What is the best stone for hot stone therapy? By definition, we must heat the stones before starting the massage. However, can we use any old stone? Can we dig up stones from our backyard, and then use them for hot stone massages? Technically, we could use just about any type of stone, for hot stone massages. However, to get the best results, therapists usually use basalt stones for their hot stone therapy. Here are some key features about basalt stones for massages:

1. Basalt stones are igneous rocks

Basalt stones originated as a thick-liquid substance called magma, from underneath the surface of the Earth. Either the stones remain in underground areas, or pressure pushes them upwards through a small opening in the volcano, to the surface. Basalt includes 90% of all rocks included in this latter category.

Igneous rocks have different characteristics, based on how fast they cooled after transforming from their magma state. Rocks that slowly cool have coarse grains, while those that cool quickly, have fine grains. Basalt contains very fine grains.

Finally, the rock’s amount of silica content indicates whether it is an acidic or basic. Basalt has a low amount of silica, making it basic.

2. Basalt can retain heat well

This is one of its characteristics that make it ideal for hot stone massages. Prior to performing the massage itself, the therapist heats the stones to a certain temperature, and then carefully places the heated stones on the patient’s body. The stones help in loosening up the patient’s muscles. That is the objective of the massage itself, right? Yes, but the massage stones give the muscle tissues a “head start,” making them suppler.

3. The basalt stones should be a certain texture

While basalt stones are ideal for hot stone massage, not every stone is ideal. For instance, the stone should be smooth. Manufacturers of hot stone massage kits use a special process to smooth down the stones. A smoother stone is not only more comfortable, but this process maximizes the surface area of the skin, which the stone covers.

4. The basalt stones should be of a certain shape

The stone’s shape is also significant, to ensure that the massage is successful. Massage stone kits contain stones that are somewhat flattened. This also helps the stone to cover a greater surface area of the patient’s skin, improving the effectiveness of the massage. Also, a round stone would cause therapists to spend the entire session chasing stones that rolled off patients’ bodies!

5. The basalt stones vary in color

Basalt stones exist in a variety of colors, including:

• light black

• dark black

• light grey

• dark grey

Massage stone kits typically include stones of the same color, to create uniformity.

The basalt stone is one of the key elements of hot stone massages. This is a special stone with characteristics that make it ideal for such massages. After choosing a quality massage stone kit, you can be assured that the special basalt stones will rock, but not roll!

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