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Hot stones offer a myriad of benefits. During winter, they can be heated and used as effective bed warmers. Additionally, hot stones are ideal for massage therapy, providing relief from tension, enhancing circulation, and easing muscle pain.
Steps for Usage
Preparing Your Bed with Heat
Procure smooth, flat rocks. Seek out river rocks known for their smoothness and flatness. Soapstones are another excellent option due to their heat retention properties. You can find these rocks at specialty stores or online platforms like eBay or Amazon.
Cleanse the stones with hot water and antibacterial soap. After washing, rinse them thoroughly with hot water and then dry them using a clean towel. Finally, sanitize them by spraying with rubbing alcohol.
- You can also wipe them down using a cotton ball or cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol.
- Alternatively, use an eco-friendly disinfectant to sanitize the stones.
Heat the stones to 105-110℉ (40.5-43.33℃). Warm them either on the stove or in the oven, using oven mitts to handle them. Once heated, place the stones inside a cotton bag or wrap them in clean cloths, blankets, or towels. Position them under your bed covers for warmth.
Preparing for a Massage Session
Acquire your hot stones. Search for flat, smooth river rocks of varying sizes, or opt for a pre-made massage stone set. These kits often include basalt, jade, or marble stones in different sizes and may also include a stone warmer.
- If you plan to offer hot stone massages professionally, consider purchasing a separate stone warmer.
Clean your stones before every use. Use hot water and disinfecting soap to thoroughly cleanse the stones. For marble stones, use warm water instead. Rinse the stones well, dry them completely on a clean towel, and then disinfect them using rubbing alcohol or an eco-friendly disinfectant.
Place stones in a saucepan and cover them with water. Place the saucepan on the stove over medium-low heat. Attach a candy thermometer inside to monitor water temperature. Remove from heat once water reaches 110℉ to 125℉ (43.33℃ to 51.66℃).
- Heating stones to the right temp takes about 30 mins.
Check the temperature of the rocks. Test a stone by holding it in your hand; if it's comfortable, they're safe. Drain and let cool if too hot.
- Dry with a clean towel once at the right temp.
- Wrap in the towel to keep warm.
Prepare a small bowl of cold water. Use it to cool hot stones. They may heat up during use, absorbing heat from skin. Dip in water until comfortable, then dry before massaging.
- Ask the person being massaged about stone temperature each time. Cool them if needed.
Massaging with Hot Stones
Find a stone that fits your hand comfortably. This will be your main massage stone. Also, locate large stones for specific body points and flat ones for face, hands, and feet.
Ask the massage recipient to lie face down. Cover their back with a sheet and place large hot stones strategically. Apply massage oil to your hands and massage their legs using hot stones.
- Switch stones to the other leg and repeat techniques.
- Remove stones and cover legs to maintain warmth.
Position two large hot stones on their buttocks. Let them sit briefly before using them to massage the buttocks. You can keep the stones in place during the back massage.
Put hot stones on their neck and shoulders. Also, place small stones in their hands. Use massage oil on your main stone for back massage, focusing on muscles and tendons. Line stones along the spine and let them rest.
Have them turn onto their back and remove stones. Adjust the sheet and place large stones on thighs. Use the main stone for arm, leg, shoulder, and neck massage. Add oil as needed. Additionally, place stones strategically for chest and stomach massage.
- Leave stones in place while massaging the upper body.
- Conclude by massaging the face and scalp.
Massage their face and scalp, using oil if necessary. Keep stones on thighs during facial massage. Apply small stones to the face afterward.
- Allow time for relaxation after completing the hot stone massage.
