These days’ hot stone massages are catching up with popularity amongst people who visit spas or massage parlors often. These massages have been a part of the Egyptian culture since ancient years. Smooth basalt is generally used for the massages. However, some therapists also make the use of oil for these massages.
Massage kits used in homes are also available in the market these days. They comprise of fragrant oils and smooth stones along with the user details. You should ensure that the stones do not over heat, while using at home. Handling the stones with right care is necessary if you are using them at home.
Things needed:
Massage stones, Basin, Soap/gel, electric cooker or saucepan, towel, massage oil
The following systematic procedure will guide you through a safe massage method:
- Massage stones should be washed carefully. Dip them either in sink filled with water or a basin. Later, rinse them with antibacterial gel or soap. Immerse them for sufficient time so that they are rinsed well.
- Heat the washed stones in an electric cooker or a saucepan, which is deep enough to immerse the stones. Make sure that water is filled before immersing the stones in the vessels.
- Do not keep the flame high. At low flame, warm the stones for half an hour. Please note that the temperature should not exceed 125 degrees Fahrenheit. Exceeding the above temperature will burn the skin of the person.
- The person on whom the massage will be performed should face the bed or the table. They should lie either naked or should wear thin clothes. Ensure to cover them with towel in order to avoid them from catching cold.
- Lay some of the stones on the crown of the left leg and some on the middle of the thigh. Some should be placed at the rear of the knee while some on the calf. With these positions of the warm stones placed, massage right leg. Use some massage oil in order to avoid friction.
- Slowly slide the largest massage stone placed on the left leg to the right one. It should proceed from the heel to the bottom.
- Later, lay the warm stones on the right leg. The process should be similar to that of the left. Holding the stones for a few minutes, massage the leg in the same manner.
- Then, shift a large stone on each of the buttocks. In a few minutes, massage the muscles using the large stone slowly.
- Lay warm stone on the neck, lower back, and shoulders. Keeping them constant for a few minutes, slowly massage the back muscles. Finish through the largest stone. Slowly ask the person to turn straight and continue the same procedure on the chest.
Summary:
While taking hot stone massage make sure that the stones should not be placed on scalps and face, since; the skin is sensitive on those parts and hence can causes serious burns. Also, the arms should be massaged using bare hands or a oil immersed stone, because, warm stones do not lay longer on the arms.