Hot stone massage is a form of massage therapy involving the use of heated stones on soft tissue. Karyn Chabot, licensed massage therapist, says that "it is a harmonious collaboration of healing energies between the client, the therapist and the stones." During a foot massage with hot stones, you massage with the stones and place the round, flat stones on energetic points on your client's feet. By practicing a few techniques, you can perform a hot stone foot massage.
Step 1
Wrap the massage stones in a damp towel. Put the stones on a baking tray and place it in the oven. Set the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, and leave the stones in the oven for 20 minutes.
Step 2
Sit at the foot of the massage table, and uncover your client's right foot. Position your right leg to the side of the table so that you can lean in without hunching your shoulders. Ensure that your client is in a comfortable position.
Step 3
Select a rounded stone just larger than your thumb. If you can handle the hot stone, it shouldn't be too hot for your client's feet. Support her right foot with your non-dominant hand.
Step 4
Press and hold the hot stone on the plantar surface of her right foot for one to five minutes. Communicate with your client to make sure the temperature of the stone is acceptable.
Step 5
Tuck the stone between your thumb and index finger and massage her foot's plantar surface with the stone. Perform vertical strokes. Lean in and apply pressure-point stimulation to the plantar surface.
Step 6
Press the flat stone to her right heel and hold it in place for one to five minutes.
Step 7
Massage her right heel with the hot stone. Grasp the hot stone between your thumb and index finger and stroke with horizontal and vertical movements. Apply pressure-point stimulation to areas on the middle and the edges of her heel.
Step 8
Hold the flat stone against the ball of her right foot and her toes. Pressure for one to five minutes.
Step 9
Insert the stone between your thumb and index finger and massage the ball of her foot with the stone. Perform horizontal and vertical strokes. Lean in and stimulate pressure points on the ball of her foot and on each toe.
Step 10
Cover her right foot and repeat the massage techniques on her left foot. Position your left leg to the side of the massage table. Select a fresh, hot stone for massaging her left foot.
Tips and Warnings
- Soothing music and aromatherapy candles may help your client relax during the foot massage.
- Discuss massage with your doctor first in cases of unexplained pain, burns or open wounds, cancer, blood clots, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, severe osteoporosis and pregnancy, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Things You'll Need
- Massage table
- Stool
- Oven
- Towel
- Massage stones
Member Comments