Hot Stone Massage or LaStone Massage Therapy
What a hot stone massage involves
The practitioner first heats the stones by immersing
them in water, heated in an electric 
heating device.
The stones are ready when they reach a temperature
of between 54 and 63 degrees Celsius. The massage usually
begins with the client lying face down. The masseur
applies oil on the client’s body and uses the
hot stones to perform a massage by gliding them along
the client’s body or applying pressure on certain
points. The pressure
of the massage can vary according to the client’s
request or necessities. When the back massage is over,
the same process is repeated on the front of the body.
In addition to using the hot stones as tools to perform the massage, the therapist can leave the hot stones in place for a certain amount of time on the receiver’s body. The hot stones are usually placed along the spine, between the toes, in the palms of the client’s hands and along the chakras.
Sometimes, if there is inflammation in the muscles, the practitioner also applies cold stones on the client’s body. This acts as a sort of exercise for the veins that alternatively contract and relax, thus helping the release of toxins. A hot stone massage usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes.
Benefits of hot stone massage
The hot stones help the muscle relax, and this makes the massage more effective and soothing. Also, because the muscles are relaxed, the therapist does not need to use deep pressure during the massage. Hot stone massage helps to improve circulation and can help reduce stress, anxiety, tension, depression and insomnia and it can be helpful to relieve the following conditions:
- Back pain and aches
- Poor circulation
- Muscular aches, pains, sprains, and strains
- Rheumatic and arthritic conditions
Tips and thing to be careful about when receiving a hot stone massage
- Practitioners should always sterilise the hot stones by keeping them in water at around 150 degrees temperature and use gloves to pick them up. Be wary if these hygiene procedures are not followed.
- If the stones are too hot, speak up and do not endure a temperature that for you is too high.
- Technique is important; a therapist who did not receive enough training, probably will not know how to apply the right pressure. A course in hot stone massage should last about five days.
- Massage is not recommended: for people who have infectious skin diseases, rash, or open wounds; immediately after surgery; immediately after chemotherapy or radiation; for those prone to blood clots. Pregnant women should check with their doctor first before getting a massage.
