Hot stones make for some warm and cozy massages with plenty of benefits, according to University of New Hampshire's Health Services website. When placed on areas along the front or back of the body, hot stones are designed to relieve stress and pain, relax muscles and their surrounding tissues, and improve circulation and overall health. Not just any old rock will do for effective hot stone therapy.
Description
Hot stones are smooth, rounded rocks used for hot stone massages. The stones, generally basalt, come in a variety of sizes depending on their function and placement, TIR Massage Stones points out. Most are oblong, save for the rounded palm stones, and the primary color is dark gray or black.
Material
Basalt is the ideal material for hot stones because it contains large amounts of iron and magnesium, both of which are good at retaining heat, according to the Hot Stone Hut. Optimum stones are dark and one solid color, rather than one with lighter areas, so the heat stays consistent. Although some are tempted to gather their own river rocks or cobblestones for hot stone massages, they will heat at different rates if they all do not contain the same mixture of materials.
Sizes
Hot stone sizes range from 5 inches to 1 inch, according to TIR Massage Stones. Size varies depending on the area for which the stones are intended. Larger stones, from 3 to 5 inches, work on the belly, neck, gluteus and palms. Medium stones, from 2 to 2-1/2 inches, work along the spine while the smallest stones are ideal for the face and other small or tender areas.
Function
While all hot stones work to relieve stress and relax muscles, some have even more specific functions, according to TIR Massage Stones. Trigger point stones target points in deep tissue and muscles, aiming to relax the areas prone to spasms or high tension. They are generally thinner than other stones and feature a rounded end. Narrow, oblong stones work as contour stones that sit well on the body's contours, like around the shoulder blade. Thicker stones go with thicker muscles such as thighs while thinner stones work for smaller areas between fingers and toes. Many of the stones, like those for the palms, feet and thighs, work best in pairs of two nearly identical stones.
Considerations
A typical hot stone massage set contains about 50 stones, reports Hot Stone Hut. Therapists will often have a variety on hand to best suit body shapes, sizes and needs. Always speak up if the stones are too hot, too heavy or causing any pain. Hot stones require sterilization before use and heating water temperatures between 130 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit, the University of New Hampshire's Health Services notes. Cold stones are also sometimes part of hot stone therapy, but they are white stones that are usually marble, TIR Massage Stones states.
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