Stones have been used by healers to serve as extensions of healing hands in massages, healing treatments and facials. A stone massage is an ancient form of massage used for therapeutic bodywork utilizing cold and hot stones. It is a collaborative way of healing process which involves a massage and placing warm stones on the energy centers of the body which are called chakras.

Before undergoing on any type of treatment, it is essential to be knowledgeable on all the facts and ask significant questions to ensure safety and erase all uneasiness on the procedure. Here are some of the most important questions you can ask prior to getting a hot stone massage therapy session:

1. How much does a hot stone therapy costs?

A hot stone massage therapy is not really inexpensive that is why other people could consider this as a luxury. The price will usually start at $10 to $40 dollars more than an ordinary massage. But, this massage is usually worth its price because of its many beneficial effects on the mind and body.

2. What are the different types of hot stone therapy?

There are many types of hot some therapies. The most popular ones offered on day spas is the La stone therapy. This type of therapy uses specific techniques and utilizes both hot and cold stones alternately. There are also other treatments that use only heated stones on the body to provide relaxation. Other treatments also offer the use of warm stones but they are not the focal point of the whole procedure.

3. How are the hot stones used?

The stones used in the massage therapy are the basalt stones which are volcanic rocks rich in iron. These volcanic stones are heated in a 120-150 degree of water. These are heated even before the client arrives for the session. Some stones are placed on specific points of the body or energy centers such as the back, in between the toes and on the palms of the hand.

4. How are these heated stones sanitized?

The process of sanitation can vary as greatly the same with massages. There are some spas or therapists that use the same water from client to client and do not wash the stones between each client. For this purpose, they use spa sanitizers which is added to the water and left in the water for several massage sessions. This is not a good practice because who would want to use hot stones which was already used by another person. It is important you find a credible spa and therapist who practice the hot stone massage therapy with safety and cleanliness by cleaning each stone for each individual client properly.

A stone massage therapy is a very pleasurable way of relieving all of the stress and also for alleviating pains. It will be, with out a doubt a good experience and very beneficial to your health physically, emotionally and spiritually.