Hot stone massage is an alternative therapy used primarily for relaxation and to ease tension in the muscles. It is also an excellent remedy for damaged soft tissues throughout your body. In this article we look to provide you with the information needed to choose the best hot stone massage kit.
During a hot stone massage, smooth, flat stones are heated and placed on specific areas of your body. Therefore choosing a high quality stone is essential. Most often these are volcanic rocks. Basalt is often used due to it’s excellent heat retention properties.
The temperature of the stones is important for this therapy. It is recommended that the rocks are heated to between 130 and 145 degrees.
The stones are then situated to the prone body and placed:
- Along the spine
- On the stomach
- On the chest
- On the face
- On the palms
- On the feet and tops of the toes
A therapist may also hold one or more of the heated stones as you receive the massage. This provides a combination therapy using the heat of the stones alongside traditional massage techniques.
Some techniques include:
- Long strokes
- Circular rotational movements
- Vibration pressures
- Tapping and Sounding
- Kneading and energy pressing
Even though the therapy is Hot Stone Massage the therapist will often also place cold stones. Cold stones are usually applied after the hot stones as they soothe and calm blood vessels and any red skin patches.
How To Choose The Best Hot Stone Massage Kit.
The best kit for your needs really depends on what you are looking for from the massage.
- Are you a therapist who needs a good all round kit to use with clients?
- Are you a novice wishing to learn massage techniques?
- Are you an athlete who wants to relieve muscle tension and pain?
- Do you suffer insomnia and want to aide gaining a restful natural sleep?
- Do you suffer from an auto-immune condition and seek pain relief?
Your personal situation will help determine the best hot stone massage kit for your needs.
Therapeutic Benefits Of Hot Stone Massage:
Helps to relieve muscle tension and pain.
Heat is a well known treatment for muscle tension and pain. The heat increases blood flow to the area affected. Application of heat also reduces muscle spasms and increases your flexibility and range of motion.
By using in combination with cold stones you reap the therapeutic rewards, as cold stone therapy helps relieve inflammation.
Stress and Anxiety Reduction.
A 2001 study1Cady, S. H., & Jones, G. E. (1997). Massage therapy as a workplace intervention for reduction of stress. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 84, 157-158. showed that a ten-minute massage improved cardiovascular responses and increased levels and states of relaxation. Likewise a 1997 study2Cady, S. H., & Jones, G. E. (1997). Massage therapy as a workplace intervention for reduction of stress. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 84, 157-158. found that 15-minute, onsite chair massages in the workplace significantly reduced stress compared to a 15-minute break without massage.
A 2015 study found that patients receiving abdominal colorectal surgery had less pain, tension, and anxiety after receiving post-operative massage.
Promotion Of Natural Healthy Sleep.
A 2006 study found that massage may be a natural and effective alternative to sleeping pills for adults suffering from insomnia.
It also showed that back massage helped promote natural relaxation and allowed insomnia sufferers to gain more sleep.
A 2001 research study showed that when parents gave a 15-minute massage to infants with sleep problems they actually went to sleep much faster. They babies were also more alert and positive upon waking.
Relieve symptoms of autoimmune illnesses.
Hot stone massage may be useful for relieving painful conditions such as fibromyalgia.
According to a 2002 study3Fibromyalgia Pain and Substance P Decrease and Sleep Improves After Massage Therapy, Fibromyalgia sufferers who received a 30 minute massage slept for longer, they had fewer trigger points, and their levels of substance P had decreased remarkably.
People with rheumatoid arthritis also benefit from moderate pressure hot stone massage.
They experienced less pain, gained a greater grip strength and developed a greater range of motion after just one month of hot stone massage therapy.
So Now To it…
The Best Hot Stone Massage Kit Reviews!
Number 1 – SereneLife PyleUsa Hot Stones Massage Kit with Warmer.
Professional And Home Spa Hot Stone Massage Therapy Kit
This hot stone massage system includes 6 large and 6 small natural black basalt rocks with energy efficient warming for rapid heating of stones helping them sustain the heat for 25-35 minutes.
The large stone size is 2.8 x 0.7 inches and the small stone size is 1.8 x 0.7 inches with a total weight of 7.72 lbs. The hot stone massage heater has a digital controller with an adjustable temperature setting of 70-160° Fahrenheit (20-70 °C).
Simply plug it in and you’ll have hot stones that are ready to use at a suitable temperature. The portable hot stones massage kit comes with a lightweight and easy to carry electric stone warmer and travel bag that heats up the rocks in 15 mins. The basalt hot stone massage kit helps reduce inflammation from sprains and strains, melts stress away, soothes muscular tension, tightness and stiffness. It is also great for pro sports, therapists, home care, and professional spa therapy.
Summary
Simple Electric Plug-in Design,
Quick Setup: All-in-One Portable Kit,
Smooth and Sculpted Round Basalt Stones,
Stone Design chosen for comfort and maximum heat retention,
Storage Case Doubles as the Stone Heating Oven,
Portable Style Travel Case,
Lightweight and Easy to Carry,
Energy Efficient Warming for Quick Heating,
Wired Temperature Controller Unit,
Configurable Time and Temperature Settings,
Bamboo Heating Warmer,
6 Large Massage Stones,
6 Small Massage Stones,
Heating Time: 20-30mins,
Maximum Stone Heat Retention: 25-35 mins.
+ High Quality
+ Easy To Use
+ Genuine Basalt Stones
+ Good Texture, Size, and Shape
+ Easy to transport
+ Fast Heat System
+ Excellent Heat Retention
– 12 stones may not be enough for professional settings.
Number 2 – Master Massage Deluxe 70 Piece Basalt Hot Stone Rock Set With Bamboo Box.
Best Hot Stone Massage Kit For Professionals
The 70 Piece Ultra Therapy Set is truly a premium stone set at an incredible value, allowing you to take stone massage to the next level. It has everything the hot stone therapist needs to perform full body treatments. You receive exceptional high quality products at an incredible price. This kit will allow you to take your hot stone massage services to the next level.
Featuring genuine natural black basalt and white marble rocks – for the heat and cool treatments. All of the stones have been shaped and polished in a traditional manner, true therapeutically handcrafted.
This hand production means you get consistent quality in each and every stone. You will be able to offer deep therapeutic stone massage. No wax, No dyestuff, No chemicals were applied during the production. The natural bamboo box is handmade to provide an efficient storage vessel for your stones. A remarkable kit! And for that reason I bought and choose to use this hot stone massage kit in my practice.
Summary
The Master Massage 70 Piece Ultra Therapy Set contains:
100% Natural Black Basalt Stones, No Wax, No Dyestuff, No Chemicals, No Radiation and packed in a Natural Bamboo Box.
1 X large ovular basalt (1 for neck contour or neck) 4.5″ x 3″ x 1.1″;
16 Large flat ovular basalt size (2 for stomach, 6 for backside and scapular, 8 for thigh) : 3″ x 2.3″ x 1″.
18 medium flat ovular basalt size (2 for neck, 8 for arm, 2 for palm, 4 for calf, 2 for feet ) : 2.6″ x 1.9″ x 0.7″;
6 Small flat ovular basalt (2 for forehead, 2 for head crown, 2 for hindbrain) : 1.5″ x 1.2″x 0.7″
8 Toes (for feet);
6 Small circular facial basalt: 0.9 inches x 0.3 inches;
4 Small ovular white marble (for cold therapy): 1.7 inches x 1.2 inches x 0.3 inches.
4 Miniature pressure point basalt/Deep tissue: 3 inches x 1.2 inches x 0.7 inches;
7 Chakra Stones
+ 70 Hand Crafted Stones,
+ Specifically sized and shaped for specific body positions,
+ Specifically shaped for therapeutic practices and purposes,
+ 172 hours Water Polished Stones For Perfect Texture,
+ Good storage box and portable
– Does not come with Heater
Number 3 – Amethyst Lake Hot Stones Massage Set With Warmer Pot.
Portable And Perfect For Salon and Home Use
The 36 Piece Amethyst Lake Hot Stone Massage Set is and excellent stone set at a good price, allowing for home and professional use.
Take your massage to the next level with everything the hot stone therapist needs to perform full body treatments.
Summary
Comes with a full sized water heater that provides excellent heating and storage.
36 Basalt Hot Stones
8 Large Oval (3 x 2 x 0.6in)
12 Medium Oval (2.6 x 1.8 x 0.7in)
16 Small Oval (1.5 x 1.2 x 0.7in).
1 Black Velvet Drawstring Bag for storing stones(15 x 10in)
This kit is perfect for use in the home or professional spa setting.
The stones are large enough to retain the heat for a long and relaxing massage. Heat can applied and reached between 15 to 40 minutes depending on intensity required.
The stones have the correct smoothness to provide a relaxing massage.
The stylish chrome heater is a great addition to the spa and beauty setting.
References
- 1Cady, S. H., & Jones, G. E. (1997). Massage therapy as a workplace intervention for reduction of stress. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 84, 157-158.
- 2Cady, S. H., & Jones, G. E. (1997). Massage therapy as a workplace intervention for reduction of stress. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 84, 157-158.
- 3Fibromyalgia Pain and Substance P Decrease and Sleep Improves After Massage Therapy
