There are just two reactions from people who have never tried a hot stone therapy. One is to welcome this new variation of traditional massage with open arms. Another is to scratch your head, find it kind of bizarre and wonder what the stones have got to do with the therapy.

Whether you’re the first person or the second, you cannot take that little feeling of uneasiness and apprehension about getting a new kind of massage. Knowing what to expect can indeed make a big difference.

Here are some of the things you can expect from your first hot stone therapy:

1. The therapist will be using basalt stones that are rich in Iron and can retain heat well. These stones, which come in a variety of shapes and sizes, are river rocks that have been smoothed over time by the current of the river.
2. Before you get to your appointment, the therapist will be preparing to get ready, heating up the stones in 120-150 degree water. The heating process is done by immersing the stones in water and then heating with electric heating equipment until they reach the right temperature.
3. The heat in the stones helps in the release of muscular tension and relieves stress. The stones warm and relax the tension in the muscles, helping circulation and soothing the nervous system.
4. Once you get into the massage room, the therapist will give you some time alone to undress, get onto the table face down, and relax.
5. You won’t have to be nervous about being completely naked since you will be covered, usually with a sheet or blanket.  Only the area of the body that will be massaged, at the time, will be undraped and worked on.
6. The therapist will apply oil on your body to allow the hot stone to slide smoothly on your skin and will then place the massage stones on key energy points such as the back, palms and between the toes to improve energy flow.
7. Don’t be scared about getting scalded by the heat because the therapist will always hold the stones first to make sure that they are not too hot for your skin to handle. If you feel that the stones are too hot, be sure to let the therapist know as soon as possible.
8. Traditional Swedish massage strokes will be used while holding the stone or while leaving the stones on your body. Cooled stones will be replaced with new heated ones.
9. You will be asked to turn over onto your back and the therapist will repeat the process.
10. A reputable massage therapist will not include women’s breasts or the lap area of either sex.
11. If there’s anything that you feel uncomfortable with like the temperature of the room, type of music or lighting, don’t hold back and discuss it with the therapist.
12. The therapy will last for 60 to 90 minutes long and may cost somewhere between $50 to $190.
13. After the session, the therapist will leave the room and allow you to have some time by yourself to rest and relax. Don’t rush to get off the table after the session, but don’t spend the entire afternoon on it either.
14. Give your therapist a 10%-15% tip.

Getting a hot stone therapy is truly a pleasurable activity to indulge in. Knowing what to expect will erase any doubts and uneasiness you might feel for your first session.

Mary Singleton regularly writes for TIR Massage

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