Hot stone massage combines the benefits of hydrotherapy and thermalism (or thermotherapy - the use of heat applications) with the strokes of massage using stones to create a deep, relaxing and healing treatment. The heat of the hot stones warms the skin, which allows for the absorption of moisturizing and therapeutic oils, while simultaneously preparing the musculature of the body so the therapist can work into the deeper muscle layers.

As a type of igneous rock, basalt stone is commonly used in massage as a hot stone therapy tool. This stone was formed as lava cooled following volcanic explosions, making it an extrusive stone. Some people that sell to the massage industry sell stones other than basalt for massage stone purposed. These tend not to hold the heat as well as a basalt stone that is used for hot stone massage. In order to ensure that you have the best quality massage stone set it is important to buy your stones from someone that sells certified basalt stone. This way you can ensure that you get your clients will receive a relaxing and soothing massage experience.

While it is very important to use basalt stone for massage stone therapy, it is equally important to follow "best practice" procedures to make sure that your client has a calming, comforting and effective hot stone massage. Take a look at the 7 tips listed below for providing a relaxing and effective hot stone massage. Following this advice will help you make sure that you provide your client an experience that they will enjoy.

  • If you want to warm the oil before using it on your client, place the bottle of oil in the heater to warm it up a little. Make sure that you don't get it too hot; always test it on your wrist before placing any heated oil on your client.
  • Do not surprise your client; always inform your client when before you place the first stone. The weight and heat of the stone can startle your client.
  • In order to make sure that you client is not burned, have them remove all of their jewelry. If a hot stone is placed on the belly of a client that has a metal belly ring it will heat up quickly and possibly burn them.
  • Use a liberal amount of oil and apply to the stone as well as the client's skin before starting a Hot Stone Massage.
  • If you rather not have a film in the water of your hot stone heater, do not use creams or gels on your massage stones. Use only oil as anything else can stain the stones.
  • Start with the stones at one end of the roaster, and as you use a stone, move it to the opposite end. This assures that you are using fresh hot stones, and not the same ones every time you exchange them.
  • Never place a stone straight from the heater onto the clients skin. Always check the stone temperature with your hands, and flip the stone as you make your way towards the client.

    • You can learn more about hot stone therapy by visiting the many resources on the Internet. Many websites will give you more detailed information about the uses of basalt stone as well as how and why people started using it as a part of massage therapy. One website that gives more information on this subject is Wikipedia.