How to Integrate Hot Stones into Massage
Posted by Michele Peacox on Jan 15th 2015
I have used hot stones for massage on many clients, and always had positive feedback after the treatment. Hot stones can be used throughout a massage or just at the end to enhance the effects of the massage.
Hot stones are great at eliminating tension and promoting deeper relaxation. Hot stones can be a great enhancement to massage, especially during the winter months. Warm them up in a hot towel warmer or crock-pot style hot stone heater. Be sure to have a wooden spatula to handle the stone and avoid burning your hands. The therapist can place the stones on specific pressure points or use them to stroke the muscles. The warmth provides deeper relaxation.
Hot stones are effective for the relief of lower back pain, menstrual cramps, plantar fasciitis, chronic neck pain, and eye puffiness. Place two large stones around the sacrum area to alleviate low back pain. Menstrual cramps can be relieved by placing the stones on the lower abdomen or moving them in a circular motion. To relieve pain from plantar fasciitis, take a large heated stone and massage the bottom, middle part of the clients’ foot. An alternative is to just hold the stone with pressure on their feet. Hot stones can help clients with chronic neck pain. Use the large stones to relax the muscles around the neck, and then place a large stone on each side of the base of the neck. Use the stones to treat the specific muscles that can cause neck tension, including the sternocleidomastoid and scalene muscles. Stones can also be used for cold treatments. Ice a few of the small stones before the treatment so they would be super cold. These are great for reducing eye puffiness and providing the client with a rested, bright eyed appearance.
Hot stones can be integrated into just about any massage. You can usually up charge anywhere from $10 to $30 per treatment. You can make more money and provide a unique experience for your clients so they keep coming back. Hot or cold stone enhancements should be on the menu for every massage therapist.