Stones Used For Massage Therapies

A stone massage therapy is a practice of manipulating muscles and
tissues using stones to relieve tension and muscle spasms. The stones
used in this type of massage is either cold or hot stones. Its
hardness allows the masseuse to work on specific areas with deeper
pressure. Darker stones such as the basalt stone have the capability
to get hotter and retain heat for longer periods of time. These stones
have the highest magnetic intensity and contain the most iron. Grayish
stones can be very hot too but they do not get as hot as the dark
ones. Because of its ability to get hotter, darker stones also have
the potential to burn. The gray ones are safe because they can be
manipulated and predictable enough to ensure the client's safety.
Therefore, it is essential to work with different kinds, colors and
shapes of stones in a stone massage therapy. The stones used in the
massage therapy are used in many ways. The purpose is to transfer heat
from the stone to the client. In this way, the client is still draped
in a towel or sheet and the heated stones are placed on top of the
client. The layout of the stones will be usually along the sides of
the spine or along the chakra points. While the stones are delivering
heat on the body, the masseuse will continuously massage the client
with heated stones held in the palm. The therapist will also apply
effleurage strokes along the muscles of the arms, legs and torso
areas. A hot stone massage is not just gliding the warm stones on the
surface of the skin but it is used as a tool to deliver effective
muscle massage in a specific pressure level comfortable for the
client. The pressure of the massage will depend on the client's
preference. It may either be light, medium or deep pressure. The
hardness of the stones makes the massage easier on the joints of the
masseuse's hands. The heat of the stones helps the muscles relax and
improves blood circulation. It allows the body to pump more oxygen and
nutrients to vital organs of the body and the tissues. Thus also
accelerating the healing capacity of the body and improving recovery
time from injuries. The massage and the heat of the stones also aids
in mental relaxation helping the client experience a meditative sleep.
These stones are heated in clean sanitized water between 120 to 150
degree Fahrenheit. There are gloves or tools used to remove the hot
stones from the water. This is to avoid growth of bacteria in the
water. Ideally, the water is changed every session and the stones
cleaned properly. Finally, stones are not just conductors of heat;
they are also reflections of the disposition and personality of the
therapist. The type of stone used in the massage therapy will really
depend on the therapist. It is his responsibility to use the right
kind and use it in the most therapeutic way in order for the client to
experience the overall benefits of the massage.