Hot stone massage is a variation on massage therapy where heated stones are placed at strategic points along the body. The stones are usually polished or smooth to avoid rough edges. They are soaked in clean sanitized water and heated electrically before being used. The heated stones help to improve circulation and relieve body aches and pains.
Basalt
Basalt is a volcanic stone formed under pressure and heat, with a high density, which makes it ideal for hot stone massage therapy. Basalt stores heat well, is heavy and dark, and when placed on the body provides a relaxing sensation due to gentle pressure. Basalt is a smooth stone due to cooling fast after erupting from a volcano and years of tumbling in oceans and rivers. Basalt is available everywhere at a low cost, another reason for its popularity with massage therapists.
Jadestone
Jade therapy stones come in two types: jadeite or nephrite. Jadeite is harder to find than nephrite and is considered a precious stone so it is expensive. Nephrite is the best jade stone to use for massage therapy because it is easier to find, it can hold hot or cold temperatures and you can use the same stone for different treatments.
Quartzite
Quartzite comes from sandstone that has changed over time due to environmental forces such as heat, pressure or chemicals. It is a smooth rock with high density, which makes it ideal for hot stone massage therapy. Quartzite has a high ability to retain heat or cold and is commonly found in many useful sizes for massage therapy.
References
- LaStone Therapy the Original Hot and Cold Stone Massage: Stones used in LaStone Therapy
- Jade Therapy Stones
- "Hot Stone and Gem Massage"; Dagmar Fleck and Liane Jochum; 2006
- "Hot Stone Massage: A Three-Dimensional Approach"; Leslie Bruder; 2010
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