STONE MASSAGE ROUTINE
Prior to treatment:
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Fill heating unit with water so that the stones are fully submerged.
Optional: you can add a thin cloth to the bottom of the unit to
reduce noise level, see the stones, and protect the bottom of the unit.
Do not attempt to lift stones out of unit with bare hands or apply stones to
a client above recommended temperature.
Read instruction manual thoroughly before applying stones to a client.
If temperature of stones is above recommended temperature (132°F /
57.5°C), put on insulated gloves and use spoon to lift stones out of
heating unit. Allow stones to cool before applying to the client.
Always use the thermometer to gauge temperature of stones.
Avoid any bony surfaces as to avoid unnecessary bruising.
Wipe excess water from the stones and therapist’s hands before
applying to a client.
Always check with your client the temperature of the stones.
During the Stone Massage treatment, adjust temperature as
needed.
All contra indications for massage apply to Stone Massage.
All draping procedures for massage apply to Stone Massage.
All usual contra indications apply adding osteoporosis and diabetes.
Please note: due to the chemical composition of the stones never heat
them in a microwave.
Never apply the stones directly onto the client’s skin. Gauge the
temperature by applying lubricant and rotate the stones in your hands.
Now you can begin.
To use: place stones in unit and fill up with water and put the lid on, turn
setting on high – after desired temperature is reached (132°F / 57.5°C) turn
setting to low and remove lid.
How to clean stones between sessions: take your container with the used
stones to the sink area and sanitise them with anti-bacterial soap or alcohol.
Now place them back into heating unit and reset at recommended
temperature. You can also sprinkle sea-salt into the water to clear the
energy.
How to clean stones at the end of the day: turn heating unit off. Remove
stones from heating unit and place in warm water and anti-bacterial soap or
sea-salt. Wash each stone individually and place on a towel to dry. Emptying
heating unit bin with spray with alcohol then wipe dry. Return bin back into
heating unit. Place stones back into bin. Do not turn heating unit back on
until you are ready to use the stones for a treatment.
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Contra-indications for hot stone massage
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Clients on medication may have side effects due to the heat.
Clients with heart disease care as their temperature will rise with
the circulatory movement.
Pregnant clients may be offered a different treatment after the first
trimester.
Clients with varicose veins should not have heat applied on the
varicose veins, but other areas may be treated.
Skin wounds such as burns, sunburn or open sores, may be
aggravated by the heat.
Anyone who has had nerve damage may have loss of feeling in an
area.
Clients who suffer from diabetes.
Any condition where massage is contraindicated, hot stone will also
apply.
REMEMBER TO HEAT THE STONES UP FOR 1½ HOURS PRIOR TO
TREATMENT
Please note that this is a full general massage routine– you may use this
as a guide and, as your confidence in using the stones grows, you will
no doubt find yourself adapting with your own existing favourite moves
or even create new ones! This is fine as, if you are already a trained
massage therapist, you will know what is safe. Just remember do NOT
go directly over bones with the stones.
REMEMBER TO TURN OVER THE STONES AS THE BODY TAKES THE
HEAT AND THEN RETURN TO THE HEATER AND REPLACE WITH NEW
ONES AS MANY TIMES AS REQUIRED AS EACH CLIENT MAY DIFFER.
 The client should begin by lying on their back. The body is then
brushed; firstly the front, then, after turning the client over, the back of
the body.
 Then place a towel on the client’s back, ideally a hand towel.
 Remove the sacrum stone and 2 large placement stones from the
roaster. Place them on the couch.
 Start with the sacrum stone. Ask the client to breathe in and then, as
they exhale, place the stone on the lower back (root chakra), then one
on the bra strap area heart chakra (thoracic region) and the last
between the shoulder blades throat chakra (rhomboids). Fold the towel
over the stones to keep them warm and cover the client with a large
towel. A rolled towel or bolster needs to be placed under each foot.
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Back of leg
 Toe stones can be placed first in addition to leg massage to prepare for
foot work
 Use 2 stones from the roaster: ensure that the stones are dry.
 Apply massage oil to the stones then to the leg with effleurage strokes,
using the hands only.
 Place the warm stones in your hands, then on the client’s thigh,
allowing your client to get accustomed to the heat.
 Disperse the heat with long firm strokes on the thigh.
 Then continue with effleurage movements, first with the ankle to the
groin with one stone. As the first stone reaches the groin, then start
with the second stone from the ankle to the back of the knee. As the
second stone reaches the knee, then repeat the first movement and
second movement five times more.
 Disperse the heat to the upper thigh as before, with long firm strokes.
 Then use the full effleurage movement on the upper thigh and buttock.
 With your hands side by side, start on the inner thigh. Use a firmer
pressure glide up the thigh from the knee to the groin, thus giving a
ripple effect. Repeat to the middle thigh from the back of the knee to
the buttock area, then side of the thigh from the knee to the hip.
 Using alternate hands, firm stroking movements across the thigh
towards the groin area.
 Apply kneading movements to the upper leg
 Pick up technique can be used to thigh using same sequence
 Raise the leg, taking the weight of the client’s foot with one hand and,
still holding the stone in the other hand, start on the inner calf. Apply a
firm stroking movement up to the popliteal from ankle, repeat the same
movement to the centre back of the calf and then out to the outer calf.
This is what is called a draining movement. Finish by placing the
client’s foot back on the couch.
 Place the stones back in the roaster and select two more.
 Knead the calf, flipping the stones with each movement
 Wring calf with stones
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 Follow stocking line with stones
 Finish with a full effleurage movement on the whole leg.
Foot
(Remove toe stones if previously placed)
 Select a small stone for the foot and take from the heat.
 Working at the side of the foot towards the ankle, use gentle circular
movements. Repeat on the other side of the foot.
 Repeat on other leg, finish by placing toe stones
Back
 Remove the stones from the client’s back and place back in the
roaster.
 Choose a further 2 stones for working on the back. Ensure they are
dry and place on the couch. Working from the top of the couch, apply
body massage oil to the stones, then to the client’s back - effleurage.
 Ensure that the heat is dispersed with long firm strokes to the
rhomboids.
 While still standing at the head of the couch, use effleurage on the
entire back.
 Working on each side of the spine, gently glide down the errectors and
out along the hips before returning along the lats.
 Move to the side of the couch and effleurage around the scapula and
shoulder area.
 Pick up or wring over the back
 Use small circular movements around the scapula, up to the neck, then
returning down the shoulder, back to the scapula.
 Change the stones, still standing at the side of the couch, disperse the
heat to the rhomboids.
 Circular knead down each side of spine
 Effleurage the middle and lower back.
 Use a fanning movement down the rib area.
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 Small circular movements over the buttocks and lower back, repeat the
circular movements to the rhomboids.
 Finish with a full effleurage to the back area.
Turn the client over onto their back
Remove from the roaster, the sacrum stone, 2 large placement stones, 2
hand stones and 1 neck stone. Placing a hand towel on the client’s stomach,
start with the sacrum, and place the stone on the stomach, followed by 2
placement stones up to the chest. Cover the stones over and place a larger
towel over the client. Place one stone in each hand and the neck stone
behind the neck, then place the third eye. Ensure that a rolled towel is under
each of the client’s knees.
Front leg
 Choose 2 large effleurage stones and dry.
 Effleurage the front of the leg with body massage oil.
 Disperse the heat on the upper thigh with long firm strokes.
 Effleurage the full leg and then the top thigh.
 Use very small circular movements to the inner upper thigh, middle and
outer thigh.
 Use the effleurage movement to the lower calf.
 Small circular movements to either side of the calf.
 Followed by a firm stroke on either side of the calf.
 Finish with a full leg effleurage.
 Place toes stones if required
 Repeat on other leg
Abdomen
 Remove stones from the abdomen
 Effleurage abdomen with body massage oil.
 You will need 2 medium stones, not too hot.
 Gently push and glide along the colon following the digestive tract.
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 Finish by effleurage around the abdomen area.
 Place stones back on the abdomen.
Arms
 Remove the hand stones
 Choose 2 medium stones and apply body massage oil to the arms
 Disperse the heat with long firm strokes to the upper arm
 Effleurage the upper arm
 Working the inner, upper arm, use a firm stroking movement into the
lymph gland under the arm
 Finish with effleurage to the upper arm
 At this point you can do a hand massage, if you wish
 Place the hand stone in the client’s hands
 Repeat the procedure on the other arm
Upper chest and neck
(place 3rd eye stone if wanted)
 Remove the neck stone
 Apply body massage oil to the chest and select 2 medium effleurage
stones
 Begin with effleurage, using warmed hands
 With the stones in your hands, create large circles along the chest
 Glide behind the shoulders, kneading the deltoid and continuing up the
back of the neck
 Finish by placing hands on the shoulders and applying pressure for
approximately 3 seconds
Face
 Remove the third eye stone
 Apply facial massage oil to the face and neck
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 Begin with your hands, pulling up the back of the neck to stretch
 Continue with light stroking movements up the neck and on the face
 With 2 face stones, perform small circles along the chin
 Stroke lightly up and across the forehead
 Use small circular movements, across the forehead, starting in the
middle and working out
 Place the stones down and circle your fingers around the eyes, against
the eyebrow, then follow the eyebrow
 Drain the face from the chin to forehead
 Finish with a gentle effleurage of the whole face with stones in your
hands
SUMMARY OF TREATMENT
Check temperature should be 132°F / 57.5°C preferably. Usually have the lid
on just to get up to temperature, then take off. Turn up heat until the
temperature is reached, then turn right down and keep checking the
temperature.
1 Prior to treatment, fill the heater with water and lay stones in order
ninety minutes prior to treatment – flannel in base
2 Set up couch and trolley – see checklist
3 Client consultation – check no contra-indications
4 Ground and protect the therapist and client
5 Client on back first – body brush
6 Turn over onto front and body brush
7 Relaxation or chakra visualisation – optional
8 Chakra crystal balance – optional
9 Place hand towel on back and lay on 3 placement stones – base spine,
between base shoulders, bra strap, between top of shoulders – cover
with towel
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10 1st leg oil up then stones repeat on second leg – remember to turn
stones over in your hands and also change as they become cold for
fresh ones!
11 Massage the feet – toe stones
12 Massage back
13 Remove toe stones and placement stones – put in heater
14 Turn the client over
15 Place fresh stones – neck stone – under towel at base of neck. 2
round hand stones in flannel or under towel. Place hand towel on
client’s front and then 3 placement stones – root (pubic bone), solar
plexus (just above navel), heart chakra (just between breasts in middle
of the chest). Envelop the stones in towel
16 Massage 1st leg then 2nd leg
17 Massage front of each foot and use toe stones
18 Remove 2 lower placement stones – massage abdomen (check with
client prior to treatment at first consultation). Replace new heated
stones if required
19 Massage each of the arms (hands optional)
20 Remove neck stone then massage the face, neck, shoulders and
decolletage
21 Remove placement stones and close chakras and ground again.
Finish treatment or optional chakra visualisation or crystal chakra
placement. Then close and ground
22 Offer water to the client and go through after care, once dressed
After care, as per massage (ie. rest, no toxins such as alcohol). Drink plenty
of water and no more heat treatments, sauna, sun bed or steam for 24 hrs.
Tidy up!
Ideally you should carefully empty the heater of the stones and put them into
a bowl to scrub with anti-bacterial soap. Then dry them and store in bags in a
cold heater. You can use sea salt to cleanse, but make sure you wash and
rinse well.
Empty the water carefully. Remember that the heater is very hot, so either
use hot gloves or wait until it’s sufficiently cool.
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HOT STONE TROUBLE SHOOTING
What to do if the stones are too hot:
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Check the temperature of the roaster
Make sure you have enough water in the roaster and all the stones
are covered.
Cool the stones by placing them in a bowl of cold water for a few
seconds.
What to do if the client says that the stones you have in your hand are
too hot:
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Make sure you are addressing the client’s muscle with the correct
pressure. The skin will be burnt with a hot stone if you do only light
effleurage. Bu using a firm pressure and going into the muscle the
client will tolerate the heat.
Always ensure you disperse the heat correctly when taking from the
roaster.
Never put a hot stone directly on the skin from taking it out of the
roaster.
Do not place hot stones over the eyes.
Both hot and cold stones may be used within a treatment to create new
circulation patterns relieving congestion of many internal organs. The red
marks that may be present after receiving a stone therapy treatment are
caused by a rapid increase of blood flow to an area. The heat aids the blood
into the tissue to relax and soften tight, congested structure. These areas
should return to a normal skin tone within the time of the treatment or shortly
thereafter. If an area remains red, this is an indication that this area is very
congested and needs some extra work. This could be congestion in the
muscle, the underlying organ, or energetic or meridian blockages. In fact this
is usable information for the therapist and client. Extreme temperatures in
and around these areas will assist in loosening the congested tissue.
Educate your clients before they leave in regards to these procedures.
Skin brushing and its benefits
There are various ways of skin brushing. The main two are dry skin
brushing and skin brushing combined with hot stone massage.
Dry skin brushing aims to assist in flushing out toxins and metabolic waste
that is not released through our bodies. Lifestyle today, which includes a
general lack of exercise, means people can perspire less, and toxins are not
released. Dry skin brushing opens up the pores, allowing the body to breathe
and allows our organs to function properly. Skin brushing will increase the
circulation which will assist in waste and toxins being drawn from the body.
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Dry skin brushing before the hot stone massage will allow dead skin cells to
surface, and will increase the blood circulation. When oils are applied they
will penetrate the skin much more effectively and quicker. Skin brushing not
only tightens the skin, but tones as well. After the therapy continue to daily
brush, ideally prior to a bath or shower routine.
This treatment is designed to improve the texture of the skin via gentle
exfoliation and also to stimulate the circulation. Once performed it allows
further treatments to glide smoothly over the treated area and ensure an even
contact with the skin. It works particularly well on dry, flaky, rough skins but
ANY skin type will benefit from the treatment. The skin should have a healthy
pink glow after the treatment and various manufacturers’ products can be
used alongside a body brush, if so desired. The entire surface of the body is
usually treated but it may also be used on legs and arms only. Specific
routines may vary slightly from one to another, but the basic technique is the
same for all.
Effects
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Regenerates and tones the skin
Stimulates skin metabolism and sloughing leading to improved skin
tone.
Stimulates circulation with reflex effects on internal organs.
Lymphatic drainage is increased, therefore waste removal is
accelerated from the tissues.
Desquamation, which improves the texture of the skin.
Skin brushing should start at the ankles and work up the leg and body.
Brushing should be done in a circular motion towards the heart. Body
brushing will take approximately 5 – 10 minutes, but be careful not to damage
the skin.
Contra Indications
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Acne
Inflammatory skin ailments
Skin injuries, open wounds
Hyperactivity
Varicose veins (prominent)
Bruises
Very thin skin on older clients
Thrombosis, embolism or phlebitis
Skin tags and warts
Pigmented, raised moles
Very thin, bony clients
Recent scar tissue
Extensive areas of dilated capillaries
Any skin diseases or disorders
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Precautions
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Check for contra indications
Ensure the brush is securely held and strapped in your hand
The pressure must be light and even
The brush stroke must end at the nearest set of nodes
Follow each brush stroke with a hand stroke to maintain personal
contact and comfort levels. Brush using one hand and stroke using the
other
6. Cover each area with 3 strokes on each part in the same order
Body brushing procedure
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Cover the couch with disposable paper or plastic
Remove all jewellery
Place the client in well-supported position laid on their front
Check for contra-indications visually
Explain the treatment to the client
Cover any area not being worked on with towels
Ask the client to inform you straight away if they feel uncomfortable
at any time during the treatment
Some manufacturers recommend the application of talcum powder in the area
before the treatment takes place. But many therapists feel that this is
unnecessary.
Body brushing routine - prone position
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Lay the client down in the prone position with arms above the head
forming a ‘Y’ shape
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Stand at the end of the couch facing the right foot
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Brush up the sole of the foot from the toes to the heel following
each brush stroke with a hand stroke
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Brush from ankle to knee in three strips, medial, middle and lateral.
Follow with hand strokes
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Brush from knee over buttocks into inguinal nodes, then do hand
strokes
Brush from sacrum up the side of the spine and over the shoulder,
then do hand strokes
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Brush one brush width away from the spine into the axilla, then do
hand strokes
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Brush one brush width away from the last stroke into the axilla.
Continue until all back is covered
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Brush back of hand to elbow, then do hand strokes
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Brush from elbow into axilla, follow with hand strokes
Repeat all movements on the left hand side
Body brushing routine – supine position
1. Place the client face up in the supine position
2. Brush down foot to ankle on right hand side, then do hand strokes
3. Brush from ankle to patella, then do hand strokes
4. Brush medial and lateral aspects of the knee, then do hand strokes
5. Brush from knee to inguinal nodes – use very light strokes on inner
thigh, follow with hand strokes
6. Brush abdomen up ascending colon on right hand side, across
transverse colon under ribs and down descending colon on left, hand
strokes
7. Brush very lightly from sternum to axilla, and then do hand strokes
(avoid breast area)
8. Brush hand up to elbow, then follow with hand strokes
9. Brush from elbow to axilla, and then follow with hand strokes
Repeat all movements on the left hand side
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