Submitted by: Emily Taylor

While stone massage can be done using both hot or cold stones, the types of stones used for hot stone massage vary greatly from those used for cold stone massage. Hot stone massage is a variation on massage therapy that utilizes heated stones placed at strategic points along the clients body. These stones are heated by first being soaked in clean utilized water and then heated electrically before being placed on the clients body. Heated stone massage is used to help improve circulation and relieve the body of aches and pains.

Basalt is one of the best stones for use in hot stone massage therapy. Basalt is actually a volcanic stone that s formed while under pressure and heat. Its high density makes it ideal for hot stone therapy, as it s a dark and heavy stone. Basalt stores heat well because of these properties. When a therapist uses gentle pressure to place these stones on the body, clients experience an intense relaxing sensation. The smoothness of these stones is credited to the way in which they are formed. The fast cooling of these stones following eruption from a volcano, combined with years of natural rock tumbling in large bodies of water, make the surface of these stones extremely smooth. These stones are readily available for a reasonable price, which is why they are so popular with massage therapists.

Jadestone is another popular choice for use in hot stone massage therapy. The types of jade used for this type of therapy are actually available in two varieties; nephrite and jadeite. Jadeite is actually considered a precious stone, which makes it a far more expensive option for therapists. This also makes it more difficult to find, which means most massage therapists utilize nephrite instead. Nephrite is easier to find and while it s most often used for hot stone therapy, it s equally useful in cold stone therapy as well. This makes it a very versatile stone as it can be used for different kinds of treatments.

A final variety of stone that s best used for hot stone massage therapy is quartzite. While it doesn t look like sandstone, it s origins are as sandstone. As sandstone changes over time, thanks to environmental forces like chemicals, pressure, or heat, it becomes a smooth rock known as quartzite. This stone is highly dense, which means it s ideal for retaining heat, as is required in hot stone therapy. This density also makes it versatile in the same way nephrite is, which means it also works well for cold stone massage therapy. The way in which the environment forms these stones makes it readily available both in quantity and different shapes and sizes. Therapists like working with quartzite since the variety in stone sizes means smaller stones can be placed on more specific pressure points for a better result.

Choosing the best stones for hot stone massage involves evaluating stones largely based on their density. Stones that are high in density are able to retain heat longer, which is essential for this type of therapy.

About the Author: I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading

hot stones

supplies provider. They carry products such as

basalt stones

, as well as many other accessories for hot and cold stone therapy.

Source:

isnare.com

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