Hot Stone Massage Class
Schedule a hot stone massage class to learn how to safely provide peace and ease to someone with these 7 easy steps.
7 Easy Steps
Have you ever wanted to take a Hot Stone Massage Class?
I hope so, because feeling the hot stone slide against your skin feels like a divine journey of pure delight. It encourages you to close your eyes, take a breath, and breathe. The relaxation it encourages is majestic beyond belief, because it puts us into a state of peace.
- Select smooth stones that feel comfortable in your hand.
- Practice using the stones at room temperature before applying warm stones.
- Be careful when using hot stones
- Do not place the stones on someone’s back and leave them there.
- Use the stones as a tool to massage with.
- Communicate as you massage.
- Be mindful of when the stones become too cool, and safely replace them with warm ones.
1. Select smooth stones that feel comfortable in your hand.
For a fun, safe, effective hot stone massage, you will need stones that fit comfortably in your hand. When selecting stones, make sure they’re easy to hold and not too heavy or cumbersome.
Never hold two stones in one hand, or more than one stone at a time. This means you should not be massaging with one stone in each hand. The reason is that you need to be fully focused, and if your attention is separated between two points, you will be too distracted to remain fully aware.
Avoid squeezing the hot stone; gripping it tightly will put strain on your hands and forearm muscles. Hold them firmly enough to maintain control without them slipping out of your grip, but never clench them with your fingers.
Do not hold a stone above someone’s head. Imagine how terrible it would be if a stone slipped out of your grasp while holding it above their head or face. Remember, these stones can be slick, and they may slip out of your hands at any time.
2. Practice using the stones at room temperature before applying warm stones.
If you haven’t performed a massage before, don’t give a hot stone massage until you are confident in the basics. Then, when you feel confident with your hands, introduce a cool stone into your routine.
This will help you get an idea of how it feels to massage with it, without the risk of injury.
3. Be careful when using hot stones.
The stones can be very hot, so handle them carefully. If you warm your stones at home, you could overheat them, so keep a bowl of water nearby and have tongs ready. These two tools are essential because, no matter how you warm the stones, they can burn you if you aren’t careful.
Give them a moment or more to cool down, use the tongs to dip them in water if needed, and once they are cool enough to hold in your hand without saying ouch, they’re ready to use.
Once you can safely hold them in your hands, test them. To do this, run the stone against your inner forearm. This area is very sensitive; if it is too hot for your forearm, it is too hot for the person you intend to massage.
4. Do not place the stones on someone’s back and leave them there.
DO NOT place stones on anyone’s body and leave them there. I know this rule may seem weird because all you ever see in photographs are people with hot stones all over their backs. I call these photos a recipe for disaster because I have known many people who have been burned by hot stones that were left on their skin.
5. Use the stones as a tool to massage with.
Keep the stones moving at all times. Never stop and linger on one spot; if a hot stone stays stationary too long, it may damage the skin.
When using the stones to massage, use them as an extension of your technique, not a replacement. This means you should adapt the techniques you already know, rather than trying to reinvent the wheel.
Finally, hot stones can increase your client’s perception of the pressure you are using. This is because heat helps to reduce the interoceptive threshold required for their brain to register sensation. Be mindful of this when applying pressure, because the stone’s hard surface creates a barrier that may cause you to use more kinetic force than is needed.
6. Communicate as you massage.
Maintain constant communication with your client during the hot stone massage. Let them know you are about to use the hot stones so they are not surprised by the heat when you apply them. Test the stone against your own skin before using them on the client. After you apply them, ask how it feels. Be ready to adapt immediately to their needs.
Empathize with them and imagine how the stones feel to them as you massage.
7. Be mindful of when the stones become too cool, and safely replace them with warm ones.
Pay attention to how hot or cool the stones are. Depending on the type of stones you use and how you prepare them, their temperature may drop quickly. Remember it is a hot stone massage, not a lukewarm stone massage. Be prepared to have a replacement for the one you are using, and use them with caution.
Hot Stone Massage Class
Shawn White, LMT, offers continuing education, massage mentorships, and couples massage classes. If you want to take your massage skills to the next level, schedule a hot stone massage class today and learn how to help people feel wonderful in delightful ways.
Hot Stone Massage Class
JB Spa
2717 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63368
Disclaimer
Information provided on this website, including educational materials, pain neuroscience explanations, treatment suggestions, and any other content shared during sessions, classes, or coaching, is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
You should always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical concerns. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you receive here.