While stone massage can be done using both hot or cold rocks, the types of rocks used for hot stone massage vary greatly from those used for cold stone massage. Hot stone massage is a variation on massage therapy that utilizes heated pebbles placed at strategic points along the clients' body. These pebbles are heated by first being soaked in clean utilized water and then heated electrically before being placed on the clients' body. Heated stone massage is used to help improve circulation and relieve the body of aches and pains.
Basalt is one of the best rocks for use in hot stone massage therapy. Basalt is actually a volcanic rock that's formed while under pressure and heat. Its high density makes it ideal for hot stone therapy, as it's a dark and heavy rock. Basalt stores heat well because of these properties. When a therapist uses gentle pressure to place these rock on the body, clients experience an intense relaxing sensation. The smoothness of these rocks is credited to the way in which they are formed. The fast cooling of these rocks following eruption from a volcano, combined with years of "natural rock tumbling" in large bodies of water, make the surface of these rocks extremely smooth. These rocks are readily available for a reasonable price, which is why they are so popular with massage therapists.
Jadestone is another popular choice for use in hot rock massage therapy. The types of jade used for this type of therapy are actually available in two varieties; nephrite and jadeite. Jadeite is actually considered a precious rock, which makes it a far more expensive option for therapists. This also makes it more difficult to find, which means most massage therapists utilize nephrite instead. Nephrite is easier to find and while it's most often used for hot stone therapy, it's equally useful in cold stone therapy as well. This makes it a very versatile stone as it can be used for different kinds of treatments.
A final variety of rock that's best used for hot rock massage therapy is quartzite. While it doesn't look like sandstone, it's origins are as sandstone. As sandstone changes over time, thanks to environmental forces like chemicals, pressure, or heat, it becomes a smooth rock known as quartzite. This rock is highly dense, which means it's ideal for retaining heat, as is required in hot stone therapy. This density also makes it versatile in the same way nephrite is, which means it also works well for cold rock massage therapy. The way in which the environment forms these rocks makes it readily available both in quantity and different shapes and sizes. Therapists like working with quartzite since the variety in stone sizes means smaller rocks can be placed on more specific pressure points for a better result.
Choosing the best rock for hot stone massage involves evaluating roxks largely based on their density. Rocks that are high in density are able to retain heat longer, which is essential for this type of therapy.
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