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Hot stones have a variety of uses. You can heat stones up in the winter and use them as bed warmers. Another great use for hot stones is massage. Hot stone massage therapy provides tension relief, improves circulation and alleviates muscle pain.
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Find smooth, flat rocks. Look for river rocks, which tend to be smooth and flat. You can also purchase soapstones, which retain heat well. Try to find them from specialty stores, or online through eBay or Amazon.
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Wash the stones with hot water and antibacterial dish soap. Rinse them with hot water after you wash them. Next, dry them with a clean towel. Finally, spray them with rubbing alcohol to sanitize them. [1] X Research source
- You can also rub them with a cotton ball or rag dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Disinfect them with another environmentally-safe disinfectant.
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Heat your rocks to 105-110℉ (40.5-43.33℃). Warm them on the stove or in the oven. Remove them from the heat using oven mitts. Place the heated stones in a cotton bag, or wrap them in clean rags, blankets, or towels. Put them under your bed covers. [2] X Research source
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Obtain your hot stones. Look for flat, smooth river rocks in a variety of sizes. You can also purchase a massage stone set instead of finding them in nature. Look for kits that feature basalt, jade, or marble stones in a variety of sizes. Some kits will also come with a stone warmer. [3] X Research source
- You can buy a stone warmer separately. This is a good idea if you plan to practice hot stone massage professionally.
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Wash your stones each time you use them. Clean the stones in hot water with plenty of disinfecting dish soap. Use warm water if you have marble stones. Rinse the stones well in hot or warm water, then dry them well on a clean towel. Disinfect them with rubbing alcohol or an environmentally-safe disinfectant.
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Place stones in a saucepan and add enough water to cover them. Put the saucepan on the stove and turn the burner on to medium low. Attach a candy thermometer to the inside of the pan to check the temperature of the water. Remove the pan from the stove when the water reaches a temperature between 110℉ and 125℉ (43.33℃ and 51.66℃). [4] X Research source
- Heating the stones to the right temperature will take about 30 minutes.
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Check the temperature of the rocks. Hold a stone in your hand. The rocks are a safe temperature if you can comfortably hold a stone in your hand. Drain the water and let the stones cool off in the pan if they are too hot. [5] X Research source
- Dry the stones with a clean towel when they are at the right temperature.
- Wrap the stones in the same towel to keep them warm.
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Prepare a small bowl with cold water. Use this bowl to cool down hot stones. The stones might heat up as you use them, drawing on the heat from your skin and the skin of the person being massaged. Dip the hot stones in the cool water until they are comfortable to your touch. Dry the stones before using them for massage. [6] X Research source
- Ask the person receiving the massage if the stones are too hot every time you place them in a new area. Cool them down if they are too hot.
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Find a stone that fits comfortably in your hand. Use this as your main massaging stone. Also find some large stones to put on different points on the body of the person you’re massaging. Look for a few smaller, very flat stones for the face, hands, and feet. [7] X Research source
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Ask the person receiving the massage to lie on their stomach. Cover their back with a sheet. Place one large hot stone in the middle of their left thigh, one in the middle of the left calf, and one behind their left kneecap. Squirt some massage oil in your hands, and massage their right leg. Take your main massage stone and use it to apply heat and pressure to the back of the right leg.
- Switch the stones to their right leg, and use the same hot stone massage techniques on the left leg.
- Remove the stones and cover their legs with the sheet to keep them warm after massaging the legs.
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Put two large hot stones on their buttocks. Let the stones rest in place for a minute or two. Next, use the hot stones to massage the buttocks. You can remove the stones after massaging the buttocks or keep them in place as you continue to massage the back.
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Place hot stones on their neck and shoulder blades. Put small stones in the palms of their hands. Squirt some massage oil on your main massaging stone and use it to massage the back. Rub the stones along the muscles and tendons, not across the back. Line more stones along their spine. Let the stones rest in place for a minute. [8] X Research source
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Remove all the stones, and have the person turn onto their back. Reposition the sheet to cover their upper body. Set a large stone on each thigh, and use your main massaging stone to massage their arms and legs. Apply more oil to the stone if needed. Next, massage the shoulders and neck with the main stone. [9] X Research source
- Place one hot stone near the heart, one close to the sternum and one on the belly button if you like while massaging the neck and shoulders.
- Massage their chest and stomach, using the stones that are in place on their sternum and belly. Rub with a circular motion around their stomach area.
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Massage their face and scalp with your fingers. Add more oil to your hands if needed. Leave the hot stones on their thighs while you massage their face. Place small hot stones on the planes of the face after you massage it.
- Let the person relax for a few minutes after you have completed their hot stone massage.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionHow can one ensure a safe and effective hot stone massage experience at home?Rebecca Tenzer is the owner and head clinician at Astute Counseling Services, a private counseling practice in Chicago, Illinois. With over 18 years of clinical and educational experience in the field of mental health, Rebecca specializes in the treatment of depression, anxiety, panic, trauma, grief, interpersonal relationships using a combination of Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Psychodynamic therapy, and other evidence-based practices. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology and Anthropology from DePauw University, a Master in Teaching (MAT) from Dominican University, and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Chicago. Rebecca has served as a member of the AmeriCorps and is also a Professor of Psychology at the collegiate level. Rebecca is trained as a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist (CBT), a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), a Certified Grief Counseling Specialist (CGCS), a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP), and a Certified Compassion Fatigue Professional (CCFP). Rebecca is also a member of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Society of America and The National Association of Social Workers.For a safe, effective hot stone massage at home, focus on safety and setting the mood. If not getting professional services, consult experts for guidance. If using a non-pro kit, be sure it regulates temperature. Carefully read directions and use in a suitable environment. Ambiance helps relaxation, but always test the stones' temp for comfort — don't overheat. Your well-being comes first, so if you are ever unsure or concerned, reach out to a professional. The goal is a soothing experience, so take precautions, create a calming atmosphere, and don't hesitate to ask the experts. With the right prep and care, you can enjoy hot stone's benefits safely.
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QuestionHow long will the stones stay hot?Community AnswerThey should stay warm for an hour. After about five minutes after you place them, you can turn them over for a little more heat. Keep a lot of hot stones handy just in case.
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QuestionDescribe how water in a pan gets heated?Community AnswerPut the pan on your stove and turn on the heat. Adjust the heat to medium or low. Keep the pan on the hot burner for about 30 minutes.
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about massages, check out our in-depth interview with Rebecca Tenzer, MAT, MA, LCSW, CCTP, CGCS, CCATP, CCFP .
References
- ↑ https://www.massagemag.com/the-massage-magazine-guide-to-hot-stone-massage-31394/
- ↑ https://www.almanac.com/blog/editors-musings/blog-keeping-warm-winter
- ↑ https://www.ebay.com/gds/Best-Hot-Stone-Massage-Kits-/10000000205792032/g.html
- ↑ https://exhealth.drprem.com/guide-hot-stone-massage-home/
- ↑ https://www.amtamassage.org/articles/3/MTJ/detail/2204
- ↑ https://www.integrativehealthcare.org/mt/archives/2014/04/hot-rocks-is-hot-stone-massage-safe.html
- ↑ https://www.abmp.com/textonlymags/article.php?article=176
- ↑ https://remedygrove.com/bodywork/Do-It-Yourself-Hot-Stone-Massage
- ↑ https://soulsong.abmp.com/hot-stone-massage
About This Article
Article Summary
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Before you use hot stones for a massage, make sure to disinfect them with rubbing alcohol and heat them to a safe temperature, between 110℉ and 125℉, in a pot of water on the stove. When you’re ready to begin the massage, have the person lie on their back and place one hot stone on each leg. Let the stone sit for a couple of minutes before massaging with a small amount of massage oil. You can repeat this process on their buttocks, back, neck, and shoulder blades. To learn how to use hot stones to heat your bed, read on!
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Reader Success Stories
- "My boyfriend has had a stone kit for five years, and I found out that he had only used them a few times. With this information, I can now help his back." ..." more
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"My boyfriend has had a stone kit for five years, and I found out that he had only used them a few times. With this information, I can now help his back."
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"This was very helpful to me. I feel that I have learned a lot about hot rock massage. Thank you."
