shaping them over time. Heated stones of various sizes are placed on specific points during the treatment and oiled stones are also held by the therapist and used to massage. The stones are heated up in a special thermostatically-controlled water heater to get them to the optimum safe and comfortable temperature for the client. Sometimes soothing cool marble and marine stones are used alternately with the hot stones as part of the treatment.

It Takes the Strain Off the Therapist

Using the stones as a smooth continuation of the therapist’s hands to massage reduces the pressure and strain on the hands and wrists. It’s generally believed that each stroke of a hot stone massage is the same as at least five with the hand, so with far less effort the therapist can use the heat of the stones to warm and loosen up underlying tissue and work at a deeper level. Different shaped stones can also be used instead of the fingers and thumbs. For example, the thinner ‘trigger’ stones, in particular, are useful for pinpointing and helping ease away tension in tighter, congested areas such as the back and shoulders.

It Works Deeply Using Less Pressure

Hot Stone Massage offers clients who prefer a lighter touch many of the benefits of a deeper tissue massage. The comforting heat of the stones encourages the muscles to relax, which allows the therapist to treat them without using deep pressure or causing any discomfort.

It Requires Taking Care of the Stones

As well as cleansing and sterilising basalt stones between clients, it’s important to regularly re-charge them to maintain their energy levels and rid them of any negative energy they may have absorbed during treatments. There are various ways to do this including immersing them in seawater; leaving them out for 24 hours in sunshine and moonlight to restore balance; placing them outside in a thunderstorm or some practitioners cleanse theirs using Reiki. Once recharged and re-energised, it’s believed they hold their heat much more effectively during treatments.

It Will Boost Your Existing Treatment Offer

After studying Hot Stone Massage and gaining the necessary insurance, therapists in the holistic therapy industry may wish to incorporate hot stones into their existing treatments. For example, using stones during facial treatments, sports massage, Indian Head massage, manicures and pedicures or reflexology, provides a deeply relaxing, luxurious spa-style treatment. The soothing heat from the stones also warms the skin which helps any products used absorb into the skin more effectively, resulting in satisfied clients who will return again and again.

Safety and Precautions

Please note that Hot Stone Massage is not suitable for everyone. Always seek a qualified practitioner to carry out your treatment and if you have a medical condition or are pregnant, consult your GP first. The information given is for personal information and interest only. It is not intended to offer professional medical advice or treatment of any condition. Always consult with your GP if you are concerned about any health condition.