Hot stone massage (also known as lava stone massage) uses heat in combination with manipulation techniques to relax tight muscles, relieve pain, stiffness and improve blood circulation. The treatment can be used to manage ailments such as muscle pain, arthritic and autoimmune conditions. The heat released by the stones penetrates the skin, increasing the flow of blood, expelling toxins and triggering a much deeper muscle relaxation, compared to what can be obtained with a standard massage. By placing the hot stones on the acupressure points, you can unblock the energy flows and improve the body's self-healing abilities. The masseur can also customize the treatment, based on the client's specific preferences and needs.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Gather the Material
Step 1. Find or purchase stones
Those used for massage are generally basalt, because this material retains heat well. The stones should be very smooth so as not to irritate the skin in any way. If you can't get some basalt stones, you can get smooth ones from a river bed. You can order lava stones online, on e-commerce sites such as Amazon and eBay; however, if you don't want to buy them, you can collect them in a quarry.
You should take about 20 or 30, although professional massages are also performed with 45-60 stones; in addition, you should have at least two large oval pieces about 20 cm long and 15 cm wide, seven stones the size of the palm of your hand and eight smaller stones, roughly the size of an egg or a coin
Step 2. Prepare the area
If you don't have a massage table, the floor or bed is fine too. When you have decided on the place to perform the massage, you should cover the surface with a clean sheet or a thick towel, on which the person can lie down; in this way, not only does it help her to relax more, but the tissue also absorbs the excess oil used during the procedure.
- In order for the environment to be truly relaxing, light some aromatherapy candles. Calming scents, such as lavender, lemongrass, eucalyptus, and vanilla, help the person let go during the massage.
- You can also play classical music at a reduced volume or play rain sounds to create the right atmosphere.
Step 3. Heat the stones
Ideally, you should prepare them about 30-60 minutes before the massage. The water should have a temperature of about 50 ° C, so that the stones reach that of 38-43 ° C when you take them out; remember to dry them with a cloth when you take them out of the water.
- To heat the stones, you can use a slow-cooker that can hold at least six liters of water or a large pan with 7-8 cm high sides.
- Since the stones should be around 40 ° C when you use them on the person's body, put a cake thermometer in the slow-cooker or pan to monitor the temperature; if you use the appliance, set it to the minimum or medium level to avoid bringing the water to a boil.
- You should also grease each stone with some massage oil before using it.
Step 4. Cover the person, if necessary
Before starting the massage, you should make sure that he is comfortable with the temperature of the stones. Some people react differently and you certainly don't want to burn them; to avoid this risk, it is best to cover the skin with a sheet or towel and place the stones on the fabric.
Remember that it takes 3-4 minutes for the heat to penetrate the skin
Part 2 of 3: Performing the Massage
Step 1. Align the stones on the spine
Before starting the massage, you must arrange the large stones in a row on the surface, where the person's spine will rest, or create two lines of stones on the sides of the same. You should then cover them with another sheet and ask the client to lie on their back on them; you don't have to move the stones until you ask him to turn around.
Step 2. Place the small stones on your face
Once the person has taken the correct position, take four of the smaller stones and place them without greasing them on the pressure points of the face. You should put one on the forehead, one under the lips and one on each cheek; you should not use the oil, to prevent it from irritating the skin or clogging the pores.
Step 3. Place the large stones along the breastbone, collarbones and on the hands
Depending on the height and width of the person being massaged, the size of the stones to be used may vary. However, you should place one or more on each collarbone, two large ones on the breastbone, and two palm-sized stones on the hands; the person does not need to grasp the latter, instead they should keep their hands relaxed, forming a cup with their fingers.
Step 4. Use the palm-sized stones to massage the rest of your body
When you have arranged the stones on the front of the person, take the medium sized ones and grease them; rub them on the body following the muscle bundles, from head to toe, to dissolve the contractures. You should take a few minutes to massage the points where you have previously placed the stones; when finished, remove them all.
Step 5. Ask the person to turn over
Once the front is massaged, move on to the back, letting the client lie on the abdomen. This is a good opportunity to remove the stones you have placed along the spine; you can also take the opportunity to change the sheet or towel, to keep the environment clean.
You should also change the stones to make sure they are always hot
Step 6. Place the stones on the shoulder blades, behind the knees and between the toes
Choose the larger ones for the shoulder blades and knees; for the toes, take the smaller ones and wedge them between one finger and the other; you should also wrap them with a cloth to retain heat and keep them in place.
After arranging the stones, take the ones as big as the palm of your hand and use them to massage the body from head to toe, gradually removing those placed previously
Part 3 of 3: Try Different Techniques
Step 1. Use the stones instead of your hands to perform the massage
Gently rub it on the painful and contracted areas. The pressure applied through the stones could be quite intense, but since the person's musculature has relaxed enough with the heat, the procedure shouldn't cause pain.
Step 2. Combine the lava stone massage with other techniques
You can try Swedish or deep tissue massage; in this way, you can get the maximum benefit from the treatment. Since the stones warm and soothe stiff muscles, other massage techniques can be performed almost painlessly, both when the stones are on the skin and when they are removed.
Step 3. Alternate the application of hot lava stones with those of cold marble
Most clients say that the body is so relaxed from the heat and massage that they don't notice the change in temperature with colder stones; this practice is often recommended for recovery from injuries that have caused inflammation or swelling.
Warnings
- Whether you are performing a hot stone self-massage or are entrusted to a massage therapist, it is important that the correct technique is used. Try to learn it from an experienced massage therapist or make an appointment with a competent and licensed therapist, for best results.
- Never leave the stone on a single point on the body, unless you have checked the temperature and are sure that it is comfortable for the person receiving the massage.
