How to Give a Warm Stone Massage

A warm stone massage differs from a traditional massage because of its use of heat as well as pressure. The heat is from the stones helps the muscles relax, which leads to a deeper massage. Proponents of warm stone massage also believe it increases circulation, and improves the body's ability to transport waste. Warm stone massage is also less taxing on the person giving the massage than traditional massage because the stones do some of the work of providing pressure.

Things You'll Need

• Basalt stones
• Basin
• Massage oil

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Instructions

• 1

  Fill a basin with hot water and insert the basalt stones. Warm stone massages typically use basalt stones because they do a good job of retaining heat. The stones need to be heated to between 120 and 130 degrees Farenheit. If you don't have a way of measuring the temperature, soak the stones in hot water, but not so hot that you can't immerse your hand in it.

• 2

  Apply massage oil to the areas you plan to massage. Begin with a simple back and neck massage.

• 3

  Place stones on the body. Where you place the stones depends on where you plan to massage. Some areas that benefit the most from warm stone therapy include along the spine, the waist, the soles of the feet, the palms and the shoulders. Do not place the stones underneath the person receiving the massage.

• 4

  Position yourself so you can work with two stones at a time. Grasp the stones lightly in your hands and begin to massage gently, using either long sweeping strokes or a circular motion. Genius Beauty recommends concentrating on each area for approximately four minutes before you replace the stones and move to another area. For a back massage, plan to use between eight and 10 stones. A full body massage may require as many as 44 stones.