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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.

Basalt is the most common type of igneous rock used in hot stone massage and is extrusive, which means that it forms when molten lava cools following a volcanic eruption. Basalt stone holds heat really well due to the fact that is has a high specific gravity as well as it is composed largely of silica with trace amounts of iron and magnesium. There are companies that sell stones for massage that are other than basalt. If you are looking to buy yourself a high quality stone set or massage stone at wholesale prices, it is best to buy from companies that sell only certified massage stone. This way you can ensure that you provide your clients with a relaxing massage as well as your customers with quality massage stone sets.

Using a well-rounded set of quality basalt stones is very important to providing a good massage experience. Equally important is the technique and procedures that you use in performing the massage. Please read the seven tips included in this article that will help illustrate to you how to provide a relaxing and effective hot stone massage.

With the exception of cold stones, always place a towel between a stationary stone and the client. When performing cold stone therapy, the cold stones should not be left in place for more than 10-15 minutes. The cold when using cold stones will help mask any damage could potentially occur, so check with your client to make sure you stay within their comfort level.

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.

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.

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.

Don't soak your client with water; keep a towel handy to wipe excess moisture off the stones.

Use a liberal amount of oil and apply to the stone as well as the client's skin before starting a Hot Stone Massage.

You can keep your bottle of oil in the heater to warm it and add to the soothing experience for 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.